Scribd
Upload
75 views

Cooperative Identity Statement

Co-operatives are autonomous associations that are voluntarily formed to meet the economic, social, and cultural needs of their members. They are based on values of self-help, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. The seven co-operative principles that guide co-ops are voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; member economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among co-operatives; and concern for community.

Uploaded by

Akash Gupta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
75 views

Cooperative Identity Statement

Co-operatives are autonomous associations that are voluntarily formed to meet the economic, social, and cultural needs of their members. They are based on values of self-help, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. The seven co-operative principles that guide co-ops are voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; member economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among co-operatives; and concern for community.

Uploaded by

Akash Gupta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Definition

A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common


economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democraticallycontrolled enterprise.
Values

Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality,


equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the
ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Principles

The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership

Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and
willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or
religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control

Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate
in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives
are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights
(one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic
manner.
3. Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At
least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually
receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.
Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting
members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities
approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence

Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter
into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external
sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their
co-operative autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information

Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives,
managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Co-operation among Co-operatives

Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement
by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community

Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies
approved by their members.

You might also like