10Co-operative principles

10 Co-operative principles

10 Co-operative principles

The co-operative principles are the following principles—

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 (1 member, 1 vote) and co-operatives at other levels are organised in a democratic way.

3 Member economic participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of the capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. They 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—

(a) developing the co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible;

(b) benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative;

(c) 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 co-operatives. 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.