7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
One: Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, 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.
Two: Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations 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 cooperatives, members have equal voting rights
- one member, one vote - and cooperatives at other levels
are organized in a democratic manner.
Three: Members' Economic Participation
Members contribute equally to, and democratically control,
the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that
capital is usually the common property of the cooperative.
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: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting
up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible;
benefiting members in proportion to their transactions
with the cooperative; and supporting other activities
approved by the membership.
Four: Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations
controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements
with other organizations, including governments, or raise
capital from external sources, they do so on terms that
ensure democratic control by their members and maintain
their cooperative autonomy.
Five: Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives 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 cooperation.
Six: Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and
strengthen the cooperative movement by working together
through local, national, regional, and international
structures.
Seven: Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the
sustainable development for their communities through
policies accepted by their members.
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