Co-operatives are international and take many different forms - secondary co-operatives, housing co-operatives, retail co-operatives etc. Although they may organise in different ways, they all hold in common the same principles, values and ethics which provide guidance as to how they should function.
Co-operatives are organised with reference to the following values:
These values reflect the ethic values of:
The following principles were adopted by the 1995 Centenary Congress of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). They reflect how the co-operative values are put 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
their members. 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 control democratically, the capital
of their co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation,
if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members
allocate surpluses for any of the following purposes: developing their
co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least
would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion with their transactions
with the co-operative; and supporting other activities as approved by
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, and employees so that 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-operators
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 the Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities
through policies approved by their members.
More information about the International Co-operative Alliance and co-operatives in general is available from the website www.coop.org