Principles
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice. The original version of these principles date back to 1844. Today we still hold these principles up in the highest regard as guidelines to follow in all of our daily business practices.
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1: Voluntary and Open Membership |
| Co-operatives
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. |
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2: Democratic Member Control |
| Co-operatives
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 co-operatives members have equal voting rights
(one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also
organized in a democratic manner. |
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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 co-operative, 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. |
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4: Autonomy and Independence |
| Co-operatives
are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If
they enter to 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 co-operative autonomy. |
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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. |
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6: Co-operation among Co-operatives |
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Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the
co-operative movement by working together through local, national,
regional and international structures. |
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7: Concern for Community |
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
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