The International Cooperative Alliance, representing
cooperatives around the world, approved the
following statement in 1996:
The Statement on the Cooperative Identity
Definition
A cooperative is an autonomous association of
persons united voluntarily to meet their common
economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations
through a jointly-owned and
democratically-controlled enterprise.
Values
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help,
self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity,
and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders,
cooperative members believe in the ethical values of
honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring
for others.
The cooperative principles are guidelines by which
cooperatives put their values into practice.
1. 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.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled
by their members, who actively participate in
setting their policies and making decisions.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically
control, the capital of their cooperative.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations
controlled by their members.
5. Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for
their members, elected representatives, managers,
and employees, and they inform the general public
about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
6. Cooperation among Co-operatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively
and strengthen the cooperative movement by working
together through local, national, regional, and
international structures.
7. Concern for Community
While focusing on members' needs, cooperatives
work
for the sustainable development of their communities
through policies accepted by their members.
