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| Seven Cooperative
Principles |
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- Voluntary
and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able
to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities
of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious
discrimination.
- Democratic
Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their
members, who actively participate in setting policies and making
decisions. The co-op rule is one vote per member.
- Members'
Economic Participation
Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the
capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion
to the transactions with the cooperative rather than the capital
invested.
- Autonomy
and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled
by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other
organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done
so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members
and maintain the cooperative autonomy.
- Education,
Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected
representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute
effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also
inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
- Cooperation
Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen
the cooperative movement by working together through local, national,
regional and international structures.
- Concern
for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable
development of communities through policies accepted by their
members.
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