Statement of Cooperative Identity
Extract from the Statement on the Cooperative Identity, adopted by the General
Assembly of the International Co-operative Alliance in 1995
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The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values
into practice. Voluntary and open membership
Cooperatives 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. Democratic member control
Cooperatives 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 the membership. In
primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and
cooperatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner. Member economic participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of
their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property
of the cooperative.
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 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. Autonomy and independence
Cooperatives 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
cooperative autonomy. 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. 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
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through
policies approved by their members.
Further Information
For further information contact: International Cooperative Alliance
www.coop.org
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