Co-operative Values and Principles Co-operative Values and Principles are embodied in the Statement of Co-operative Identity, published by the International Co-operative Alliance. What are Co-operative Values? In summary, these are values of: Self-help Self-responsibility Democracy Equality Equity Solidarity In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in a number of ethical values too including: Honesty Openness Social responsibility Caring for others Co-operative Values in more detail Co-operatives throughout the world share a set of values that give them their distinctive character. Take a look at a more in-depth description, including definitions, below. Self-help In co-operatives, people help each other whilst helping themselves by working together for mutual benefit. Self-responsibility Individuals within co-operatives act responsibly and play a full part in the organisation. Democracy A co-operative will be structured so that members have control over the organisation – one member, one vote. Equality Each member will have equal rights and benefits (according to their contribution). Equity Members will be treated justly and fairly. Solidarity Members will support each other and other co-operatives. Ethical Values In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of: Honesty Openness Social responsibility Caring for others What are the Co-operative Principles? The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice. in summary these are: 1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership 2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control 3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation 4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence 5th Principle: Education, Training and Information 6th Principle: Co-operation Among Co-operatives 7th Principle: Concern for Community Co-operative Principles in more detail Explore the Co-operative Principles in more detail by browsing the descriptions below. 1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. 2nd Principle: 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 the membership. 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. 3rd Principle: 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 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. 4th Principle: 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. 5th Principle: 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. 6th Principle: Co-operation Among Co-operatives Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the Co-operative Movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures. 7th Principle: Concern for Community Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members. Manage Cookie Preferences