Cooperative Principles

Voluntary & Open Membership

Co-ops 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.

Democratic Member Control

Co-ops are 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-ops, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).

Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-op. They 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 the co-op, setting up reserves, benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-op, and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Autonomy & Independence

Co-ops are self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into 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-op autonomy.

Education, Training, & Information

Co-ops provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-ops.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Co-ops serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-op movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, co-ops work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.