Our core Principles
Voluntary & Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organization, 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.
Autonomy & Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including Government, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on term that ensures democrats control by their members and maintain their Co-operatives autonomy.
Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic 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 membership. In primary Co-operatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and Co-operative’s at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.
Education, Training & Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for 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.
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control the capital of their Co-operatives. 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 or all of the following purposes: developing their Co-operatives, possibly setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion their transactions with the Co-operative and supporting other activities approved by membership.
Co-operation among cooperatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the Co-operative movement by working together though local, national, regional and international structures.
