There are seven core principles that cooperatives around the world generally subscribe to. These principles were developed by the International Cooperative Alliance to create consistency and unity among the world’s many co-ops
- Voluntary membership – coops are voluntary organizations willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. Read more about members’ roles in the cooperative.
- Democratic member control– coops are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Read about cooperative governance.
- Member economic participation– members have democratic control over the capital of their cooperative. Learn more about patronage distribution and capital distribution.
- Autonomy and independence– cooperatives are autonomous organizations controlled by their members. If they enter other agreements or raise capital externally, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members. Learn more about classifying independent contractors in a cooperative.
- Education, training and information– coops provide education for their members, employees and elected representatives so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.
- Cooperation among cooperatives– cooperatives work together through local, national and international structures to strengthen the cooperative movement. Learn about supporting the cooperative movement.
- Concern for the community– cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies and initiatives developed by their members.
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