Cooperative Principle

7 Cooperative Principles

1. Volunteer

      VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP

     Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use its services and willing to accept the

    responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic

     DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

     Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members - those who buy the goods or use the services of

    the cooperative  - who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.

3. Economic

     MEMBERS ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

     Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members

    in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than  on the capital invested.

4. Independence

     AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE

     Cooperative are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. if the co-op enters into agreements

    with the other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic

    control by the members and maintains the cooperative's autonomy.

5. Education

     EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION

    Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can

   contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature

   and benefits of cooperatives.

6. 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.

7. Community

     CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY

   While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and

   programs accepted by the members.