Statement of Co-operative Identity
The Statement on Co-operative Identity was adopted at the 1995 General Assembly of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), held in Manchester on the occasion of the Alliance's Centenary. The Statement was the product of a lengthy process of consultation involving thousands of co-operatives around the world.
The International Co-Operative Alliance Statement On
The Co-Operative Identity
Definition
A co-operative is an autonomous
association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social,
and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.
Values
Co-operatives are based on the values
of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.
In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical
values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
Principles
The co-operative principles are
guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.
1st Principle: Voluntary And Open Membership
Co-operatives 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.
2nd Principle: 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 the membership. In
primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote)
and co-operatives at other levels are organized 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. 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-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 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-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
While focusing on member needs, co-operatives work for the sustainable
development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
Adopted in Manchester (UK) 23 September 1995
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