Co-operatives are voluntary and autonomous organizations owned and controlled by the member who join their efforts together to accomplish the shared socio-economic goals. Co-operatives ruled and controlled by its values and principles differently from other non co-operative organizations.
Co-operative values
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equityand solidarity.
In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Cooperative Principles
The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations which members are voluntary joining together, open to all persons in the society able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations owned and controlled by their members, who actively participate in making decisions and setting their policies. The people both men and women who elected to serve as representatives are accountable to the membership. Co-operative members have equal chance to vote in a democratic manner (one member, one vote)
3. Member Economic Participation
In co-operatives, members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. 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 cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, such as governments, or raise capital from external sources (external financial sources), they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy without any form of external intervention and control.
5. Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operative society. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation. In such a way that, the members will work hard more effectively and efficiently toward the attainment of their predetermined goals.
6. 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. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
CREDITS
Johnston Birchall (1997), International Co-operative Movement
