Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative setting up reserves benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative and supporting other activities approved by the membership.Ĭooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner. Elected representatives (directors/trustees) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.Ĭooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. Categories Uncategorized Seven Cooperative PrinciplesĬooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance.

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