Cooperative Identity
our principles and values
As defined in the Declaration on the Cooperative Identity, a cooperative is “an autonomous association of persons who have voluntarily united to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise”. ».
Cooperatives are companies that belong to their members, who direct and manage them. Regardless of whether its members are customers, employees or residents, they all have the same vote in relation to the activity of the cooperative company and the equal distribution of benefits.
As value-based businesses and not limited to profit, cooperatives share internationally agreed principles and act together to build a better world through cooperation.
The International Cooperative Alliance is an independent, non-governmental organization established in 1895 to unite, represent and work in the service of cooperatives around the world. The ICA offers a global voice and a forum for knowledge, experience and coordinated action for cooperatives.
In 1995, the ICA adopted the Statement on the Cooperative Identity, which includes the definition of a cooperative, the values of cooperatives and the seven cooperative principles described below.
You can also consult the Guidance Notes for Cooperative Principles which provide detailed guidance and advice on the practical application of the Principles for Cooperative Enterprise.
COOPERATIVE VALUES
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Like their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, responsiveness, social responsibility, and respect for others.
COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
Cooperative principles are the guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons who want to use their services and who wish to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. All persons who perform the function of selected representatives are accountable to the members. In primary cooperatives, all members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote). At other levels, cooperatives are also organized democratically.
Members contribute equitably to the capital of the cooperative and control it democratically. At least a part of the capital is usually owned in common by the cooperative. Where applicable, members typically receive limited compensation on subscribed capital as a requirement of membership. Members use profits for any of the following purposes: developing their cooperative (for example by setting up reserves, a part of which is indivisible), benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; or support other activities approved by the membership.
Cooperatives are autonomous self-help organizations managed by their members. If agreements are reached with outside organizations, including governments, or their capital is raised from outside sources, it should be done in a way that ensures democratic control of its members and maintains the autonomy of the cooperative.
Cooperatives offer education and training to their members, elected representatives, directors and employees, so that they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They also inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperatives serve their members more effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working with local, national, regional and international structures.
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
In 2016, the ICA Principles Committee published some Guidance Notes for Cooperative Principles which provide detailed guidance and advice on the practical application of the Principles for Cooperative Enterprise.
These Guidance Notes are intended to record our understanding of the application of the principles in contemporary terms, adapted to the XNUMXst century.
Related information
Conclusions survey on Cooperative Identity
The International Cooperative Alliance presented the main findings of its survey on cooperative identity at a special webinar held on December 14. The event was broadcast in English, Spanish, French and Japanese, with more than 200 people in attendance
Contributions to the Cooperative Identity
NCBA CLUSA and Cooperatives of the Americas took advantage of the XXIII Regional Conference of Cooperatives of the Americas in Comayagua, Honduras to present by its President and CEO, Doug O'Brien, the results of the