The Statement on the
Cooperative Identity states that a cooperative 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.”
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)
is the global steward of the Statement on the Cooperative Identity – the Values
and Principles of the cooperative movement.
In 1995, the ICA adopted the revised Statement
on the Cooperative Identity which contains the definition of a cooperative, the
values of cooperatives, and the seven cooperative principles as described
below. You can also consult the Guidance Notes on the Cooperative Principles
and Values which give detailed guidance and advice on the practical application
of the Principles to the cooperative enterprises.
Ø Definition
of a Cooperative
A cooperative 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.
Ø Cooperative
values
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility,
democracy, equality, equity,
and solidarity. In the tradition of
their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty,
openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Ø Cooperative
Principles
The cooperative principles are guidelines by
which cooperatives put their values into practice.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organisations, 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.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organisations
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 cooperatives members have equal
voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also
organised in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
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
organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other
organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources,
they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and
maintain their cooperative autonomy.
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-operatives. They inform
the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the
nature and benefits of co-operation.
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.