The Cooperative Principles

Summarized from the International Cooperative Alliance Statement on the 
Cooperative Identity

1st Principle:  Voluntary and Open membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations open to all persons able to use their
services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without 
discrimination on the basis of gender or race or due to social or religious affiliations

2nd Principle:   Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who
actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.  Men and women
serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.  In a
primary Cooperative, such as ours, members have equal voting rights
(one member, one vote).

3rd Principle:  Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their
cooperative.  At least part of the capital is usually common property of the
cooperative's members.  They usually receive limited compensation, if any, 
on capital contributed as a condition of membership.

4th Principle:  Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives 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 the maintenance of their cooperative autonomy.

5th Principle:  Education, Training & Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected 
representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively
in the development of their cooperatives.  They inform the general public 
about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

6th Principle:  Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the 
cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, 
national and international cooperative structures.

7th Principle:  Concern for the Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for sustainable
development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.