Definition: A co-operative 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. adjective involving mutual assistance in working towards a common goal. “Every member has clearly defined tasks in a cooperative enterprise.”

noun a farm, business, or other organization which is owned and run jointly by its members, who share the profits or benefits.
“We run the agency as a workers’ cooperative."

Every member has clearly defined tasks in a cooperative enterprise

Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Co-operatives around the world generally operate according to the same core principles and values that were adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance in 1995.

Co-operatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern co-operative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844.

THE 7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

1. VOLUNTARY & OPEN MEMBERSHIP
Anyone can join a co-op—they don’t discriminate based on gender, social, racial, political or religious factors.
2. DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
Members control their business by deciding how it’s run and who leads it.
3. MEMBERS' ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
All co-op members invest in their cooperative. This means people, not shareholders, benefit from a co-op’s profits.
4. AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE
When making business deals or raising money, co-ops never compromise their autonomy or democratic member control.
5. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
Co-ops provide education, training and information so their members can contribute effectively to the success of their co-op.
6. COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
Co-ops believe working together is the best strategy to empower their members and build a stronger co-op economy.
7. CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
Co-ops are community-minded. They contribute to the sustainable development of their communities by sourcing and investing locally.

Cooperative Principles

What is a Co-operative?

Every member has clearly defined tasks in a cooperative enterprise

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