International Cooperative AllianceThe 100th congress of the International Cooperative Alliance met in Manchester, England from September 17-24, 1995. The most important result of the congress was a new statement of "Cooperative Identity", which includes a definition and statement of cooperative values, as well as a revised set of cooperative principles. Previous sets of principles were formulated in 1937 and 1966. ALl have been attempts to explain how cooperative principles should be interpreteed in the contemporary world.

Definition

A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Values

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

Principles

The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice:c

• 1st principle: Voluntary and open membership

Cooperative are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of memberhship, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

• 2nd principle: Democratic member control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Those serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, on vote), and cooperatives on other levels are alos organized in a democratic manner.

• 3rd principle: Member economic participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically contorl, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surplused for any of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefitting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

• 4th principle: Autonomy and independence

Cooperativs 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 member and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

• 5th principle: Education, training and information

Cooperative provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, 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, national, and international structures.

• 7th principle: Concern for community

Cooperative work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.