Cooperative Principles and Values

Co-operative Values

  • self-help,
  • self-responsibility,
  • democracy,
  • equality,
  • equity and
  • solidarity.

Cooperative members believe in the ethical values of

  • honesty,
  • openness,
  • social responsibility and caring for others.

Co-op Principles*

Guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice:

  • Voluntary and open membership
  • Democratic member control
  • Member economic participation
  • Autonomy and independence
  • Education, training and information
  • Cooperation among cooperatives
  • Concern for community

*The Co-op Principles as listed here are the most recent list as adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance in 1995.