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Co-operative Values and Principles
Co-operatives
subscribe to the following Values and Principles. Values
Co-operatives believe in: ·
Self-help – Co-operatives help people to help themselves ·
Self-responsibility – Co-operatives take responsibility
for, and answer for, their actions ·
Democracy – Co-operatives give their members a say in
the way they run their businesses ·
Equality – each member of a Co-operative has an equal
say in how things are done ·
Equity – Co-operatives carry out their business in a way
that is fair and unbiased ·
Solidarity – Co-operatives share interests and common
purposes with their members and other co-operatives. Principles
And they put their values into practise by adhering to
the following principles: ·
Voluntary and open membership – membership of a
Co-operative is open to everyone with an interest ·
Democratic member control – all members of a
Co-operative have an equal voice in making policies and electing
representatives ·
Member economic participation – all profits are
controlled democratically by members and for their benefit ·
Autonomy and independence – co-operatives are always
independent, even when they enter into agreements with the Government and
other organisations ·
Education, training and information – co-operatives
educate and develop their members as well as their staff ·
Co-operation amongst co-operatives – co-operatives work
together with other co operatives to strengthen the co-operative
movement as a whole ·
Concern for community – co-operatives also work to
improve and develop the community, both locally and internationally. |