Co-operative Principles

1. 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 gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

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

3. Member Economic Participation — Members contribute equitably to, and democratically
control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common
property of the cooperative. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital
subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the
following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which
at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. 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 maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5. Education, Training and Information — Cooperatives 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.

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

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

 

 

 

 

823 E Washington Street • Brainerd, MN • (218) 828-4600