The Seven Co-op Principles

Cooperative businesses adhere to seven guiding principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are 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.

Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In electric cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one vote per member).

Members' 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 co-op. Members allocate surpluses for such purposes as developing the cooperative and setting up capital reserves.

Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, selfhelp organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations or raise capital frorn external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain the co-op's autonomy.

Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-ops. They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of co-ops.

Cooperation Among Co-ops
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

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