Co-ops around the world have agreed on some basic principles they use to define themselves.
Illustration by Jai / UHC Collective
Voluntary
Without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
Democratic
Controlled by its members.
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Participatory
Members control the capital of their co-op.
Autonomous
Agreements with other organizations ensure democratic control is retained.
Edited extract from Statement On Co-operative Identity, adopted by the General Assembly of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 1995. The full text is available on the ICA website: http://www.ica.coop
Educational
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So that members can contribute effectively and inform the general public.
Co-operative
With other co-ops locally, nationally and internationally.
Concerned
For the sustainable development of their communities.
