Understanding

The Seven Co-operative Principles

Mbah Julius
Co-operative Development Specialist
Director, Autonomous Investment Co-operative
 What is a Co-op?
A co-operative is a business owned and
democratically controlled by the people who use its
services.
• Member – owner
• Member – control
• Member – benefits
 Introduction
• Co-operatives around the world operate according to
the same core principles and values, adopted by the ICA

• Co-ops trace their roots of these principles to the first

modern co-operative founded in Rochdale, England in
1844

• These principles are a key reason why co-operatives

operate differently from other business organizations,
putting the needs of their members first.
 The Seven
Co-operative
Principles
 Cooperatives are built on the values of:

• SELF-HELP
• Self-responsibility,
• Democracy,
• Equality,
• Equity and solidarity
 Co-operative members believe in the ethical values of:

• Honesty
• Openness
• Social responsibility
• And caring for others
Co-operative principles are the seven guidelines by which Co-
operatives put their values into practice
Often called the seven Co-operative principles, which include:

1. Voluntary and open membership

2. Democratic member control

3. Member economic participation

4. Autonomy and independence

5. Education, training and information

6. Co-operation among co-operatives

7. Concern for Community

 1
Voluntary and open membership
• Acceptance without gender, social, racial,
political, religious discrimination

• Open to all persons willing to accept the

responsibilities of membership
 Democratic Member Control
• This is equality:

• One member

• One voice

• One vote

Members actively participate in setting up their policies and

making decisions
 Member Economic Participation
• This is: Pulling resources together

• Equitable contribution and control of capital

• Part of the capital is often the common

property of the co-op
 Autonomy and Independence
• This is: Reflecting membership

• Allowed to be unique and maintain

their autonomy
 Education, Training and Information
• This is: Training

• Educating members
• Employees

• Officials

• And the public

 Co-operation Among Co-operatives
• This is: Support

• Working together to serve effectively

• Join local, national, regional and international

structures
 Concern for Community
This is: Neighborhood

The sustainable development of communities

 Concern for Community
This is: Neighborhood

The sustainable development of communities

Thank you for your attention
Q&A