1. Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to anyone who is able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. Membership is offered without discrimination based on gender, social standing, race, political affiliation, or religion.

2. Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations, controlled by their members. Members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions, and the elected representatives who serve them are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members hold equal voting rights under the principle of one member, one vote. Cooperatives at other levels are similarly structured to operate democratically.

3. Member Economic Participation

Members contribute fairly to, and maintain democratic control over, the capital of their cooperative. At least a portion of that capital is typically held as common property of the cooperative. Members generally receive limited compensation, if any, on the capital they contribute as a condition of membership. Any surplus is allocated by the membership toward some combination of: reinvesting in the cooperative (which may include building reserves, at least part of which remains indivisible); returning benefits to members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other member-approved activities.

4. Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations governed by their members. When entering into agreements with other organizations — including governments — or raising capital from outside sources, they do so on terms that preserve members’ democratic control and safeguard the cooperative’s independence.

5. Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives invest in education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to the cooperative’s growth and success. They also work to inform the broader public — especially young people and community leaders — about the nature and value of cooperation.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives best serve their members and strengthen the wider cooperative movement by working together — through local, national, regional, and international structures and networks.

7. Concern for Community

Cooperatives support the sustainable development of their communities, guided by policies their members have approved.