The 7 Co-operative Principles
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-ops are open to all who accept the responsibilities of membership.
There is no discrimination based on gender, social status, ethnicity, political affiliation, or religion.
Membership must be freely chosen.
People must be able to join — and leave — without coercion.
Forced participation (e.g. by law or contract) is not considered voluntary.
Co-ops often improve accessibility by:
- Providing multilingual materials
- Adapting for disability inclusion
- Reducing structural barriers to entry
These efforts align with the principle of openness.
Why it matters:
Voluntary and open membership ensures that ownership and control remain accessible.
It protects co-ops from exclusion and coercion.
2. Democratic Member Control
Co-ops are controlled by their members.
Members actively participate in shaping policy and making decisions.
One member. One vote.
Most co-ops give all members equal voting rights — regardless of financial contribution or seniority.
Why it matters:
This principle is the foundation of co-operative governance.
It ensures that power is distributed equally among members.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute to and democratically control the capital of their co-op.
Surpluses are:
- Reinvested
- Used to support members
- Or distributed based on usage
Why it matters:
In co-ops, capital serves the members.
It is not a vehicle for investor profit.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are self-governing and autonomous.
Even when entering agreements with other organisations or accessing external funding, they must retain democratic member control.
Why it matters:
Autonomy protects the co-op from external interference.
It ensures that decision-making remains in the hands of its members.
5. Education, Training, and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training to their members, elected representatives, managers, and staff.
They also share information externally.
Public education helps raise awareness about the co-operative model and its wider impact.
Why it matters:
Ongoing learning strengthens democratic participation.
It also ensures the co-op is able to adapt and improve over time.
6. Cooperation Among Co-operatives
Co-ops support one another at local, national, regional, and international levels.
They often form federations or networks for shared benefit.
Why it matters:
Inter-cooperation increases reach, stability, and collective strength.
It also reinforces a sense of shared purpose across the movement.
7. Concern for Community
Co-ops work to meet member needs, but they also prioritise long-term community development and environmental sustainability.
Why it matters:
This principle recognises that strong co-operatives depend on strong communities — and vice versa.
The 7 principles are not fixed rules.
They offer a flexible, values-based framework.
Different co-ops interpret and apply them in ways that suit their local context.
The model continues to evolve.
Some educators propose additional principles, such as:
- Environmental stewardship
- Intergenerational responsibility
- Digital transparency
These reflect changing conditions and priorities.