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Being a Cooperative  |  Cooperative Identity

Cooperative Identity

A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically-controlled enterprise*.

*Official definition adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance

The members of a cooperative can be:

  • people who want equitable access to financial services or essential services such as energy and water
  • people who want quality housing, food or other consumer goods at fair prices
  • artisans, such as bakers or mechanics, or self-employed professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, who come together to provide a common service
  • businesses in the same sector or individual fishermen, breeders or farmers who come together to meet their common supply and marketing needs
  • workers seeking stable employment and fair wages in competitive industrial or service businesses
  • writers, artists, actors, musicians and others who wish to carry out cultural activities together or share administrative services
  • service providers seeking common control of a digital distribution platform.
  • people seeking equal opportunities in work or access to services.

Cooperative Values

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.

Seven Cooperative
Principles

  1. Voluntary and Open Membership
  2. Democratic Member Control
  3. Member Economic Participation
  4. Autonomy and Independence
  5. Education, Training, and Information
  6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
  7. Concern for Community

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