# Cooperative Principles The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice. 1 **Voluntary and Open Membership** Cooperatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to **accept the responsibilities of membership**, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2 **Democratic Member Control** Cooperatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who **actively participate** in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights **(one member, one vote)** and cooperatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
3 **Member Economic Participation** Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the **capital** of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the **common property** of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members **allocate surpluses for** any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4 **Autonomy and Independence** Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that **ensure democratic control by their members** and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5 **Education, Training, and Information** Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6 **Cooperation among Cooperatives** Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through **local, national, regional and international** structures.
7 **Concern for Community** Cooperatives work for the **sustainable development of their communities** through policies approved by their members.
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