What Is A Co-op?

Co-ops around the world have agreed on some basic principles they use to define themselves.

Illustration by Jai / UHC Collective

Voluntary

Without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

Democratic

Controlled by its members.

Participatory

Members control the capital of their co-op.

Autonomous

Agreements with other organizations ensure democratic control is retained.

Edited extract from Statement On Co-operative Identity, adopted by the General Assembly of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 1995. The full text is available on the ICA website: http://www.ica.coop

Educational

So that members can contribute effectively and inform the general public.

Co-operative

With other co-ops locally, nationally and internationally.

Concerned

For the sustainable development of their communities.