June 2004 • Issue 368



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.




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Voices from the margins:

Multimedia: video, podcasts, and more.

House of Hunger Poetry Slam in Zimbabwe
Poetry Slam in Zimbabwe
The House of Hunger poetry slam held in Zimbabwe in 2006, and organised by the Pamberi Trust, showcased young artists performing inspirational work on issues from corporate power to child soldiers. The video features four of the poets.
Published by Pambazuka News.
Raised Voices video:
Atossa Soltani from Brazil on the Climate Change
Desmond Desai from South Africa on Corporate Power
Iranian Women Speak Out
Iranian women speak out
3 March 2007, London. Women's rights activists marched through the English capital last week to celebrate International Women's Day with a protest against the misogyny of the Islamic regime in Iran and the threat of invasion by the US. Hear the voices of Iranian feminists Azar and Leila Parnian and the sounds of the demonstration as it passed through the heart of the city. Click here to learn more about the campaign.
Produced by Heidi Bachram.
Raised Voices audio:
Benny from West Papua on Corporate Power
Vinayan from India on agriculture