Today co-operatives all over the world are based on the guiding principles originally defined by the Rochdale Pioneers – which is why in 2011 the International Co-operative Alliance declared Rochdale the global capital of co-operation.
Statement on the Co-operative Identity
Adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance General Assembly, Manchester 1995.
Definition
A co-operative 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.
Values
Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
Principles
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.
1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination. Co-operative schools do not select students, and are open to their whole community.
2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives 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 co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote), and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner. Co-operative schools promote democratic participation groups made up of parent, student and staff constituencies.
3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co- operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a conditional membership. Members allocate surpluses for any of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy. As a co-operative school we encourage representation and/or contribution from all constituencies.
5th Principle: Education Training and Information
Co-operatives 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. This is why we have adapted the Values of Modern Britain to include the Co-operative Values in our curriculum. It also explains the larger than average investment in professional development programmes that is indicative of a co-operative school.
6th Principle: Co-operation Among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7th Principle: Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members. Success, in part, for a co-operative school is measured by the engagement and confidence the school enjoys in its community.
