What is a Cooperative? Cooperatives are a concept of democratic economic control. The modern cooperative movement rose in parallel to modern capitalism in the 18th century. Today, cooperatives can be found around the world, with a total of more than a billion members. Add my co-op! Want to add your co-op, organization, band, or project to this directory? Email Alfred at mail -at- firstcultural -dot- com Cooperative Organizations California Center for Cooperative Development National Cooperative Business Association International Cooperative Allliance | Cooperative Principles The cooperative principles, also known as the Rochdale Principles are: 1. Voluntary and Open Membership: anyone can join, and discrimination is not tolerated within the organization. 2. Democratic Member Control: decisions are either made collectively, with each member having one vote, or by leaders elected by members. 3. Member Economic Participation: funding is provided by members, and profits are either returned to members or used to expand the cooperative. 4. Autonomy and Independence: when external funding is needed, it is obtained in a way that members retain control of the organization. 5. Education, Training and Information: co-ops teach members and the public how to do what they are doing, and also how to run a business or organization. 6. Co-operation among Co-operatives: cooperatives work together at the local, national, and global level. 7. Concern for Community: co-ops promote sustainable economies, societies, and ecosystems. |