Statement on Co-operatives
Definition
The International Co-operative alliance defines a co-operative as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, 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 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.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Democratic Member Control
Member Economic Participation
Autonomy and Independence
Education, Training and Information
Co-operation among Co-operatives
Concern for Community
More information
For more information on Co-operatives, please visit the website of the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF). SNCF also publishes a quarterly journal.
The website of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) can be found here; the ICA also publishes a Digest.