The 7 cooperative principles

In 1844, a group of weavers and factory workers founded a consumer cooperative, the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, and established a set of seven principles. To this day, these principles continue to form the foundation for cooperatives and citizen collectives around the world.

These are the seven cooperative principles of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers:

  1. Voluntary and open membership
    Anyone who is willing and accepts the conditions of membership may join, regardless of gender, race, social status, religion, or political beliefs.

  2. Democratic governance
    All members have the right to participate in decision-making about the direction and policies of the organization.

  3. Member economic participation (shared resources)
    Members contribute equitably to the organization’s capital and democratically control how these resources are used.

  4. Autonomy and independence
    The cooperative operates independently. Even when it attracts capital or resources from external parties, these are managed in a democratic manner.

  5. Education, training, and information
    Cooperatives provide education and training for employees, members, and the broader community, and share information about the cooperative model.

  6. Cooperation among cooperatives
    Cooperatives collaborate with other cooperatives at local, regional, national, and international levels.

  7. Concern for community
    Cooperatives contribute to the well-being of the communities they are part of. Today, this principle is often interpreted more broadly, including responsibility for sustainable development.

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