What is a co-op? Co-ops around the world have agreed on some basic principles they use to define themselves

New Internationalist, June, 2004

Voluntary

Without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

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Democratic

Controlled by its members.

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Participatory

Members control the capital of their co-op.

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Autonomous

Agreements with other organizations ensure democratic control is retained.

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Educational

So that members can contribute effectively and inform the general public

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Co-operative

With other co-ops locally, nationally and internationally.

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Concerned

For the sustainable development of their communities.

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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: www.ica.coop