The seven Cooperative principles at the heart of all Coops from- https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/7-cooperative-principles/
THE 7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
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1. VOLUNTARY & OPEN MEMBERSHIP
Anyone can join a co-op—they don’t discriminate based on gender, social, racial, political or religious factors.
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2. DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
Members control their business by deciding how it’s run and who leads it.
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3. MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
All co-op members invest in their cooperative. This means people, not shareholders, benefit from a co-op’s profits.
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4. AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE
When making business deals or raising money, co-ops never compromise their autonomy or democratic member control.
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5. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
Co-ops provide education, training and information so their members can contribute effectively to the success of their co-op.
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6. COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
Co-ops believe working together is the best strategy to empower their members and build a stronger co-op economy.
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7. CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
Co-ops are community-minded. They contribute to the sustainable development of their communities by sourcing and investing locally.