The 7 Principles of Co operation

Irish Co-operative Learning Academy

22 Jan 201904:05

Summary

TLDRThe video script outlines the seven principles of cooperation that guide cooperatives' values and practices. These include voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education and training, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. The principles foster self-help, responsibility, democracy, equality, and solidarity, emphasizing ethical values like honesty and social responsibility. The script also mentions the Irish cooperative organization, ICOS, for further information.

Takeaways

🌟 Cooperatives are based on values such as self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.
📜 The seven principles of cooperation guide how cooperatives operate and are integral to their functioning.
🚪 Voluntary and open membership ensures that anyone can join without discrimination.
🗳️ Democratic member control means members actively participate in decision-making and elect representatives who are accountable to them.
💰 Member economic participation involves members contributing to the capital of the cooperative and receiving limited compensation on capital subscribed.
🏆 Autonomy and independence are key, with cooperatives controlling their own affairs and maintaining their identity even when entering agreements or raising capital externally.
📚 Education, training, and information are provided to members, representatives, managers, and employees to enhance their contributions to the cooperative.
🤝 Cooperation among cooperatives is encouraged to serve members effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement.
🌐 Concern for community is reflected in cooperatives' efforts towards sustainable community development.
🇮🇪 For more information on cooperatives in Ireland, one can contact the Irish cooperative organization, Society icos.

Q & A

What are the core values on which cooperatives are based?
-Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.
What ethical values do cooperative members believe in?
-Cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
What is the first principle of cooperation?
-The first principle is voluntary and open membership, meaning cooperatives are open to all individuals who can use their services and accept the responsibilities of membership, without discrimination.
How is democratic member control exercised in cooperatives?
-In cooperatives, members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Primary cooperatives operate on a one-member, one-vote basis, ensuring democratic control.
What does member economic participation involve?
-Member economic participation involves members contributing equitably to and democratically controlling the capital of their cooperative. Surpluses are allocated for the cooperative's development, member benefits, or activities approved by the membership.
What does the principle of autonomy and independence ensure for cooperatives?
-This principle ensures that cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. Even when cooperating with external organizations or raising capital, they must maintain democratic control and autonomy.
Why is education, training, and information important in cooperatives?
-Education, training, and information are crucial to help members, representatives, managers, and employees contribute effectively to the cooperative's development. It also helps inform the public about the benefits of cooperation.
How do cooperatives apply the principle of cooperation among cooperatives?
-Cooperatives apply this principle by working together at local, national, regional, and international levels to serve their members more effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement.
What is the seventh principle of cooperation?
-The seventh principle is concern for community. Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
How do cooperatives typically allocate surpluses?
-Surpluses are usually allocated for developing the cooperative (such as creating reserves), benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative, or supporting other activities approved by the membership.