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Username: ethosetc
Date/Time: Fri, October 27, 2000 at 3:45 AM GMT (Thu, October 26, 2000 at 7:45 PM PST)
Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer V5.5 using Windows 98
Score: 5
Subject: Co-op principles set us apart

Message: 		 

 
        Co-operatives worldwide are governed by seven co-operative principles. These principles, adopted at the International Co-operative Alliance's Centennial Congress in 1995, are outlined in the ICA's Statement on the Co-operative Identity.

STATEMENT ON THE CO-OPERATIVE IDENTITY

Definition

A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and 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, equity, 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.

1ST PRINCIPLE: VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP

Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

2ND PRINCIPLE: DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote), and co-operatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.

3RD PRINCIPLE: MEMBER ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4TH PRINCIPLE: AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE

Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.

5TH PRINCIPLE: EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION

Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public -- particularly young people and opinion leaders -- about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

6TH PRINCIPLE: CO-OPERATION AMONG CO-OPERATIVES

Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

7TH PRINCIPLE: CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY

Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

These principles seperate co-operatives from any other organization in the world.  It should be noted that co-ops should not be devoured amongst the vast sea of current TLD's as we are very distinct from what they represent.  Please take this into consideration and follow through with .co-op TLD!

Anthony Hoffman
ethos etc. IT Co-operative       
     
     
 

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