The Seven Co-operative Principles

As a co-operative, The Car Co-op subscribes to the seven principles of the International Co-operative Alliance:

First 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.

Second 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 organized in a democratic manner.

Third 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.  They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.  Members allocate surpluses for any of all of the following purposes:  developing the 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.

Fourth 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 cooperative autonomy.

Fifth 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.

Sixth 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.

Seventh Principle:  Concern for Community

While focusing on members' needs, co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

Adopted in Manchester (UK) by the General Assembly of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), 23 September 1995, on the occasion of the Alliance's Centenary.  The Statement was the product of a lengthy process of consultation involving thousands of co-operatives around the world.