Voluntary and open membership: Cooperative are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Democratic member control: Cooperative are democratic organizations controlled by their members – those who buy the goods or use the services of the cooperative – who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
Member’s economic participation: Members contribute equally to and democratically control the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested.
Autonomy and independence: Cooperative are autonomous, self help organization controlled by their members. If the coop enters into agreement with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members are maintains the cooperatives autonomy.
Education, training and information: Cooperative provide education and training for members, elected representative , managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
Cooperation among cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their member most effectively and strength the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Concern for community: White focusing on member needs, cooperative work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.