Co-operative Values
Co-operatives
are based on the values of:
· Self-help
·
Mutual responsibility
·
Equality
·
Equity
·
Honesty
·
Openness
· Social responsibility
What are the Principles of Co-operatives?
Co-operative principles on the other hand are
guidelines by which co-operatives puts their values into practice. They include:
1.
Voluntary
and Open Membership
Co-operatives 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.
Members may also withdraw at any time from the
co-operative by giving at least sixty (60) days written notice to the
committee.
2. Democratic Member Control
Each member has an equal
voting right and decision-making power in the governance of the co-operative.
Each member gets one vote, regardless of the level of her or his investment in
the co-operative. The co-operative therefore, honors equal voting rights for
all fully paid up members.
In addition, women and
men serving as elected representatives in the management and supervisory
committees are accountable to the general membership of the co-operative. To be
precise, the committees are open in sharing information to all the members of
the co-operative.
The
co-operative also encourages all owners to give their feedback on the services.
3. Member
Economic Participation
Members provide the
money and/or in-kind resources needed to start and operate the co-operative business.
Decisions on how the capital and funds of the cooperative will be used are made
democratically and not based on the amount invested.
The benefits that
members get from the cooperative are in proportion in form of dividends,
interests and bonuses to the business they conduct with the co-operative rather
than on the capital invested.
4.
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.
The co-operative acts
as independent organization through members’ control that is free from outside
control and uses independence as a differentiating factor in the market.
5.
Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives
provide education and training for their members, elected representatives,
managers, and employees so they can perform their responsibilities, contribute
effectively and promote participation to the development of their co-operatives.
They inform the general public particularly young people and opinion leaders about
the nature and benefits of the co-operation.
Conducts awareness
campaigns both to the general public and members on the benefits of co-operation
and the co-operative business model
6. 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.
Builds relationships
with local co-operatives to protect local economies and create increased member
value
Participates in
cooperative knowledge/ information sharing events, learns and work with other
co-operatives perceived even to be competitors.
7. Concern for the community
Co-operatives work for
the sustainable development of their communities through policies and actions
approved by their members.
Treats all people with
respect and dignity.
Implements community
programs that benefit members and the community and utilizes local resources
and skills.
Hey, i am wairimu mwangi,
I am a Co-operative Officer and a
Content Creator by accident, trying to make a positive change, not just for
myself but also for thousands of people, entities, and co-operative societies
among other parties with my enormous presence online.
When I am not working, I may be with
my two beautiful daughters telling experiences.
I wish to be the breath of vitality that shifts individuals in co-operatives to new hope.
