What is co-operation?
Co-operation is an economic system built on core values. Its main aim is to curb exploitative tendencies in the economy and to enable economically weaker people to stand on their own feet. The co-operative movement has spread across the whole world.
The Co-operative Congress of the International Co-operative Alliance, held in Manchester in September 1995, defined co-operative values as follows:
“Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Their members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.”
Definition: A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
The co-operative principles (revised 1995)
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Co-operation among co-operatives
- Concern for community
Sahkar Geet (co-operative song)
