Strengthening Communities through Cooperation

The Seven Cooperative Principles are the values that set cooperatives apart. They are followed by all cooperatives around the world.

7 Coop Principles

Original art by Hallie Zillman, courtesy of Willie St. Co-op

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The Seven Cooperative Principles

Seven Principles guide cooperative businesses all over the world. Learn more about the shared values and these seven principles at the International Cooperative Association website.

The seven principles are:

  1.  Voluntary and open membership
  2.  Democratic member control
  3.  Member economic participation
  4.  Autonomy and independence
  5.  Education, training, and information
  6.  Cooperation among cooperatives
  7.  Concern for community