Definition: A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

Values: Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Principles:

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership. Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).

3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence. Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.

5th Principle: Education, Training and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives.

6th Principle: Cooperation among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by working together.

7th Principle: Concern for Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.