According to the Statement on the Cooperative Identity, a cooperative is "a self-governing group of people who have come together to address their economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations by means of a business that they own and control democratically."
he Cooperative Alliance of Kenya is the organization responsible for upholding the Statement on the Cooperative Identity in Kenya.
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) adopted the Statement on the Cooperative Identity in 1995, which includes the following definition of a cooperative, values shared by cooperatives, and seven guiding principles. For more rmation on how to put the Principles into practice within a cooperative business, read the accompanying Guidance Notes on the Cooperative Principles and Values.
Cooperatives are groups of people who have come together voluntarily to create a business that serves their economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through democratic member ownership and management.
The principles upon which cooperatives are built are those of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Members of the cooperative uphold the original principles of their organization, including honesty, openness, social responsibility, and concern for others.
The ICA's Principles Committee, in 2016, published the Guidance Notes on the Cooperative Principles, a set of guidelines and recommendations for putting the Principles into practice in cooperative business. These notes are an attempt to put into 21st-century language what we know about how the Principles should be applied. Guidance Notes on the Cooperative Principles and Values
Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Cooperatives 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 as well as their unique identity.
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
at Catalysing Change Week 2024: Cooperatives as Agents of Systems Change Building the social innovation sector at Catalysing Change Week 2024: