Member Ownership
Co-operatives are businesses owned by their members — customers, workers or residents. They exist to serve their members, not external shareholders.
Co-operative Identity
Our identity defines who we are, what we stand for, and how we work together to build a fairer world. It is our shared foundation and the compass that guides consumer co-operatives everywhere.
A co-operative 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.
What makes a co-operative different?
Democratic Control
Members have an equal say in decisions that shape their co-operative, based on the principle of “one member, one vote”.
People-Centred Purpose
We place people, not capital, at the heart of our mission — creating value that goes beyond profit and strengthens communities.
Shared Benefit
Benefits are returned to members and communities to build a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive economy for all.
The Statement on the Co-operative Identity
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) is the global steward of the Statement on the Co-operative Identity.
In 1995, the ICA adopted the revised Statement on the Co-operative Identity, which includes the definition, values and seven principles that continue to guide co-operatives around the world.
1995ICA adopts the revised Statement on the Co-operative Identity.
Stewarded by the ICA
The ICA safeguards and promotes our identity so that co-operatives everywhere can work together under a shared set of values and principles.
Co-operative Values
Core values
Self-helpSelf-responsibilityDemocracyEqualityEquitySolidarity
Ethical values
HonestyOpennessSocial responsibilityCaring for others
The Seven Co-operative Principles
- 1
Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
- 2
Democratic Member Control
Members democratically control their co-operative with one member, one vote.
- 3
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative.
- 4
Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members.
- 5
Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives and employees.
- 6
Co-operation among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together.
- 7
Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Why this matters for consumer co-operatives
Consumer co-operatives are member-owned businesses that provide quality goods and services, return value to members, strengthen communities, and build a fairer and more sustainable economy.
- Fair prices and quality products & services
- Value returned to members
- Stronger communities and local impact
- Support for ethical and sustainable choices
- Building a fairer and more inclusive economy
A shared global identity
The co-operative marque (logo) and the .coop domain identity help distinguish co-operatives worldwide.
They link us to a global movement with shared values and a common purpose.
The co-operative marque
The CCW logo connects consumer co-operatives worldwide to the ICA and to each other.
The .coop identity
The .coop domain is the global online identifier for co-operatives.