co'como is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common needs and aspirations, through jointly-owned and democratically-controlled cooperative enterprise.
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Valuesco'como is based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.
"In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness,
social responsibility and caring for others."
PrinciplesThe co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.
Principle 1: Voluntary and Open Membershipco'como is a voluntary organisation, open to all persons whom are able to use our services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Principle 2: Democratic Member Controlco'como is a democratic organisation controlled by our members, whom actively participate in setting our policies and making decisions.
All men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to our membership. In primary co-operative members have equal voting rights "one member, one vote" and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
Principle 3: Member ParticipationAll members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative.
Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.
Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes:
developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible;
benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative;
supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Principle 4: Autonomy and Independenceco'como is an autonomous, self-help organisation controlled by our members.
If we enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, we do so on terms that ensure democratic control by our members and maintain our co-operative autonomy.
Principle 5: Education, Training and Informationco'como provides education and training for our members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
Principle 6: Co-operation among Co-operatives"Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by,
working together through local, national, regional and international structures."
Principle 7: Concern for Community"Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members."
More information about the values and principles of the cooperative movement can be found HERE: