About Co‑operatives
"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." International Co‑operative Alliance
Co‑operatives are based on the values of:
- Self-help
- Self-responsibility
- Democracy
- Equality
- Equity
- Solidarity
Co‑operative members believe in the ethical values of:
- Honesty
- Openness
- Social responsibility
- Caring for others
The co‑operative principles are guidelines by which co‑operatives put their values into practice.
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training and Information
- Co‑operation among Co‑operatives
- Concern for Community
There are different models of co‑operative depending on the enterprise involved, including workers' co‑operatives, consumer co‑operatives, agricultural co‑operatives, housing co‑operatives and credit unions, but they all share the same basic principles.
Examples of the different models can be found throughout the North East where you'll find co-operatives offering home care services, developing renewable energy projects, distributing fairly traded goods, providing housing and much more. The North East is also home to the first Co‑operative Community Interest Company (CIC) - the Mobile Advice Co‑operative CIC.
