In every corner of the world we will find co-operatives. They belong to a big family. In fact, it is one of the biggest in the world. International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is the mother body for all types of co-operatives around the globe. It is an independent, non-governmental association, which unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide.
More than 70 countries are now in ICA. There are about 7,50,000 co-operative societies in the world. They form the base of the world co-operative movement. In their home countries, they have set up apex organizations. It is through these bodies they belong to the ICA family.
How can ICA unite and lead so many societies and people? ICA is an old organization. It was formed in England in 1 895. Over the years ICA has developed ideas on how co-operatives should work. These ideas are called “principles”.
In the year 1995 in the centennial conference of ICA held in Manchester, England, ‘A Statement on the Co-operative identity’ was adopted.lt is as under: –
What is a Co-operative?
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.
Co-operative Values
Co-operatives a re 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.
Co-operative Principles
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practic.
1st Principle : Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2nd Principle : Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.
3rd Principle : Membership Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably and democratically control the capital of their co-operatives. At least part of that capital usually the common property of the co-operatives. 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 : and supporting other activities approved by the member.
4th Principle : Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations including governments or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
5th Principle : Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their 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.
6th Principle : Co-operation among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7th Principle: Concern for community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.