The seven principles of highly effective co-ops
Co-operatives are unique organizations that operate based on a set of values and principles designed to prioritize community needs over individual profit. These values, endorsed by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), serve as a global framework for building ethical, community-driven businesses. In Saskatchewan, where co-operative movements have deep roots, these principles offer a pathway for citizens to work together, creating sustainable, people-centered solutions for local challenges.
The Seven Co-operative Principles
At the heart of the co-operative movement are seven key principles:
- Voluntary and Open Membership: Co-operatives are open to all individuals willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, or religious discrimination.
- Democratic Member Control: Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
- Member Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative and democratically control its allocation and distribution. This economic participation is integral to ensuring that co-operatives remain community-owned and controlled.
- Autonomy and Independence: Co-operatives maintain their autonomy even when entering agreements with other organizations or raising capital from external sources.
- Education, Training, and Information: Co-operatives provide education and training to their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the co-operative’s development.
- Cooperation among Co-operatives: Co-operatives strengthen their impact and sustainability by working together, locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Concern for Community: Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
These principles are built on the broader values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. For citizens of Saskatchewan, engaging with these values can lead to tangible benefits across economic, social, and environmental fronts.
What Co-operatives Can Do
- Support Local Needs: Saskatchewan’s rural and urban communities face unique challenges, such as access to affordable housing, healthcare, and local food systems. Co-operatives provide a way for citizens to pool resources and address these issues. For example, housing co-operatives in urban centres can offer affordable housing solutions, while agricultural co-operatives in rural areas can help farmers collaborate to gain better access to markets.
- Create Employment Opportunities: Co-operatives can generate employment by promoting entrepreneurship based on cooperative values. For instance, local businesses can form worker co-operatives, where employees are the owners and decision-makers. This model not only creates jobs but also ensures that economic benefits stay within the community.
- Foster Youth Leadership and Engagement: Through co-operative education and youth leadership programs, young people in Saskatchewan can learn about democratic governance and community building. Youth-focused co-operatives or social enterprises provide a platform for them to address pressing social issues, such as climate change or mental health, in innovative ways.
- Enhance Community Resilience: Cooperation among co-operatives allows them to pool resources and expertise, creating a support network that enhances community resilience. Whether facing economic downturns or environmental challenges, communities that foster a co-operative mindset are better equipped to adapt and thrive.
- Address Indigenous Reconciliation: Co-operatives can play a role in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by creating equitable economic opportunities and supporting community-based governance that aligns with Indigenous traditions.
By embracing international co-operative values and principles, Saskatchewan citizens have the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities. Whether through local businesses, community services, or youth engagement, co-operatives offer a people-centred approach that prioritizes shared prosperity. Co-operatives are more than just businesses — they are a way to bring people together to create lasting, positive change in their communities.