Unlike the private, public or voluntary sectors, all co-operative organizations around the world are guided by the same seven principles:

1. Voluntary and open membership
2. Democratic member control
3. Member economic participation
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education and training
6. Co-operative among co-operatives
7. Concern for community

Collectively, there are over 10,000 co-operatives and credit unions in Canada, providing products and services to over 10 million Canadians.

 

There are a multitude of benefits that come from successful co-operatives and the ones that will apply to your situation will be as unique as your co-op is itself

Philosophical benefits

• People trump money in terms of priorities
• Modest savings for all instead of the excessive accumulation of profits by a few
• Opportunities to strengthen community bonds by helping one-another
• You can define your own needs instead of letting a conglomerate do it for you
• Product and service development by the people for the people
• Control of your own future
• Greater community autonomy
• More honest and ethical business practices
• Freedom from homogenized mass-market-driven goods and services

Community benefits

• Better access to quality products and services
• Fair market prices
• Strong customer/client loyalty
• Greater employment opportunities
• Ability to change things that don't work
• Economic and social growth in the community
• Access to new markets