o p e n i n g h o u r s
m
o n d a y - s u n d a y
: :
9am - 9.30pm
* kitchen opens at 10am
and closes at 8.30pm
what is a co-operative?
in 1844 twenty-eight workers in rochdale, england formed the first successful
co-operative. these weavers, shoemakers, cabinetmakers, tailors, printers,
hatters, and engineers wrote down a set of principles to operate their
food co-operative, which contributed to their success and spread to other
co-operatives around the world. although co-operative societies had existed
previously, the successful establishment of the co-operative in rochdale
marks the beginning of the modern co-operative era. the ideas of the rochdale
pioneers were simple, but profoundly transformed the traditional producer/consumer
relationship and created a pathway for small and large-scale community
based economic and social development. today, more than 150 years later,
this heritage continues to affect the lives of millions of working people
worldwide.
another milestone in the continued expansion of the co-operative movement
came only 51 years later with the establishment of the international
co-operative alliance (ICA) in 1895. originally founded by co-operative
organisations from 12 countries, today over 200 national co-operative
organizations representing 92 nations belong to the ICA.
no two co-operatives are the same, but all are guided by the same principles
of self help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity (fairness)
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.
in 1995 the centenary congress of the ICA adopted seven principles that
guide all co-operative organisations which reflect how the co-operative
values are put into practice:
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: member economic participation
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;
and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4th Principle: autonomy and independence
co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their
members. if they enter into agreements with other organizations, 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.
thinking of starting a co-operative?
co-operatives can be formed from already existing businesses or adopted
by new ventures or worker-buyouts and there's a lot of help and advice
available to anyone thinking of starting one. we're really happy to answer
any questions you may have or talk to you about our specific experiences,
however we'd recommend you get in touch with your local co-operative development
agency (CDA). the avon cda played
a fundamental role in getting our business of the ground and have continued
to provide unending and invaluable support.
some co-operative links and resources:
www.ica.coop
www.avoncda.coop
www.socialeconomy.info
www.cooperativesuk.coop
www.radicalroutes.org.uk
-
