Cooperatives are voluntary organizations and open to all persons able to use their services without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Cooperatives strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members
elected representatives
managers
employees

Members allocate surpluses for the following purposes:
developing their cooperative
benefiting members
supporting other activities

Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership

Cooperatives are freestanding, self-help organizations controlled by their members