What is a Co-Op?

The cooperative model has been around for a long time; in Philadelphia it dates back to 1752. The International Co-Op Alliance (ICA), defines co-ops as “enterprises owned and run by and for their members. (They) bring people together in a democratic and equal way with a ‘one member, one vote’ rule. The economic and social benefits of their activity stay in the communities where they are established.”

KCFC is a cooperative grocery store that uses this model. We aim to benefit the community economically by hiring local residents and selling locally made products. Socially, we are a community hub that offers meeting space and events.

Co-ops around the world operate on a shared set of 7 principles. These co-operative principles reflect the fact that co-ops are driven by values, not only profits, allowing people to work together to build a better world.

Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organisations, 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.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organisations 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 cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.

Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. 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 cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives 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 cooperative autonomy.

Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives 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.

Cooperation among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Concern for Community

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