The 7 Cooperative Principles

October 2016

The Experience Enterprise Cooperativefor Pelion Paradise

CONNECTING PELION

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Working together for success

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• An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

• Cooperative marketing is a more cost-effective means of raising the destination’s profile in the marketplace and showcasing a destinations products and experiences.

Connecting through a Cooperative

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• Cooperative businesses are more economically resilient than many other forms of enterprise, with twice the number of cooperatives (80%) surviving their first five years compared with other business ownership models (41%).

Advantages of a Cooperative

The 7 Cooperative Principles

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The 7 Cooperative Principles

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An open and voluntary membership

Co-operatives 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.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

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All members monitor the organization in a democratic manner

Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

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All members participate economically

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.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

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The cooperative is autonomous andindependent, which must also bemaintained in partnerships with otherorganizations.

Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisationscontrolled 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 co-operative autonomy.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

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Education, training and information-sharingis a condition for democratic control andeffective member participation.

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.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

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"Cooperation among cooperatives”

Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

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"Attention to the (local) community"

Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.