Talk:International Statement of Co-operative Identity (Seven Cooperative Principles)
From Cultivate.Coop
Contents
| Thread title | Replies | Last modified |
|---|---|---|
| Additional principles? | 2 | 07:35, 12 March 2011 |
| The Principles in Practice | 0 | 03:23, 28 November 2010 |
Additional principles?
Do you believe there should be additional co-op principles on top of the ones outlined by the ICA's statement? What are they, how would they benefit co-ops, and how could they be put into practice?
I think that it would be critical to add an "anti-oppression" principle. I understand that this could fall into the area of some of the other cooperative principles (concern for community, etc.), but I think that it's also distinct and important enough to have it's own principle.
To me, cooperatives are about benefiting their membership as well as their communities - small (neighbourhoods, towns, cities) and large (economies, countries, and world). This means pro-actively working against racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and all other forms of oppression. This should happen within cooperatives (through education, etc.) as well as through actions cooperatives take (by donating surplus to causes, raising awareness in communities, etc.).
The key & missing co-operative principle is SUSTAINABILITY. I know this term has been overused but, this principle will push co-ops in a new and innovative direction. Especially for sustainability in people's everyday life (environmental, economic, cultural,etc). It give co-ops the freedom to define their multi-bottom line and ensures co-operative social responsibility.
The Principles in Practice
How have cooperatives and cooperative organizations put these principles into practice? How have they benefited cooperatives and communities?
