History of Cooperatives Movement | Legal Basis of Cooperative | Definition of Cooperative | Principles of Cooperatives | Why Agarwood Agriculture Coöperative? | Kinds of Membership | Qualification of Membership | Requirements for Membership | Organizational Structure | Rights and Privileges | Obligations + Responsibilities | The General Assembly
- Voluntary and Open Membership – Cooperatives 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.
- Democratic Member Control – Cooperatives 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 cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.
- Member Economic Participation – Cooperatives contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capitalof their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any of the following purposes; developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which would at least 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 organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, they do so on terms to ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
- Continuous Education, Training & Information – Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public particularly young people and opinion leaders-about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives – Cooperatives service their members most efficiently and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national andinternational structures.
- Concern for Community – Cooperatives have a special responsibility to ensure that the development of communities- economically, socially and culturally- is sustained. They have a responsibility to work steadily for the environmental protection of their communities.