IDENTITY OF A COOPERATIVE INCLUDING ICA PRINCIPLES

In the MC people learn about the identity of a cooperative.
A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons and compagnies united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. Cooperatives are driven by realizing a specific purpose/goal, not (only) by realizing profit.
Members are OWNER , have a TRANSACTIONRELATION and are RESPONSIBLE. This makes cooperatives unique.
During the MC, the participants learn about the 7 ICA-principles, making the identity of cooperatives concrete. The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.
In the MC, we stimulate the participants to think about the 7 ICA-principles and to introduce them in their cooperation.

Cooperative Principles (https://bit.ly/2ywOrvd)
1. 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.
Question to think about: who can become a member of your cooperative? Think about potential partners
2. 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.
Question to think about: how will you organize your cooperative to guarantee the democratic structure?
3. 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.
Question to think about: What is a fair participation to become a member of your cooperative (high enough to have motivated members but not to high so the cooperative is accessible for those who need the support of the coop)
4. 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.
Question to think about: how do you want to guarantee the autonomy and independence of your cooperative? Which things can be a danger for the autonomy and independence
5. 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.
Question to think about: what kind of education, training, information is useful for your members?
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Question to think about: witch cooperatives can strengthen your cooperative?
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Question to think about: what is the contribution of your cooperative in the sustainable development of your region, country, the world? What else/more can you do? Witch partners (other cooperatives, see 6) can help realizing a better result on this topic