Cooperatives
A co-op is a legal entity, owned and controlled by its owners who share decision-making authority, profits and, in some cases, liability for debts. Co-ops normally fall into three types –- consumer co-ops, producer co-ops and worker-owned companies -– and they operate under seven principles:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Economic participation by members
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Co-operation among cooperatives
- Concern for community[1]
The United Nations has declared 2012 as the "international year of cooperatives."[2][3]
See Also
References
- ↑ Austin Co-Ops Thriving as City Grows
- ↑ United Nations Launches 2012 International Year of Cooperatives General Assembly President Says ‘People-Centred’ Cooperative Movement Critical to Advancing Development Agenda, Promotes Equality, Social Integration
- ↑ United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2012