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About Co‑operatives
"A co‑operative is 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." International Co‑operative Alliance
Co‑operatives are based on the values of:
- Self-help
- Self-responsibility
- Democracy
- Equality
- Equity
- Solidarity
Co‑operative members believe in the ethical values of:
- Honesty
- Openness
- Social responsibility
- Caring for others
The co‑operative principles are guidelines by which co‑operatives put their values into practice.
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training and Information
- Co‑operation among Co‑operatives
- Concern for Community
There are many different models of co‑operative enterprise, including workers' co‑operatives, consumer co‑operatives, agricultural co‑operatives, housing co‑operatives and credit unions.
Examples of all these different models can be found throughout the North East - from organic growers in Bedlington and graphic designers in Durham, to housing providers in Middlesbrough and taxi services in Houghton le Spring. And when legislation was introduced to allow a new business model, the Co‑operative Community Interest Company (CIC), the North East registered the first Co‑operative CIC - the Mobile Advice Co‑operative CIC.
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