Co-op Fortnight Day 6 - Co-op Principles
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 26 Jun 2021 in Raising Awareness
Did you know all co-ops are based on the same principles and share a set of values? On Day 6 of Co-op Fortnight, we focus on the seven Co-op Principles which define how we operate.
There are seven co-operative principles that define how a co-op operates:
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A co-op is owned and controlled by its members. It exists for the benefit of its members, who may be customers, workers, suppliers or the wider community.
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A co-op is democratic – this means every member has an equal say in how it’s run and how profits are used.
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Every member contributes financially in some way – from buying products, working for the co-op, investing in it or deciding how to spend its profits.
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A co-op is an independent business, owned and controlled by its members.
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It offers education and training to everyone involved, so they can develop the co-op and promote the benefits of co-operation.
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It co-operates, works with and supports other co-ops.
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A co-op supports the communities it works with.
The last year has been like no other with many affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Highlighting the seventh co-op principle, see how we supported many of our communities below.
Members helping members – Watch our video
Supporting communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic
Across our trading areas, we pulled together and helped support communities wherever we could. From making over 110,000 Home Deliveries to supporting over 150 key worker families with the Childcare Fund, we were there to support our communities.
Home Deliveries
Ensuring essential supplies to our members and communities, we've delivered to over 110,000 homes through the newly created delivery service. Working with 1,000 fantastic volunteers, it's been a lifeline for many of our communities.
Food Bank Fund
Set up as a response to the pandemic, the Food Bank Fund ensured that many communities were able to receive much-needed donations to help tackle food poverty.
Childcare Frontline Hero Support Fund
Little things make a big difference. Through Co-op Childcare, the Frontline Hero Support Fund was set up to help support 150 key worker families with subsidised childcare. Later in 2020, they also launched Helping Hands, to support families affected by redundancy brought on by the economic impacts of the pandemic.
Supporting the NHS Togethers Charity
Going towards the NHS Togethers charity, we joined our fellow co-operatives and donated towards the cause in-store. The proceeds went towards much-needed support to NHS staff, volunteers and patients.
Providing Healthcare to the Isolating
Our Healthcare branches also extended their home delivery service, with over 50% of the 1,000 deliveries being to new patients, including those who were shielding.
Donating tablets for remote learning
Our Utilities Solutions donated 100 tablets with free internet access to disadvantaged secondary school children within our partner schools to help keep them learning remotely.
Restarting Communities
Providing immediate support, our Community Restart Fund provided over £78,000 to help 67 charity partners rebuild following the Covid-19 crisis.
Thumbs Up for Co-op's – Send us your pictures
Proud to be part of a co-op? Whether you are in a store, branch, site or office, share your support for Co-op Fortnight to thumbsup@midcounties.coop and we will feature them in our weekly round up. 👍