Cooperative:
a model that belongs to their members.
A cooperative is an autonomous association centered on its members. It is a democratic environment in which each participant takes part in its management and development.
Its main goal is to respond to the socioeconomic and cultural needs and expectations of its members, promoting growth opportunities and valuable services.
Regardless of the sector in which they operate, all cooperatives worldwide share the same international values and principles, highlighting equity and social justice in their actions.
Unlike other models, they do not only pursue economic gains but are also driven by solidarity and mutual support.
Through self-help and empowerment, reinvestment in their communities, and concern for the well-being of people and the world, cooperatives foster a long-term vision of sustainable economic growth, social capital, and environmental responsibility.
The cooperative
movement
The cooperative movement began in Europe, mainly in Great Britain and France. Among the pioneers of this model was the Shore Porters Society cooperative: a moving, transport, and storage company established by a group of port workers in Aberdeen, Scotland, on June 22, 1498.
With the Industrial Revolution and the persistent labor movements that took center stage in the following decades, many workers began to feel that their sustainability was threatened and decided to join together, to show solidarity with each other. In this context, in 1769 in Fenwick, East Ayrshire, United Kingdom, the first documented consumer cooperative was born. Its origin goes back to the Weavers' Society when its members began to market a large sack of oats at a significant discount in a small cottage
Over the years, the cooperative movement was consolidated and by 1830 there were hundreds of cooperatives, many of which are still thriving today.
Due to its rise and constant growth, in 1844 the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers established the "Rochdale Principles" , an elementary base that was updated until it reached those that currently regulate the development and growth of the modern cooperative movement.
Cooperative principles
Established by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in 1995, in the city of Geneva.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Democratic control of members
Financial participation of members
Autonomy and Independence
Education, training, and information
Cooperation among cooperatives
Community concern
Global Digital Branding
Cooperative brand
It consists of a new visual identity that distinguishes cooperatives worldwide, with the aim of increasing their visibility and providing a professional and contemporary representation.
Launched in 2013, it was the first significant change in image in almost 100 years. Under this new image, it seeks to give unity to the cooperative objectives and provide homogeneity in its promotion.
Dominio .coop
On the Internet, both on websites and in e-mails, the ".coop" domain makes it possible to distinguish a cooperative from any other business model.
The use of it facilitates the identification of the community, collaborating in the sense of belonging and providing integration at a glance.
