The ICA Principles

The ICA Principles are a set of guidelines that promote the values and ethics of cooperatives worldwide. They emphasize voluntary membership, democratic control, member economic participation, autonomy, education, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. These principles help ensure that cooperatives operate fairly and transparently, empowering members to make decisions together, share benefits, and contribute positively to their communities. Essentially, they serve as a framework to support cooperative organizations in achieving their goals while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility.