Cooperatives (also called co-ops) are a form of business ownership that is practiced all over the world. The most common types of cooperatives are worker-owned and consumer-owned. Most cooperatives adhere to seven principles:
Voluntary and Open Membership
Democratic Member Control
Member Economic Participation
Autonomy and Independance
Education, Training and Information
Co-operation among Co-operatives
Concern for Community
Co-ops include:
Agricultural: farms, feed suppliers, and seed banks.
Computer and Internet: ISPs, web hosting, and computer design collectives
Energy: utility companies and power providers
Financial: banks, credit unions, investors, insurers, and mortgage brokers
Food Cooperatives: health-food stores and bulk food sharing programs
Housing: housing cooperatives and intentional communities.
Visual Arts: groups of artists, both living and working together.
Last update : 2003-07-05 15:25:41
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