If you want to belong to a democratic organization that is owned and controlled by the people who use its services, an organization that can successfully compete in the marketplace without abandoning the values and principles that set it apart from other businesses, and an organization that returns its profits to the community, then you share many of the same values and priorities as the millions of people around the world who are already members of co-operatives and credit unions.

Co-operatives and credit unions recognize the importance of people and communities defining their own needs and working together to meet those needs. They are a powerful and democratic way to put decision-making into the hands of those who need and use the services. Co-operatives and credit unions are directed locally and invested in locally. Surplus profits are returned to the members and, therefore, remain within the community. (source: www.coopscanada.coop)

to learn more on cooperatives, please visit these websites

Cooperatives Secretariat (www.coops.gc.ca)

http://www.coop.gc.ca/COOP/display-afficher.do?id=1232039752820&lang=eng

Canadian Co-operative Association http://www.coopscanada.coop/en/about_cca/About-CCA

British Columbia Co-operative Association http://bcca.coop/

B.C. Institute for Cooperative Studies http://www.bcics.coop/

Coop Zone http://www.coopzone.coop/en/home

One Filipino Cooperative of British Columbia is guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles.

SEVEN CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

The following seven internationally accepted Co-operative Principles help shape One Filco-Op's business decisions and governance, setting us apart from other financial institutions.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic Member Control 
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.

3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes. developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter to agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.

5. Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

6. Co-operation among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.