The Rochdale Principles of Cooperation Open, voluntary membership. Membership in a cooperative society should be voluntary and available without artificial restriction or social, political, racial or religious discrimination, to all persons who can make use of its services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. Co-ops strive to break down society's prejudices. This principle does not prohibit student-only membership, however.
Cooperative societies are democratic organizations.
Their affairs should be administered by persons elected or appointed in a manner agreed to by the members and accountable to the members. Members should enjoy equal rights of voting and participation in decisions affecting the co-op. No member has greater control than any other. Limited return, if any, on equity capital. Share capital should receive a strictly limited rate of interest.