The primary mission of the Co-op is to operate a financially sound retail grocery store serving the near east side community of Madison. Cooperatives operate according to seven basic principles. In 1995, the ICA restated, expanded and adopted the 1966 principles to guide cooperative organizations into the 21st Century. Open to all without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination. One member, one vote.
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative.
The economic benefits of a cooperative operation are returned to the members, reinvested in the co-op, or used to provide member services. Cooperatives provide education and training for members so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation. While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members. As with many new wave co-ops, Willy Street was influenced in its early years by the social and cultural forces of the 1960's and 1970's.