SGCC Statement of Principles

The page is to draft a Statement of Principles for the Sheba Green Cleaning Co-operative.

Sheba Green Cleaning Co-Operative (SGCC) Statement of Co-operative Principles
This statement of our principles establishes our “Co-operative Identity". We hope that having this document available will help people know what we stand for and how we operate.

Definition
Per the International Co-operative Alliance, a "co-operative" is defined as: an autonomous association of persons, united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. The Sheba Green Cleaning Co-operative (SBCC) and all of its members are in agreement with this vision and the following principles.

Values
The Sheba Green Cleaning Cooperative {SGCC} is founded upon these values; self-help, solidarity, fairness, honesty, and mutual respect. We embrace the social values of equality, democracy, social responsibility, tolerance, and mutual care.

Principles
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which we put our values into practice. See also, the [Detailed Policies and Procedures].

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
The SBCC is a voluntary, inclusive organization, 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.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
The SGCC is a democratic organization controlled by its members, who actively participate in making decisions and setting SBCC policies. Members serving the organization are accountable to the membership. Co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).

3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation
SGCC members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital and other assets and resources of the co-operative. Assets, including capital and other resources, are considered common property of the co-operative. Members receive equal pay for equal time served. For startup costs and time, members have agreed to account for the investment and that as resources become available, founding members will be compensated, on an equal pay for equal time basis. Any reserves, or “profits” may be allocated, by consensus decision, to members in proportion to their transactions with and investment in the co-operative; other activities will be approved by the membership.

Members will consider potential new members, as described in the SGCC Process for Becoming a Member.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence
The SGC is an autonomous, self-help organisation controlled by our members. If the SBCC enters into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raises capital from external sources, it will do so only upon terms that ensure democratic control by its members and maintain its co-operative autonomy.

5th Principle: Education, Training and Information
SGCC provides education and training for its members, so they can contribute effectively to the development of the co-operative. SGCC informs the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

6th Principle: Co-operation among Co-operatives
SGCC serves its members most effectively and strengthens the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7th Principle: Concern for Community
SGCC works for the sustainable development of its communities through policies approved by its members. We endorse the principles of the "Triple Bottom Line" and the "Three Pillars" of sustainable business strategy, defined as as a strategy that pursues social, economic, and environmental sustainability, not merely financial profit, but social and envoronmental factors as well.

Provided, for reference, here is the Wikipedia entry for[sustainability], which is a model for sustainable development. And here is the corresponding "Triple Bottom Line" Wikipedia entry for the[3 Pillars of Sustainability]. Sheba does not endorse these specific Wikipedia entries, because they change with time. But supports the general concept and puts the links here for your convenience.

8th Principle: Responsibility to Other Members
SGCC believes in accountability to each other, and believes that each member has the responsibility to do what he/she promises, pursue high quality work, and respect each other, the environment, other humans, and the community. SGCC asks for the mutual respect and accountability of each member; and, that each member owes the others faithfulness to their word, to their committments, and to the quality of their work.

For details on the basis for this document, see http://www.ica.coop/coop/principles.html

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