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 Co-operative (SBCC) is based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, respect, accountability, and solidarity. In the tradition of the founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Principles

The co-operative principles are guidelines by which we put our values into practice.

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership

The SBCC is a voluntary, inclusive organisation, 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).

{Question; what are "responsibilities of membership"?}

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.

{Joe Question; is there a provision for "newcomer" status for members, "provisional membership", what provision for "buy-in", what circumstances for asking a member to separate from the coop? Terra: I posed this to Mark from Community Builders. He's supposed to send us his docs, so we can see how they handle the process for achieving full membership}

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 organisations, 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.

{question; do we want to insert a definition of the "3 pillars " of sustainablitiy??

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

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