CDI fully supports the following statement of values and principles adopted by the
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):

Definition:
A cooperative is 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.

Values:
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility,  democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their  founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty,  openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

Principles:
The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their  values into practice.

   1st Principle:  Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives 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.

    2nd  Principle:  Democratic member Control
Cooperatives 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 cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one  vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

    3rd  Principle: Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of  their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common  property of the cooperative. They 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 the  cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would  be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with  the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

    4th  Principle: Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their  members. If they enter into 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 cooperative autonomy.

    5th Principle: Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected  representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively  to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public -  particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and  benefits of cooperation.

    6th Principle: Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the  cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional,  and international structures.

    7th Principle: Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable  development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.