| What is a co-operative? |
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 A co-operative is an organization owned by the members who use its services. Co-operatives can provide virtually any product or service, and can be either a non-profit or for-profit enterprise.
Co-operatives exist in every sector of the economy and can touch every aspect of our lives. You can be born in a health care co-op and buried by a funeral co-op. In between you can work in a worker's co-op, live in a housing co-op, buy your groceries, clothing and other items from retail co-ops, send your children to a child care co-op, do all your banking at a credit union, and purchase your insurance from an insurance co-op.
Co-ops and credit unions provide consumers with a distinct values-based and community-owned and controlled alternative. Unlike the private, public, or voluntary sectors, all co-operatives around the world are guided by the same seven principles:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training, and information
- Co-operation among co-operatives
- Concern for community
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