Cooperatives and their social function
As every year, on the first Saturday of July we commemorate the International Day of Cooperatives, an opportunity to celebrate and remember the important role they play in the business fabric and in society. Cooperatives are more than just businesses. They are organizations whose main objective is to satisfy the economic and social needs of its members, promoting equity and collective well-being. Through collaboration, democratic participation and solidarity, cooperatives become powerful tools to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life of the communities in which they operate. In this article, we will explore the social function of cooperatives and how they contribute to economic and social progress.
1. Cooperative principles that promote the social function: Cooperatives are governed by a series of fundamental principles that guide their operation. These principles, established by the International Cooperative Alliance, include voluntary and open membership, democratic control by members, economic participation of members, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, cooperation between cooperatives and interest in the community. These principles ensure that cooperatives focus on collective well-being and sustainable development.
2. Employment generation and local development: Cooperatives play a crucial role in employment generation and local development. By being owned and controlled by their members, cooperatives create job opportunities and contribute to the economic stability of communities. In addition, cooperatives tend to reinvest their profits locally, thus strengthening the economy and promoting sustainable development in the region.
3. Reduction of inequalities and empowerment of members: Cooperatives promote equality and empowerment of their members. By making decisions democratically and ensuring the active participation of all members, cooperatives promote equity and avoid the disproportionate concentration of power and wealth. This helps to reduce social and economic inequalities, allowing each member to have a say in matters that affect the cooperative and their community.
4. Equitable access to goods and services: Cooperatives strive to ensure equitable access to essential goods and services. By operating under the principle of mutual benefit, cooperatives seek to meet the needs of their members at fair and affordable prices. This is especially important in areas where the availability of basic services may be limited or where people face economic barriers.
5. Commitment to the community and sustainable development: Cooperatives have a deep-rooted commitment to their community and the environment. Being based on values of solidarity and social responsibility, cooperatives seek to have a positive impact on their environment. This implies supporting community initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and respect for natural resources. Cooperatives become engines of social change by promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life
Since its inception, Unexport has opted to develop the cooperative model, and we are very grateful to our partners for their dedication and commitment. Happy International Day of Cooperatives!