About Co-Operatives

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CONTENTS

Definition of a Co-operative
The Co-operative Principles
The Rights of Members
The Member and the Co-operative
Essential steps in organizing a Co-operative Society
Junior Co-operative Programme

For further information contact any officer of the Co-operative Division.

TELEPHONE

PORT OF SPAIN 623-8850/
(Head Office) 623-6572

SAN FERNANDO 652-3738

SIPARIA 649-2481

RIO CLARO 644-2277

SANGRE GRANDE 668-2643

TOBAGO 639-3421
(House of Assembly)

DEFINITION OF A CO-OPERATIVE

The following definition of co-operatives is contained in the 1995 Statement:

"A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic and social needs through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Co-operatives are joined together locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in federations, alliances and other joint undertakings so that they can meet member needs most effectively".

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THE CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLES


MEMBERSHIP

The primary purpose of co-operatives is to serve their members in a prudent and effective manner. Co-operatives are opened on a voluntary basis, without political, religious, gender or social discrimination, to all who can contribute to, and benefit from, their activities.


DEMOCRACY

Co-operatives are democratic and participatory organizations actively controlled by their members.


FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION

Members contribute equitably to the capital of their co-operative and share in the results of its operation.


EDUCATION

Co-operatives foster reciprocal, ongoing educational programs for members, leaders and employees, so they can teach and learn from each other, in understanding and carrying out their respective roles. Co-operatives have a responsibility to inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature of the co-operative movement.


CO-OPERATION AMONG CO-OPERATIVES

In order to best serve the interests of their members and their communities, co-operatives actively co-operate in every practical way with other co-operatives locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.


AUTONOMY

Co-operatives are autonomous, mutual-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with governments and other organizations, they do so freely, on mutually acceptable terms, which ensure their autonomy.


COMMUNITY

Co-operatives are concerned about the communities in which they exist. While focusing on member needs, they strive for the sustainable development of those communities through policies that are respectful of the environment and acceptable to the membership.

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THE RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

  • The right to be informed on all matters pertaining to the society.
  • The right to be heard on all points by those who are going to vote on the points under discussion.
  • The right to attend general meetings.
  • The right to vote at general meetings on all matters to be determined.
  • The right to nominate members to the various committees or board of the society.
  • The right to be nominated to the various committees or board of the society.
  • The right to be elected to the committees or board of the society.
  • The right to elect other members to the various committees or board of the society.
  • The right to call with other members for a special general meeting.
  • The right to apply for the services of the society.
  • The right to demand that the society, where its rules provide, accept deposits from him/her.
  • The right to exemption from attachment of his/her shares or interest in the society.
  • The right to transfer his/her shares.
  • The right to appoint nominees.
  • The right to be given a share in the surplus or distribution to the membership.
  • The right to appeal to the general meeting against decisions by the Board of Directors on the ground that the decision is not in accordance with the rules, or harsh and oppressive.
  • The right to appeal to the Commissioner against decisions by the Board of Directors.
  • The right to appeal against the Commissioner's order to cancel registration of the society.
  • The right to withdraw or resign if he/she disagrees with the decisions of the majority.
  • The right to be protected at all times.
  • The right to examine the books of the society.
  • The right to enjoy these rights.

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THE MEMBER AND THE CO-OPERATIVE

WHAT YOU GIVE:

  • Time by attending meetings and participating in the co-operative's activities
  • Patronage by buying from and selling to the co-operative.
  • Capital by purchasing shares.
  • Your vote on decisions to run the co-operative.
  • Voluntary service by assisting in activities and serving on committees.
  • Encouragement to others to join the co-operative.
  • Loyalty and commitment to the co-operative philosophy.

WHAT YOU GET:
  • Variety, quality, fair weight and measurement.
  • Ownership in the co-operative.
  • Patronage refund on business done with the Co-operative.
  • Dividends on your shares.
  • Loans at reasonable rates of interest.
  • The right to have your suggestion considered.
  • Courtesy and prompt attention - good service.
  • Consumer information - how to spend wisely.
  • Competitive prices.
  • Attractive shops and displays.
  • Social and cultural activities.

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ESSENTIAL STEPS IN ORGANIZING A CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

A co-operative society is a business owned and controlled by people, who use it and who have equal say in its operations. It is operated for service and not for profit.

Because of its peculiar character and form, the organization of a 'co-operative enterprise' calls for this special treatment and approach.

  1. Preliminary work
  2. Educational programme
  3. Organizational work
  4. Setting up the business

Step 1 - Preliminary Work:

A survey must be undertaken with the objective of identifying:-

  • Real economic need for the proposed business enterprise.
  • Potential membership.
  • Minimum volume of business necessary for economic operation.
  • Co-operative minded individuals to provide local leadership.

Step 2 - Educational Programme:

The objectives of this educational programme are:-

  • To develop a deep understand of the philosophy and principles of co-operatives.
  • To teach participants how to analyze their own problems and how to tackle them on the basis of co-operative principles and philosophy.
  • To give participants a detailed knowledge of co-operative management and control.
  • To develop the idea of the co-operative society as an important institution in the whole community.
  • To stimulate participants to such a degree that their participation will be dynamic, intelligent and effective.

Step 3 - Organizational work:

This step begins with the appointment of an organizing committee. After a group of participants large and representative enough, have received the necessary education, and have freely decided to start the organization of a co-operative, they meet and appoint an organizing committee.

It is essential that, by this time, a sufficient number of good leaders are ready to take the society into their own hands and members should make the best possible selection of them.

The organizing committee is responsible for three major activities :-

  • The development of suitable bye-laws for the registration of the co-operative.
  • The preparation of plans for the setting up of the business of the co-operative.
  • Recruiting members of the co-operative society.

Step 4 - Setting up the Business:

During this step, the organizing committee takes action for the setting up of business activities:-

  • The accumulation of capital.
  • The selection of business premises.
  • The selection of a manager and supporting staff.
  • The establishment of policies, procedures and methods of operations.
  • The supervision and internal control systems.

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JUNIOR CO-OPERATIVE PROGRAMME

What is a Junior Co-operative?

A Junior Co-operative is a children's saving and investment society.

It is organised among the pupils of a school to encourage the habit of thrift, to give its members ample opportunity for expressing themselves.

It equips them to be better able to live in the world outside after leaving school.

In other words, the Junior Co-operative Society provides excellent training in good citizenship and leadership.

Children who join a Junior Co-operative Society are at an advantage for it is a real school of human development, citizenship and democracy.

Do You Know That:

  • The systematic organization of Junior Co-operatives started in France over 75 years ago?
  • Junior Co-operatives were recognized in Trinidad and Tobago on June 18, 1952?
  • In 1955 Junior Co-operatives were organized in 34 schools in Trinidad and Tobago, as a pilot project.

Become a Member

  1. Fill out an application form. Remember you are a minor, let your parent or guardian sign the form.
  2. Take it to your teacher/guide.
  3. After approval, pay entrance fees and buy shares.

Participate

  • Attend Annual General Meeting.
  • Elect Board of Directors who act on your behalf

Be Loyal

  • Continue to buy shares
  • Encourage other students to join

Know Your Roots

  • Study the Co-ops Societies Act, Regulations and your Bye-Laws
  • Examine your financial statements and other documents
  • Understand your rights as a member
  • Request other information from your Board and Teacher Guide

Junior Co-operative Pledge

I pledge to support my Junior Co-operative Society,
to save regularly and patronize any project which
we may operate.

I pledge to be be a loyal member and work with fellow
members to develop our Junior Co-operative movement
and our country. I will accept my responsibilities and
carry out my duties with verve and sincerity. In this way
I will safeguard my rights.

While I watch my savings increase I will endeavour
to help my society observe the International
Co-operative Principles and demonstrate the
International Co-operative Motto which states:

"Each for all and all for each"

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