The 7 Cooperative Principles serve as a guide for worker-owned organizations like Up & Go, allowing us to put our values into action.
- Voluntary membership: Anyone who is willing to accept the responsibilities of co-op membership and who wishes to use the services of a cooperative is welcome to become a member.
- Democratic member control: Co-ops are controlled by their members. Members have control over setting policies for the co-op and making decisions for the cooperative.
- Member economic participation: Members contribute to the capital of the co-op democratically and equitably. Most of the capital of a co-op remains the property of the co-op and isn’t redistributed to members.
- Autonomy and independence: Co-ops are meant to be autonomous and democratically controlled, meaning they aren’t subject to control by outside organizations.
- Education, training and information: A cooperative provides education and training to members and board members to allow them to contribute to the development of the co-op. Cooperatives also seek to inform and educate the public about the mission and operation of a co-op.
- Cooperation among cooperatives: Co-ops often work together, creating regional, national and international structures that help to improve the community and create a better world.
- Concern for community: The policies approved by the members of a cooperative should help to develop the community around the co-op in a sustainable way.
Source: NCBA CLUSA, https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/what-is-a-co-op/
In accordance with the principles listed above, worker-owned cooperatives are an innovative model for providing high-quality services that both workers and customers can feel good about. At Up & Go, our pricing is transparent and our cleaning professionals are paid fairly. As owners and decision-makers in their business, Up & Go cleaners are uniquely committed to leaving your space sparkling, every time.
