Cooperatives must be democratic, but what does that mean? What form of democracy is best, and how do workers transition from mere workers and into democratic owners?

In this episode, Kevin, Cinar and Larry discuss the 2nd Rochdale Principle, Democratic Member Control
"Co-operatives 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 co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner." 

These principles were first written in 1844 and were adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 1937. Learn more about these principles on the website of the International Cooperative Alliance and the ICA's Guidance Notes to the Co-operative Principles.