How can a cooperative control itself and not be beholden to anyone else? Can it? How can cooperatives ensure their independence when they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources?

In this episode, Kevin, Cinar and Larry discuss the 4th Rochdale Principle, Autonomy and independence
"Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy."

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.