Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of ownership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their owners, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Those serving as elected representatives are accountable to the ownership. In primary cooperatives, owners have equal voting rights (one owner, one vote), and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.

Owners contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Owners usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of ownership. Owners allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting owners in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the ownership.

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their owners. 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 owners and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

Cooperatives provide education and training for their owners, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Cooperatives serve their owners most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their owners.

In addition to the seven international cooperative principles, the food co-ops of National Co+op Grocers have chosen to incorporate an eighth principle: diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cooperatives believe we are stronger when a proactive effort is put forth to engage everyone in governance, management, and representation.