Co-operative Enterprises build a better world. A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. Values Co-operatives are based on the values of 1. self-help, 2. self-responsibility, 3. democracy, 4. equality, 5. equity and 6. solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.