Identity, Values and Principles

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Pitchforkd exists as a platform to enable communities of all kinds to organize, promote, fund, and create cooperatives.

A cooperative 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. 

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. 

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training, and Information
6. Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives
7. Concern for Community

Founded in 1895, the International Cooperative Alliance unites, represents, and serves cooperatives globally, visit them here: https://www.ica.coop/en