1970
The distinctive VICTO logo is symbolic of the center’s whole ethos.
The center square depicts VICTO as an institution committed to promote characterized by self reliance, mutual assistance, democracy, justice, and nationalism. The circle itself symbolizes what VICTO aims to achieve: Total Human Development. The four quarter circles highlight VICTO’s management roles as: a social development agency, people’s movement, business enterprises and internal affairs. The horizontal lines represent the center’s lines the center’s linkage with the society and other institutions as well as uniting people in the visayas through the co-operatives movement. They represent the center of various programs and services which are designated to assist the co-operatives. The vertical lines highlight the promotion, development and integration of the co-operative movement.
Why Co-ops? The center square depicts VICTO as an institution committed to promote characterized by self reliance, mutual assistance, democracy, justice, and nationalism.
They could not have known it when they started in 1844, but the 28 weavers in Rochdale, England who decided to pool their resources and open a store, were the pioneers for what today is a world-wide phenomenon: co-operatives. The weavers were motivated by a single dream: to control their own lives.
The weavers lived in appalling conditions. They were caught in catch-22 situation because the shops were often owned by their employers. Faced with little or no choice, the weavers had to buy poor quality food at high prices.
Then one day they decided to open their own store. There was one big problem though: individually, they did not have enough money to start. Inspired by teachings of Robert owen, they decided to pool their resources. Each person contributed a small amount of money.
Then one day they decided to open their own store. There was one big problem though: individually, they did not have enough money to start. Inspired by teachings of Robert owen, they decided to pool their resources. Each person contributed a small amount of money.
The Cooperative Identity, Values and Principles
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) celebrated the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Rochdale pioneers’ co-operative in 1994. To commemorate the event - and more accurately reflect the membership of the movement (85 percent of ICA members are based in emerging economies) - a new statement on the co-operative identity was written.
The statement defined a co-operatives as “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”.
The co-operative values are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
The seven co-operatives principles are guidelines put their values into practice.
First principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntarily organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without gender, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Second principle: Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members who actively participate in setting 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 organized in democratic manner.
Third principle: Member
Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital
of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the
common property of the co-operative. Members usually received limited
compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as condition of membership.
Members allocate surpluses for any of the following purposes:
developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of
which at least would be indivisible; benefitting members in proportion
to their transaction with the co-operative; and, supporting others
activities supported by the membership.
Fourth principle: Autonomy
and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self- help organization controlled by
their members. If they enter into agreement with other organizations,
including government, or raise capital from external sources, they do so
on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain
their co-operative autonomy.
Fifth principle: Education,
Training and Information
Co-operative provide education and training for their members, elected
representative, managers and employees, so they can contribute
effectively to the development of co-operatives. They inform the general
public- particularly young people and also leaders- about the nature
and benefits of co-operation.
Sixth
principle: Co-operation Among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the
co-operative movement by working together through local, national,
regional and international structures.
Seventh principle: Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for sustainable development of their communities
through policies approved by their members.