What is a Co-op?
The following is an extract from : www.ica.coop/coop/principles.html with extra explanations showing how BrightKidz (Safe Kids Walking Ltd) applies the principles.
Definition
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 self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, 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.
Principles
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.
1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
For BrightKidz: All employees have the chance to become members after a minimum period but do not have to.
2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their 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 also organised in a democratic manner.
For BrightKidz: Each member can vote for directors at the annual general meeting (up to 15 directors can be elected). Members can be elected to the board after one year of membership. The Board of Directors make the strategic decisions in the business and have some legal responsibilities.
3rd 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 receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
For BrightKidz: Through the elected Board of Directors, members have a say in where any profit goes, but it must be spent on activities BrightKidz supports (sustainable transport, active lifestyles or road safety initiatives) or put aside to help our organisation grow.
All the money used to start the business came from grants and loans (including directors' loans).
Although each Member automatically owns a share in the company their share cannot be sold and they cannot receive dividends (this is called 'common ownership') so they do not get a share of any profits.
If the co-operative is wound up with assets remaining these will be distributed to other co-operative organisations. If the co-operative is wound up with no assets remaining, members pay £1 which is a token liability. Most members have an 'economic interest' in BrightKidz doing well because we get salaries for our work.
4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter to agreements with other organisations, 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.
For BrightKidz: If we have partnerships or agreements with other organisations or governments, or if we apply for any loans this is agreed by the Board (elected members).
5th Principle: Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
For BrightKidz: 
Staff are encouraged to go on relevant training courses to increase their skills for their jobs.
We run educational projects, eg promoting road safety and walk to school schemes. We take part in events such as 'Social Enterprise day'.
We provide online and printed information on being safe and seen and on walk to school schemes.
6th 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.
For BrightKidz: our preferred suppliers are other co-operatives, eg we buy some of our garment manufacturing services from a co-operative, we use the Co-operative Bank and we get loan funding from Co-operative Action. 
We are proud to supply the Co-operative Group with fluorescent, reflective products for their scheme to promote Walking Buses within schools in the UK. We provide discounts to childcare co-operatives who purchase our products.
7th Principle: Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
For BrightKidz: the main thing we do is encourage more walking to school and make children more visible to traffic. This has social, environmental, health, educational and safety benefits for everyone in the long term (which means it's sustainable)
