It can be added that cooperatives put the notion of service before that of profit.

Una cooperativa es una empresa democrática y de propiedad colectiva, integrada por personas que se unen voluntariamente para atender necesidades económicas, sociales, ambientales y culturales bajo los valores de la economía social y solidaria.

Agregar"aspiracioens y necesidades economica, ambientales, sociales. y culturales bajo los valores de la economia social y solidaria.

Tip: Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity, and transparency. Following the tradition of their founders, members of cooperatives believe in the ethical values of honesty and social responsibility. Take the value of Transparency, wherever the world walks.. with Seven Principles and feel fundamental values,

7th principal Community Engagement. As relates to: 2 Principal Democratic control - Cooperatives at other levels. A housing coop where in every unit may have 1 owner/share holder is there no leeway that additional residents (3) must become shareholders while they are not owners. Could they instead sign agreement to policies and rules (the same as the shareholders sign) while as well providing support to the COOP. Such as in the case of multi generational families/eldercare. I considered this as a forward looking submission with consideration towards an aging population not able to age in place due to physical limitations and how it relates to Community Engagement. Specifically with regards to the well-being of the COOP communities and their sustainable future. Its nice to espouse all the benefits/values of a Cooperative but if our youth or families don't get exposure to coops or are cautious of being involved with them - then there is no community involvement or self promotion(attempt at back filling). On the surface, the only value the shareholder designation provides is the ability to vote, the ability to be heard at meetings, ownership. I don't know how pertinent this might be towards the discussion. But It is what I am observing in the real world, people moving in in their old age then passing on and the next old ones moving in. They have lovely homes with room for 4, but normally there is only 2 people and eventually down to 1 then then none. While the boards of the coop seem to to focus on the status quo and even limiting occupation to below whats allowed. Rigidity to an outdated model with lack of flexibility will be a challenge to survival. Just as it is everywhere. Thanks.