The Housing Committee of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) has discussed possibilities of assistance for Co-ops in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and Slovakia. Unconditional assistance was offered unanimously by all Committee members: "We have established a network, and we are happy that it will be integrated with ICA Europe", said Mr. Jens Heiser, Vice-president of Housing Committee and a member of the ICA Board.
While the problems of Housing Co-ops and their development in the Americas and Asia were discussed, the committee laid more stress on principles. Housing Co-operatives pursue their aims and give expression to their values by acting on the following principles: open and voluntary membership, members' economic participation, commitment to service, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, Co-operation among Co-operatives and concern for the community and future generations.
Dr. Claus Hachmann, chairman of the Housing Committee, stressed the importance of democratic control by members. Ownership of a housing co-operative should rest with those who use its services. Members should have equal voting rights and be encouraged to participate in their Co-operative. Members should contribute fairly to the capital of their housing co-operative and share fairly in the results of its operation. The Co-operative should allocate surpluses in such a way that no member gains inappropriately at the expense of another.
The ICA has again taken the lead by reaffirming its commitment to community development through a landmark step of including "concern for community and future generations" as the new seventh principle of Co-operation.
Krzysztof Tomaszewski and Sami Monier, 1995