For Dakota Electric Association, this season encourages reflection, and our greatest gratitude goes to our amazing community. We are fortunate to live in the same area where we work, strengthening our bond with this community.
You may recall It’s a Matter of (Co-op) Principles: Part 1 covered the first three Cooperative Principles. We want to share the remaining four principles with you in part two. The Cooperative Principles are vital to the co-op business model and benefit all members.
Autonomy and Independence
The fourth principle, Autonomy and Independence, means that the co-op operates independently, guided solely by its members, reflecting the values and needs of our local community. This means the co-op isn’t controlled by owners or shareholders far away. Instead, it is run by the local members it serves.
Education and Training
The fifth principle, Education and Training, highlights the importance of enhancing the knowledge of co-op employees and board members, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the co-op’s growth.
By investing in ongoing learning for our employees and board members, our co-op commits to personal growth, the co-op’s future, and the high-quality service our members expect and deserve. It’s a win-win situation.
We also aim to inform our members (that’s you!) and the public about the co-op’s mission and operations. That’s why you receive Circuits — to share the latest co-op news, updates, and energy efficiency and safety tips.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperation among cooperatives is the sixth principle and encourages how cooperatives work together to address larger challenges. While this principle applies to all cooperatives, it is especially important in the energy sector. We put this principle into practice after major storms and disasters that cause widespread power outages. When this happens, we call on nearby cooperatives to assist with restoration efforts—and we offer the same help to them when they need it. We can’t think of a better example of cooperation among cooperatives.
Additionally, because we are part of the national electric co-op network, we can collaborate with other electric co-ops to tackle industry challenges like cybersecurity and the evolving energy landscape.
Concern for Community
The seventh principle, Concern for Community, is vital to our identity as cooperatives. We serve our community not just by providing essential services, but also by helping to grow our local economy. Whether through economic development, volunteer efforts, or donations to local causes, we invest in this community because it’s our home too.
You’ll find that most cooperatives bring good people together to make good things happen in the community. We hope you feel that way about us, your local electric co-op.
Article provided by NRECA
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.
