Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some are based on shared interests or hobbies, and some communities can even be found in virtual spaces like social media groups. Regardless of where or how they are formed, communities can bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Meeker Cooperative is deeply committed to our members and subscribers, and we’re glad you are part of the electric cooperative community.
This October, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the U.S. are celebrating National Co-op Month. It’s a time to reflect on all the aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses, but more importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the power of co-op membership.
Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities that are built by the communities they serve. For Meeker Cooperative our mission has always been to provide you with reliable power. We care about your quality of life, and because we are locally operated, we’re uniquely suited to meet our members’ evolving energy needs.
Beyond the business of electricity, our employees and directors are equally invested in our local community. Meeker’s expansion into the broadband business was in response to an identified unmet need of its members. Why? Because we live here, too. 03-35-401 That’s why we work hard to support local economic development projects, youth programs and scholarships, charitable giving initiatives and additional programs that make our community a better place to call home.
All co-ops, including Meeker Cooperative, are guided by seven cooperative principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These seven principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose:
- Open and Voluntary Membership: Co-op membership is open to anyone who can use its services, with no barriers or restrictions, allowing all who benefit to join and support its mission of providing reliable energy and community support.
- Democratic Member Control: Members actively shape the co-op by participating in its decision-making processes, reflecting the essence of co-ops being created by the members, for the members. Members exercise this control by electing directors from each of our 9 districts, ensuring that the leadership truly represents our membership.
- Members’ Economic Participation: Members contribute financially to the co-op, which ensures it runs efficiently both now and in the future. At Meeker Cooperative, this happens primarily through paying your energy bills. Your contributions are reinvested in maintaining and improving the co-op’s infrastructure, ensuring reliable services and long-term sustainability for all members.
- Autonomy and Independence: Co-ops are independent, member-controlled organizations. This autonomy allows them to make decisions that best serve their members without outside interference. At Meeker Cooperative, this independence lets us tailor services to meet the unique needs of our community, ensuring every decision benefits our members.
- Education, Training, and Information: Co-ops prioritize education to ensure employees have the training and information they need to help the co-op succeed. At Meeker Cooperative, we also extend this commitment to our members and communities through initiatives such as Co-op 101, VIBRANT University, and Safety Demonstrations, which provide valuable knowledge on Co-op operations, broadband services, and safety practices.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Co-ops believe in supporting and learning from one another. By sharing resources and expertise, co-ops help each other thrive, particularly during times of need. For example, we provide mutual aid to other co-ops during storms and assist with information sharing on electric and broadband-related topics, ensuring that all co-ops can continue delivering essential services to their members.
- Concern for Community: Every cooperative is deeply rooted in the well-being of its local community. Co-ops are dedicated to giving back and fostering growth and development within their communities. One way Meeker Cooperative does this is through Operation Round Up, where members voluntarily round up their bills to the nearest dollar. These funds are then pooled together to support local non-profit and charitable organizations, making a positive impact on our community and helping those in need.
This October, as we celebrate National Co-op Month and the power of membership, we hope you will recognize the many aspects that set electric cooperatives apart. Our focus is reliable power. Our purpose is people––the local communities we’re proud to serve.