Imagine what our state would be like without electric cooperatives.
As it was 75 years ago and still is today, electric cooperatives play a vital role in North Dakota’s economy and local communities. Electric co-ops were built by and belong to the members we serve. We are united in a common goal – improving quality of life for cooperative members. Electric cooperatives do this by both supporting communities and the people we serve and providing safe, affordable and reliable electric service.
I recently read an article in which a large national food distributor proclaimed its “big step” toward reducing its carbon footprint.
This company, to remain nameless, declared it would maximize supply chain efficiencies and make significant progress toward its environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals by dramatically reducing its fleet mileage.
“When food is traveling fewer miles, everyone wins,” the company said.
Sounds good, right? Everyone wins! Or do we?
Hold that thought.
As you grow older, time seems to speed up.
Did you, like me, hear that phrase spoken when you were growing up? I’m really starting to understand it now.
It is hard to believe we are entering the last month of 2021. Soon, another year will pass. Several thoughts race through my mind. I make mental notes of the dozens of things left to do, both at work and at home. (Heck, I haven’t even tuned up the snowblower yet, I remind myself.)
We take care of each other. That’s it!
The we-take-care-of-each-other mindset, in my opinion, must be present for teams, organizations, cooperatives, communities, groups, families or even society to be successful.
As I was reflecting on this theme, I did what any inquisitive mind might do: I “Googled” it. And guess what, my search revealed a quote from someone I greatly admire and respect – who sadly passed away a mere day before I wrote this editorial – Gen. Colin Powell.
I have a challenge, or two, for our readers this month. (Or maybe a “dare” sounds more intriguing?)
As you wait with bated breath, let me say that October is Co-op Month. We celebrate the drive all cooperatives share for serving their members and helping our communities thrive.
This brings me to my first challenge: Tell one person what it means to be a co-op member. (Bonus points if you tell more than one person.)
I ponder the different conditions seen over generations. The periods of growth, good and hard times, the relief of a much-needed rain, or the hardship after a storm and times of drought. I think of the thousands who have gone elsewhere, but bring a piece of rural life to the places they now call home.
What I admire most is that for more than three-quarters of a century, cooperatives have stood beside their members through it all.
Do you ever have those moments? The ones that grab you and make you beam with pride, when you realize something important and meaningful has happened.
I had this epiphany recently. I realized, “Dang, the people in our co-ops ‘get it.’” (I know, I get paid to say that, but really, they do “get it.”) And they put their money where their mouths are, so to speak.
Our co-ops invest in their communities and their people. Not only the people of today, but looking forward, toward tomorrow and their future communities, members and workforce.
The BSC lineworker training program provides a great introduction to this critical trade, but completing the program is just the beginning. Learning continues throughout a lineworker’s career, both on the job and with advanced technical and safety training. Continuing education, training and safety programs are offered in special schools and by organizations like ours, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). NDAREC hosts a safety training program for the state’s electric cooperative workforce.
Today, I am a parent to young wrestlers, and I’m also a “dance dad.” Both of these sports join a long list of extracurricular activities available to youth through schools and clubs that teach valuable life lessons and build character, but don’t always grab the headlines.
No matter the activity, whether it be athletics, music, speech, drama, student government, a service club, or you name it – each has an appeal and a community of committed folks that teach, inspire and help others belong.
