Cooperative Living February 2021 - 31

Co-opPrinciples | by Curtis Wynn, Contributing Columnist
Providing fair
access to services
for all people
Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion
These three values form the bedrock
of cooperative principles
makes a tremendous
difference.
E
lectric cooperatives were formed to bring equity to rural
Americans who were being left out of the electricity
movement. Back then, these members were excluded
from an essential service because of where they lived.
Today, many disparities persist between rural and urban
America. The same can be said for different ethnic and
socioeconomic groups in our own communities. Co-ops
have a role to play in each case.
Now is the time to reflect on and reexamine our
commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, how it
correlates to our cooperative principles and how we can
improve the quality of life for our members and communities.
OPEN TO ALL
Open and voluntary membership is fundamental to the
cooperative model. America's electric cooperatives were built
by and belong to the diverse communities and the memberowners
we serve.
Membership is open to everyone in our service territory,
regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity,
language, political perspective or socioeconomic status.
We don't exclude people.
We can demonstrate this principle even further by actively
seeking diverse partners, a diverse workforce, diverse boards
of directors and embracing diverse member perspectives.
Members' economic participation is also a core principle.
When electric co-ops began, we relied on members' equity
to make it happen. For them, equity may represent their
financial stake in the co-op.
For us, it's not just about dollars; it's about opportunity
for all. It's about being fair and impartial when engaging with,
and making decisions for, our members. Under our guiding
co-opliving.com
principles, economic disadvantages do not divide our
communities.
WORKING FOR ALL
It is our role to lead the way to more equitable economic
opportunities. That path encompasses efficiency programs,
access to smart technologies and high-speed internet, and
bringing people back to rural America. We cannot create
programs and services only for those who can afford them.
That's why I'm proud of the work NRECA and our co-ops
have done in Advancing Energy Access for All and through
a new program to develop solar energy for low- and moderateincome
consumers - initiatives that pay attention to those
with the highest energy burdens and the fewest means to
bear them.
Democratic member control remains the bedrock of
cooperatives. More than any other, this principle sets us apart
and makes us unique. Each member gets a voice and a vote
in how their co-op is run.
Each voice and vote is equal. We must find ways to
include all members in the democratic process, promoting
the understanding that each member's voice deserves to be
represented by those who've earned a seat at the decisionmaking
table.
We know from experience that providing fair access to
services for all people makes a tremendous difference in the
quality of life of our communities. As our industry rapidly
transforms, we must continue to lead the way to ensure that
all of our member-owners are a part of the transformation. ■
Curtis Wynn is president and CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative
in North Carolina, and outgoing president of the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
February 2021 | Cooperative Living | 29
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Cooperative Living February 2021

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