Empowering Communities: The Seventh Cooperative Principle

At FreeState, powering communities means more than poles and wires. It means supporting organizations and projects that improve the quality of life for our members. Internally, we also encourage our staff to get involved in their communities. Some of the people behind your power also coach youth sports, serve on boards, and volunteer at various community-focused organizations. 

Concern for Community is more than one of the seven cooperative principles that drive your electric cooperative. It's a principle that resonates with our members! A recent study done by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives members across the country rated the seventh principle as the most important to them, and FreeState members locally also agree.  

Why does this principle tend to resonate with members? Because it encourages a conscientious approach that goes beyond powering communities. It's embracing social responsibility and building sustainable communities because our success is deeply intertwined with the success of our communities. 

Community support is something FreeState takes pride in. In 2024, FreeState launched the Donation Dollars program, which will champion initiatives that enhance community spirit and make an impact. This program commits 31 cents per member to sponsorships and donations in the service territory. By pooling everyone's resources, we can help support organizations that create resilient and thriving communities. 

The Operation Round-Up Program also continues to serve organizations across our service territory. In this issue, you'll see an overview of the 2023 program. As a reminder, this program is voluntary, and participating members round up their bill each month. That spare change makes a significant difference for organizations that serve others. It's an easy way to contribute to the greater good. 

And FreeState also looks within, too. For example, applications are now open for our CoBank Sharing Success program. This program allows our employees to exemplify concern for the Community by internally raising funds that our lender, CoBank, will match. If you know an organization that might be a great partner for FreeState – encourage them to apply. The application deadline is April 1. 

Concern for Community is a principle that calls for action. We look beyond ourselves and explore ways to make a difference collectively and individually. We uplift, empower, and sustain our lives by actively engaging in our communities. FreeState is powering your homes and businesses and empowering positive changes in the places we call home.