According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, patriotism is “the love for or devotion to one’s country.” Perhaps no other day of the year evokes such a sense of patriotism than Independence Day. With flags rippling in the wind and red, white and blue bunting adorning porches, it’s easy to feel a swell of pride for our country.

Arguably, another, perhaps deeper, form of patriotism is active engagement in public and civic life. Involvement in your town promotes a richer community life, and ensures that institutions thrive and communities remain vibrant and inviting places to live, work and play. Besides being enjoyable, your participation in community events and activities makes a difference. 

In fact, there are civic engagement opportunities through Southern Indiana Power. You may recall that one of our cooperative principles is democratic participation. If you pay your bill, you are a member of the co-op with an opportunity to provide input through voting during our annual meeting. 

Southern Indiana Power, like other types of co-ops, originated to serve a need that was not being met by traditional for-profit electric companies. We make decisions based on long-term thinking -— what decisions will benefit the larger community in which we operate? One of the best ways you can engage with your co-op is by casting your vote when it’s time to elect board members. Board members are folks just like you who live right here in the community. They are tasked with guiding co-op leadership on a myriad of issues and decisions both short term and long term. 

Everyone has valuable experience that informs their decision-making process. Diverse perspectives benefit the whole community. You may have a different view than your neighbor, but together, those perspectives provide a more balanced view of the community. We seek more members to participate in the process because greater numbers reflect a consensus on the direction of the future and the will of the people.

The next opportunity to vote in the board election isn’t until next year, but I would argue that voting, whether in the co-op or in local and national elections, is a form of patriotism, as it reflects a devotion to one’s community and commitment to ensure that it thrives. 

This Independence Day, I hope you will embrace the local celebrations, feel that swell of pride for our country and actively participate in your community. Independence Day is the one day every year that brings all Americans together as ONE!