In the early 1930’s, electric power was only available in major metropolitan areas. Businesses and homes there had access to electricity, while others weren’t as lucky.
Residents in rural areas lived without hope of electric capability until political action was initiated. Before they were consumer-owners, small groups of farmers and rural residents across the state met and advocated bringing electricity to their residing counties. At the time, President Franklin D. Roosevelt understood the importance of bringing electricity to rural areas and established the Rural Electrification Administration to fund rural electrification projects.
After continued support and action from farmers, rural residents, and state and federal governments, the dream to bring electricity to rural areas became a reality when Boone REMC, Indiana’s first electric cooperative, was founded on April 17, 1936. Shortly after, Marshall County REMC was incorporated on May 19, 1936, and was the seventh established cooperative in Indiana.
Now, electric cooperatives and their consumer-owners work in tandem to stay politically engaged. Since electric cooperatives were borne out of the political process, they remain well-positioned to advocate for their members and the communities they serve. But electric cooperatives need your help in the process, too.
Indiana’s electric cooperatives thrive when consumer-owners stay politically engaged and advocate for policies that help cooperatives best serve their members.
It all starts with grassroots advocacy. In the context of the electric cooperative program, “grassroots” is a powerful word.
For electric cooperatives, grassroots advocacy occurs when directors, employees, and members take an active role in the political process to protect their cooperative from harmful legislation and regulation while also promoting the value of cooperative ownership to their legislators.
By becoming a grassroots advocate, you will be informed about legislative and political utility matters at both the state and federal levels. You will regularly receive updates through email or text alerts, including educational resources, surveys, and opportunities for active participation.
As a grassroots advocate for Indiana’s electric cooperatives, you will help keep rural Indiana strong and the cooperative voice heard. Advocates may also be called upon to contact their legislators and speak up for Indiana’s electric cooperatives.
To sign up to become a grassroots advocate for Indiana’s electric cooperatives, visit action.indianaec.org.
