Investing In The Leaders Who Will Power Tomorrow

One of the greatest strengths of the cooperative model has always been our ability to think beyond today.

From the beginning of rural electrification, our first member- owners championed the opportunity to bring power and progress to generations that would follow.

That same spirit still guides us and is why we support Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The program traces its roots back to 1957, when then Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson challenged electric cooperatives to send young people to Washington, D.C., so they could better understand their country and the role they would play in shaping it.

Since then, more than 100,000 students have participated, gaining firsthand exposure to American history, government, leadership, and the cooperative difference.

Today’s Youth Tour delegates will become tomorrow’s business owners, educators, elected officials, and community leaders.

Youth Tour is a living example of the principles that define cooperatives: education, concern for community, democratic participation, and cooperation among cooperatives.

Yet cooperatives do more than simply coordinate the experience or help fund it. We live these values through the actions of our employees.

This year, our very own digital media specialist, Brett, served as a Youth Tour chaperone. He helped guide students through an experience designed to broaden their understanding of how communities, cooperatives, and national decisions are connected.

Brett saw students gain a deeper appreciation for the people behind their cooperative. Students discovered that co-ops rely on individuals with different backgrounds, talents, and expertise, all working together towards a common purpose. Students also saw how co-op employees go beyond their daily roles to give back and strengthen the communities they call home.

He also witnessed something even more profound: curiosity turning into engagement. Students engaged with other co-op chaperones, with elected officials and staff, and especially with their peers from across the nation.

You can read insights from this year’s delegates here.

Youth Tour demonstrates how the cooperative principles come to life by preparing young people to lead, serve, and make a difference.

Because while electricity powers communities today, it is the next generation of leaders who will power our tomorrow.