Record number of participants briefed on co-op movement’s roots, look to future
By Todd Cunningham

A soaking rain in Washington, D.C. did little to dampen the spirits of more than 1,400 young people from around the nation who gathered for the formal kick-off of this year’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

The youngsters, representing 44 states, came together June 12 for a National Youth Day rally before heading off to Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers from home.

Two speakers emphasized the tour’s theme, “Commitment to Community.”

The keynote speaker, Mike Schlappi, a four-time Paralympics medalist, urged the young people to commit themselves to persevering in the face of any challenges life will offer.

The electric co-op movement developed in the 1930s from a legislative battle to bring power to the Tennessee Valley, according to a portrayal of U.S. Sen. George W. Norris, R-Neb at the tour.

Norris, a leading figure behind creation of the Rural Electrification Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority, was portrayed by Nebraska State Sen. Dave Landis.

“When I look out into this audience I see the grandchildren of farmers and other people of courage who founded rural electric co-ops,” and the children of those who had defended them against corporate enemies, the senator said.

Norris praised participants for coming to the capital “to learn, to speak out and to be heard on behalf of the electric co-op movement.”

Keeping co-ops strong requires educating consumers on the ways in which co-ops look out for them, reported Jim Bausell, COO of Touchstone Energy ® Cooperatives.

One of the messages Touchstone Energy is presenting draws on the post–Katrina assistance that co-ops from across the country provided their counterparts on the Gulf Coast.

Touchstone Energy’s branding effort also accentuates the importance of people being in charge of their own destiny, Bausell said.

During their stay, Youth Tour participants have gained a greater understanding of their government in action, said Steve Uram, NRECA grassroots advocacy representative. “They have had the change to interact with their congressmen or senators in a small group setting, asking about issues that affect them.”

The students gain a better understanding of history, freedom and public service, Uram added, in part through seeing the capital’s monuments and memorials.

On the personal side, Uram pointed out, Youth Tour participants interact with peers from across the nation, “learning they have much more in common with other students their age then they realize.