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Co-ops Salute Their Special Month Cooperatives Build Communit


coming up in Kiamichi Country


October 1


Pumpkin Patch at Arrowhead Stables Arrowhead State Park, Canadian


Sasquatch Sitings Hayride Arrowhead State Park Riding Stable Canadian


Metcalf Gun & Knife Show Southeast Expo Center, McAlester


October 8 Maker's Market Southeast Expo Center, McAlester


Hard Times Festival Main Street, Hartshorne


October 8-9


Music on the Mountain Viking/Celtic Fest Heavener Runestone Park, Heavener


October 14-15 Indian Territory Coin Show Southeast Expo Center, McAlester


Poteau Balloon Fest Leflore County Fairgrounds, Poteau


October 14-16 Robber's Cave Fall Festival Robber's Cave State Park, Wilburton


October 21-22 Junk Utopia 4500 US 270, McAlester


McAlester Ranch & Home Show Southeast Expo Center, McAlester


October 21-29 Night Maze Wild Things Farm, Pocola


October 29


Kiamichi Quilt Show St. John's Catholic Church, McAlester


Talihina Fall Foilage Festival Talihina School Ag Barn, Talihina


6 | september - october 2016 | Light Post


other cooperative businesses serving more than 120 million people nationwide.


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“Cooperatives Build” is the theme of this year’s National Cooperative Month.


“Co-ops work for their communities in so many ways so the theme couldn't be more fitting,” says Todd Minshall, KEC member services director.


Cooperatives Have Principles


Most co-ops strive to adhere to seven key cooperative principles, which combine to help build trust between the co-op, its members and the community.


For example, the first principle is Voluntary and Open Membership, which means that KEC is a voluntary organization open to all people to use our services and willing to accept the responsibility of membership. The second principle, Democratic Member Control, gives members a voice in the cooperative’s policies and decisions. The fifth principle, Education, Training and Information, helps contribute to the development of KEC by making sure employees are qualified to do the jobs they are called to do in service to members, and in providing members with information they need on co-op services.


iamichi Electric Cooperative (KEC) is celebrating National Cooperative Month in October, along with 40,000


The seventh cooperative principle is Concern for Community. Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through employee involvement in local organizations, through contributions to community efforts and through support for schools.


Since its inception in 2000, KEC's Operation Roundup has contributed over $1.2 million in funds for local organizations and charities. It also sponsors programs such as Coats for Kids and provides thousands of dollars in college scholarships for local teens. KEC's Youth Tour provides an educational tour of Washington D.C., while KEC safety programs create greater awareness of electrical safety hazards among the community at large.


Cooperatives Build Jobs


Cooperatives generate jobs in their communities, keep profits local and pay local taxes to help support community services. Cooperatives often take part in community improvement programs, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from the cooperative experience.


Through all of the above ways, cooperatives build a better world. For more information, visit www.coopmonth.coop.


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