“At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to essential services, maybe not the same level of ser- vices but the same consideration,” Sparks said. That’s why all three experts encouraged co-op members to get involved.
How to get involved?
Only a small part of the 42 million member- owners in the 900 cooperatives nationwide are ac- tive in the political processes. But Taylor knows the amazing power of involvement. “Co-op members care about what happens to their co-op,” said Taylor, 59. “The more voices you have, the louder it is. Just think if 10 percent of 42 million members were involved. That could make a huge difference on any piece of legislation.” To get involved at the national level, Taylor said that member-owners can visit a new website www.
action.coop that includes information on impor- tant co-op topics as well as providing legislative alerts. There is currently legislation at the national level regarding coal plants that Taylor said requires immediate attention. At the state level, OAEC keeps co-op member-systems posted on elected of- fi cials and other legislative information at www.
oaec.coop. In addition, the statewide association has recently released a free Legislative App that
includes profi les on Oklahoma’s elected offi cials, live links, interactive map functions and more. “These websites (
www.action.coop and www.
oaec.coop) are invaluable tools that keep member- owners aware of the effects of certain legislation and how it will impact their electric bill,” he said. “Whenever an important situation arises, they can receive quality, timely information.” Members are also eligible to join the political ac-
tion committee. The Action Committee for Rural Electrifi cation (ACRE) currently has about 7,500 consumer-members as part of its membership. Taylor suggested inquiring at one’s local coopera- tive as to the best path to join ACRE and support co-op initiatives. The primary way of “getting involved” according to all three experts is by interacting directly with a local representative or senator, which is sometimes a challenge. Matlock explained that during session numerous groups visit each day, cutting into available time to work. “It is extremely busy at the Capitol and there are many things to accomplish in a short period,” he said. “Of course, any legislator will take time to visit with constituents because that’s why they are there.” Taylor suggested meeting local representatives while they are out of session, specifi cally when they
Go Ahead ...
visit a local town hall meeting. “That is a great atmosphere to interact with legis- lators,” he said. “After they speak, politely introduce yourself and your topic of concern. If you go to the state Capitol and run by their offi ce, make it brief. They like seeing people but they usually have to see a lot of people.” Sparks encouraged member-owners to truly un- derstand the issues before contacting a legislator. “You do not want to allow your personal con- cerns and interests to interfere with the interests of the co-op,” Sparks said. “Be educated on what you’re dealing with and never make it about your personal gain. Make it about the real issue. Advocate for safe, reliable and affordable energy.” In the end, Matlock summed up the importance of understanding the legislative process, the men and women who oversee it, and the impact those decisions make on local co-ops.
“Every bill that is passed affects someone posi- tively or negatively,” he said. “The more you know about the process, the more you’ll understand what they are trying to accomplish. The better the rela- tionship you have with your legislator, the better they can learn what the constituents really think and what you really want. It’s easy to legislate when you know what your constituents want.”
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