October is National Co-op Month and it is Oconto
Electric’s opportunity each year to tell you about
how and why co-ops are different than all other forms of business – and why we think co-ops are great.
Basically it all comes down to the 7 cooperative principles that OEC and all other cooperatives follow. These principles were written when the first cooperative was formed in Rochdale, England in 1844. They are what make cooperatives unique. The 7 principles are:
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Members’ Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training & Information
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
7. Concern For Community
The Fifth Principle - Education, Training and Information This year we’re going to concentrate on the fifth principle – Education, Training & Information – particularly education and how we are involved with local schools. OEC loves education, whether we are in schools or working with the public, education is high on our list of priorities.
Here are some of the things OEC offers schools:
Electrical Safety Month Poster Contest – Oconto Electric celebrates Electrical Safety Month (May) by sponsoring a poster contest for all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. One winning poster is selected from each grade. Winners receive a gift from OEC’s RadioShack store and their class is given an ice cream party by the co-op.
Co-op Month Coloring Contest – During October Oconto Electric holds a coloring contest for all area students in Kindergarten through 6th grades. The contest is divided into three age groups, K & 1st, 2nd & 3rd, and 4th – 6th. OEC provides a picture for each age group to color and decorate. One winner is selected from each age group who will receive a gift from OEC’s RadioShack store and a pizza party for their class.
Hot Line Safety Demonstrations - These demonstrations about electric safety are available anytime. OEC has a tabletop demonstration that we can bring in to schools. This presentation can be adapted for any group, club or business that is concerned about electric safety.
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Classroom Presentations – Our employees will put together a presentation on almost any topic that involves OEC. Cooperatives, understanding electricity, electric safety (see above) and hydroelectric generation are just some of the topics we can cover. We are willing to explore any request.
Hydro Tours – The Stiles Hydroelectric dam is located 5 miles east Oconto Falls in Stiles, Wisconsin and is owned and operated by Oconto Electric Cooperative. Always willing to share knowledge, OEC’s Engineer is happy to give tours of the hydro to any group. The best months for tours are typically March and April when water levels are high from spring run-off but can be given anytime from March through November.
Scholarships – Each year Oconto Electric Cooperative gives a $500 scholarship to five high school seniors who have at least one parent that is a residential member of OEC. Applications are available in January each year and are usually due early in March. Scholarship money is awarded at the beginning of the student’s second semester of post-high school education.
Co-ops YES! Conference – Usually held in April each year, the Co-ops YES! Conference is an opportunity for high school students to learn about cooperatives, develop leadership skills and meet students from across the state. Co-ops YES! is not all work, there is a dance and talent show as well. OEC sponsors up to 4 students each year, taking care of all fees, transportation and provides a chaperone.
Youth Leadership Congress – High school students who attend the Youth Leadership Congress (YLC) not only learn about leadership, making the right choices and electric cooperatives – they also get a taste of life at college. This three-day event is held at the UW-River Falls campus where students and chaperones live right in the dorms. YLC is usually held sometime in July. During YLC six attendees are elected to the Youth Board who then plans and conducts the next Congress. OEC sponsors up to 4 students each year, taking care of all fees, transportation and provides a chaperone.
Whether you are a student, teacher or parent, if you want more information on any of OEC’s educational programs (or have an idea for a new program), contact the Member Services Department at Oconto Electric.
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Ben Nielsen (left) at the 2006 YLC, during which his district's skit featured Super Co-op Man.
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