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Advocacy: The role of your cooperative
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Local cooperative leadership connected with area state legislators to discuss future power needs and cooperatives' proactive approach.
Advocacy: The Role of Your Cooperative
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Alex Vournas
General Manager
As general manager for Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC), I have the privilege of seeing how the cooperative model supports the voices of the people we serve. Cooperatives are unique in their structure, purpose and
commitment to their members. We don’t answer to shareholders. Instead, we answer to the people we power. This member-driven approach helps ensure our priorities remain aligned with the needs and values of our community.
One of the seven cooperative principles is democratic member control, which means one member, one vote. Each member has a voice in the governance of MWEC, a principle that extends beyond simply receiving electricity. Members actively shape the cooperative’s future by voting each year. At our annual meeting, members have the opportunity to vote for the directors who represent them on the board. These directors guide policy decisions, oversee management and ensure our co-op operates efficiently and responsibly. In addition to board elections, members may also vote on bylaw changes, which can influence the coop’s governance structure and rules. Attending the annual meeting is more than a procedural formality. It is a direct way for members to influence the co-op’s direction and ensure accountability to those it serves.
"At the heart of everything we
do is the recognition our
cooperative exists for the
benefit of its members."
Advocacy is another cornerstone of cooperative service. While MWEC’s primary mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity, we recognize the challenges and opportunities our members face go beyond their monthly bills. Issues, such as energy policies, infrastructure development and regulatory changes, can significantly impact the communities we serve. To protect and advance the interests of members, we actively engage in advocacy efforts at multiple levels.
At the local level, we collaborate with city, county and community organizations to address concerns ranging from energy programs to emergency preparedness. At the state and federal levels, we partner with other electric cooperatives, industry associations and advocacy groups to ensure our members are represented in policy discussions. This collaborative approach expands our voice and ensures decisionmakers hear from those who understand firsthand the needs of rural and small-town communities.
Our advocacy efforts also extend to promoting policies that encourage innovation and sustainability.
By supporting initiatives that foster future energy development, grid modernization and energy efficiency, we help create a future that benefits our members and beyond. These efforts are grounded in the cooperative principle of concern for community, which guides us to make decisions that reflect both immediate and long-term community needs.
At the heart of everything we do is the recognition our cooperative exists for the benefit of its members. Every vote cast at the annual meeting, every advocacy initiative and every partnership forged reflects our commitment to empowering our members and strengthening our communities. Your involvement matters. By participating in the governance process and staying informed about advocacy efforts, you ensure your voice helps shape the future of your cooperative.
MWEC is more than just an electric provider: We are community-driven, thriving on member engagement and advocacy. By voting at your annual meetings and supporting collective advocacy efforts, members help ensure we remain responsive, resilient and forward-looking. Together, we can continue to build a cooperative that meets today’s energy needs while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.