Grassroots movements help multiply action from the local level to effect change at the state, regional and national levels. Grassroots movements start with bottom-up, rather than top-down decision-making, and are able to represent the views and opinions of the people who are impacted by changes in legislation. The goal of a grassroots movement is to encourage community members to contribute by taking responsibility and action for their community.
There are many different ways to become involved in the process. The first step is to stay informed regarding issues that affect your cooperative. Start small by attending local council and school board meetings. Get to know your legislators and actively communicate with them on current issues. Above all, encourage others to participate because every voice makes a difference.
Political action begins at home!
Co-op Owners for Political Action (COPA) gives you, the member-owner, the opportunity to use your voice on behalf of your cooperative. State and federal government officials make policy decisions that affect your local cooperative and your way of life. This program is an easy way for you to help determine who gets elected to make those decisions.
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification® (ACRE)® is the political action committee (PAC) of the nation’s electric cooperatives. It supports candidates for state and federal office – those in office now and running for office – who will speak for and protect the interests of cooperatives and their member-owners through raising personal, voluntary contributions.
Your participation in the nationwide ACRE-COPA program ensures that the voice of cooperatives remains strong in our nation’s capital and in your state legislature. Maintaining a strong grassroots presence in the political process is instrumental to the long-term success of the cooperative program and the communities they serve in these unpredictable times.
Be a co-op voter!
Democratic Member Control is the 2nd Cooperative Principle which is why we are strong supporters of exercising the right to vote. Co-ops Vote is a non-partisan project of America's Electric Cooperatives designed to inform its members on the key issues facing electric co-ops and encourage them to vote and support their co-ops and the communities they serve when they go to the polls. We do not endorse or recommend any candidates for election.
