Illinois
COMMENTRY

Co-ops committed to tomorrow's leaders

One of the things that sets electric co-ops apart from other electricity suppliers is our local nature. We're part of the community and we care about the people who live there. After all, they are our friends and neighbors. In fact one of the internationally recognized cooperative principles is concern for community. It's not just a concern, it's a commitment.

Briscoe N. Menke

With that in mind, the electric co-ops of Illinois set up a scholarship fund to memorialize past co-op leaders. It began with two $1,000 scholarships, one for children of co-op directors and employees, and the other for members' children. Since the launching of the program six years ago, a second scholarship to benefit members' children has been added.

Co-ops have placed stories in their newsletters urging young people to apply. Candidates are judged on the basis of grade point average, college entrance exam scores, and work and volunteer experience. High school seniors pursuing a college education in the state of Illinois are eligible to participate in the program.

There is an even older program, and that's our "Youth to Washington Tour." The program has run continuously since 1957, when then-U.S. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson urged electric co-ops to send promising young people to tour the nation's capital. The idea was that prospective leaders could experience our form of government first-hand.

Little did the future president realize that his off-the-cuff remarks at a gathering of local co-op leaders would lead to a program that has lasted more than 40 years. Since that time, Illinois co-ops have sent more than 2,500 of our best and brightest young people to Washington.

We're proud to be involved in these programs, because they provide needed community services, and gives an opportunity to recognize our communities' outstanding young people. And, they help develop future leaders.

Two members of the Illinois House, Art Tenhouse of Liberty and Tom Ryder of Jerseyville, participated in the tour as students years ago. So did inventor/entrepreneur Curt Jones, who went on to invent Dippin' Dots ice cream, and many other leading citizens from all across downstate Illinois.

Many of the young leaders have come home from the trip to return later as interns and assistants to legislators. Brian Hetzer, son of Norris Electric Cooperative director Kent Hetzer, took the trip two years ago, then returned this summer as an intern to Rep. David Phelps.

"Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day," a part of the Washington tour program, brings nearly 300 rural high school student leaders to the state capital every spring. Participating co-ops selected youths, often finalists in the Washington test, to Springfield. While there, they tour selected sites in the capital and visit with their area legislators.

A highlight of last year's tour was a visit to Secretary of State Jesse White's office. Even though White's office is large, the young people were packed in, and White was unable to see all of them. He climbed on top of his desk, and told them about his life as a paratrooper, professional baseball player, legislator and leader of the Jesse White Tumblers. He urged his audience to take part in the political process, and to at least follow matters closely enough that they can informed votes.

All these programs are in place because our co-ops care about their communities. They're proof positive that co-ops understand that the real power of cooperatives is the human connection. Let all of us remember that we need to invest in and nurture our greatest asset — the leaders of tomorrow. If you know young person who would benefit from these programs, please contact your local cooperative for more information.

Briscoe Menke of Carthage serves as a board member for Western Illinois Electrical Coop. and for the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives. Menke is retired after a career with USDA as farm program director for Hancock county and an ag loan officer for Marine Trust Co. in Carthage. Menke and his wife Jeanne have two sons and are members of the Elvaston Presbyterian Church.

The opinions and views of guest commentators are their own and may not represent those of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives or the electric co-ops of Illinois.

4   ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING   DECEMBER 2000