We asked a few of our supporters what their commitment to our work means to them. Here is what they had to say:
Jennifer Meason, NRECA Director – Oklahoma, and CEO, Cotton Electric Cooperative
In 2018, I had the privilege of joining a delegation from the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives to attend the Inauguration Day and Lighting Ceremony for an NRECA International project in Guatemala. I was able to witness firsthand the harsh reality of life without electricity as we walked through the villages and observed multiple generations working together to carry drinking water, harvest corn by hand, and prepare meals over open fires. It was exhaustive work to meet the barest of needs, reminding me of what life in rural Oklahoma was before electricity, just 85 years ago. This was a profound experience for me and I’m proud to continue to support NRECA International and their life-changing efforts.
Jim McCarty, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives
I support NRECA International because I have seen first-hand the good it is doing to make life better for the humble and beautiful people it has reached. It never gets old seeing the smiles fill their faces when the lights come on for the first time. Dreams come true, hope magically appears in their lives and new possibilities become realities thanks to the hard work of the dedicated electric cooperative volunteers who make this happen. They return home energized, humbled by the experience and never to forget their new friends many miles away. NRECA International is not only making the world a better place in which to live — it is also creating new leaders who return to their electric cooperatives as better people.
Gena Boarman, Journeyman, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
As a volunteer lineworker, I traveled to Guatemala with a team to bring electricity to a rural community. I support NRECA International for their mission, and for giving me the opportunity to give back and help people.
Mike Partin, NRECA Vice President, CEO, Sequachee Valley Electric Co-op
Once you see the work that we are doing and the difference we are making, how could one not support NRECA international. We are changing lives for the better and that’s part of our DNA as electric cooperatives. It makes me proud to be a part of our movement.