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October 1, 2026 |

National Co-op Month and the Value of Working Together

October is National Co-op Month, and as we continue our series on the Seven Cooperative Principles, we’re highlighting how cooperatives strengthen the people and communities they serve by working together. Unlike businesses driven by outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their purpose is to provide value, meet local needs, and support the communities they call home.

That makes this month a fitting time to recognize the sixth cooperative principle: Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

Cooperatives are independent, member-controlled organizations. When they partner with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from outside sources, they do so in ways that protect democratic member control and preserve their cooperative identity.

In simple terms, this principle reminds us that our co-op can stand on its own, but we are stronger when we work alongside other cooperatives that share our values and mission.

Cooperation among cooperatives takes many meaningful forms. When severe storms damage neighboring systems, cooperatives provide mutual aid by sending crews and equipment to help restore power. When policies affecting rural electric service are debated, we work together to support initiatives that align with our mission of delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy to our members.

We also share ideas and best practices that improve efficiency, strengthen service, and help us better support the members who depend on us. By learning from one another, cooperatives can solve challenges more effectively while keeping local decisions in local hands.

This National Co-op Month, we invite you to celebrate the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you, and as your neighbor and local Touchstone Energy® electric cooperative, we remain committed to serving this community for generations to come.