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2020–2021 RESOURCE BOOKELECTRIC COOPERATIVESWASHINGTON YOUTH TOURWYTresourcebook.indd 1BUILDING ABRIGHTERTENNESSEE9/24/20 5:05 PM
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ELECTRIC COOPERATIVEWASHINGTON YOUTH TOURBefore you lies a unique opportunity. Winnersof the Electric Cooperative Writing Contestnot only earn spots on a once-in-a-lifetimetour of our nation’s capital, but they alsoqualify for additional trips and thousandsof dollars in scholarships and have a chanceto network with other young leaders fromacross the nation.CREATIVE WRITINGAND SCHOLARSHIPCOMPETITIONThis booklet will tell you more about the trip,let you hear from previous delegates andoutline the requirements and resources tohelp you write the best short story. It will alsotell you a little bit more about electric cooperatives and the reasons they have providedthis opportunity to students for more than 50years.More than 6,000 high school juniors fromacross Tennessee have participated in theElectric Cooperative Youth Tour.Exciting stops on the Washington Youth Tourinclude Arlington National Cemetery, above,the U.S. Capitol, right, and the Martin LutherKing Jr. Memorial, opposite page. Seeing thesites they’ve studied in school is a highlight ofthe delegates’ D.C. experience.WYTresourcebook.indd 339/24/20 5:05 PM
WHAT YOU GETYour prize for showing the benefits of cooperative power: an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C., in June 2021 with nearly 2,000 otherstudents your age from across the country.Each day of the Washington Youth Tour bringsmore impressive sights, opportunities forphotos and lots of memories. Among activitiesfilling the agenda are tours of Washington,D.C., and all its landmarks, memorials andmuseums. Highlights include the SmithsonianInstitution, White House, U.S. Capitol, MountVernon and Monticello.Food, travel and lodging expenses are paidby Tennessee’s electric cooperatives. But thebenefits of the Youth Tour go far beyond anexpense-paid trip.And don’t forget about the chance to help payfor your college education with scholarshipsof 3,000, 2,000 or 1,000 awarded by theTennessee Electric Cooperative Association if4TRAVELWYTresourcebook.indd 4RECOGNITIONyour story is judged one of the top three in thestate.You can also choose to participate in ourCooperative Youth Ambassador program.Delegates who stay active and engaged withtheir co-ops in the 12 months following YouthTour qualify for a drawing for a 10,000 scholarship to the school of their choice.Electric cooperatives are different from otherutilities. Your locally owned electric co-op givesa lot back to the community. In fact, that’s amajor part of its business plan.Electric cooperatives invest thousands ofdollars to send high school students to Washington because it’s important to the long-termprosperity of their communities for their leaders of tomorrow to learn about the politicalprocess. Youth Tour participants return to theirhometowns stronger leaders with confidencethat they can make a difference.SCHOLARSHIPSCONNECTIONS9/24/20 5:05 PM
HEALTH AND SAFETYWILL BE A PRIORITYIn addition to scholarships provided by theelectric co-ops, Union University in Jackson and Carson-Newman University inJefferson City have recognized the leadership potential of Youth Tour delegates. Theuniversities have agreed to provide dozensof scholarships worth up to 10,000/year forfour years.IMPORTANT NOTE: For the first time in50 years, electric co-ops were unableto take students to Washington, D.C., in2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Tennessee’s electric co-ops will followthe advice of medical experts and publichealth officials as we plan for the 2021Tour. If we are unable to ensure thesafety of our winners, the trip will notbe possible, and other prizes may beawarded in place of the trip.5WYTresourcebook.indd 59/24/20 5:05 PM
HEAR FROM THE WINNERS“Never in my life did I imagine that writing this short story would impactmy life this much. I saw so many things, many of them once-in-a-lifetimeexperiences. Youth Tour has changed my life for the better, all because of a900-word short story.”Olivia Carpenter, Blackman High SchoolMiddle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation“I didn’t think 900 words could change my life that much, but it did. I got tosee my nation’s capital, make friends, eat some great mac and cheese andlearn so much more than what my textbooks at school have to offer.”Anna Herrell, Cherokee High SchoolHolston Electric Cooperative“ The Youth Tour was de nitely the opportunity of a lifetime! It’s the besttrip I’ve ever been on, and I can’t wait to go back to D.C. It was almost all ofthe capital in one week, and I’m so thankful to have gone.”Kendra Chaney, Stewart County High SchoolCumberland Electric Membership Corporation“ They say pictures are worth 1,000 words, but who knew my 900-wordshort story could be worth thousands of laughs, memories and lifelongfriendships?”Sawyer Pendergrass, Bledsoe County High SchoolSequachee Valley Electric Cooperative6WYTresourcebook.indd 69/24/20 5:05 PM
JOIN A NATIONALFELLOWSHIPEach day of the Washington Youth Tourbrings more impressive sights, opportunities for photos and lots of memories.Among activities filling the agenda aretours of Washington, D.C., and all its landmarks and memorials.2020 ROBERT MCCARTY MEMORIALSCHOLARSHIP WINNERSLily Durbin,Adamsville Jr/SrHigh School,Pickwick ElectricCooperative, 3,000 ScholarshipZoe Clever,Warren CountyHigh School,Caney Fork ElectricCooperative, 2,000 ScholarshipLeah Brewer,Hickman CountyHigh School,Meriwether Lewis ElectricCooperative, 1,000 ScholarshipWYTresourcebook.indd 7Politicians, authors, athletes and businessleaders, includingApple CEO TimCook, areproud YouthTour alumni.2020 CO-OP YOUTHAMBASSADORKelsey Bizzell,Rossville ChristianAcademy,Chickasaw ElectricCooperative, 10,000 ScholarshipDelegates who stay engaged and active withtheir local co-ops in the year following the YouthTour have a chance to win a 10,000 scholarshipto the college or trade school of their choice.79/24/20 5:06 PM
RULES AND RESOURCESThe energy provided by electric co-ops has far-reaching impacts on Tennessee. Write ashort story explaining how electric co-ops are “Building a Brighter Tennessee” throughinvestments in energy, education, broadband, economic development and more.There are a few rules you need to follow:1. Only juniors in high school are eligible toparticipate.2. Every short story must be titled “Electric Cooperatives — Building a Brighter Tennessee.”3. Submissions must not exceed 900 words,including articles (“a,” “an” and “the”). Theexact word count must be included on yourcover page. Entries must be typewritten anddouble-spaced.Remember, you’re writing a short story, whichgives you more creative freedom than therigid guidelines of an essay. Your story shouldbe an entertaining, informative description ofelectric cooperatives.Visit youthtour.tnelectric.org to learn moreabout electric co-ops. Resources there willprovide you with lots of information and material to write your story.CO-OP CONTACT PERSONEMAIL ADDRESSDUE DATE8WYTresourcebook.indd 89/24/20 5:06 PM
JUDGINGCRITERIALEARN MORE ONLINE ATYOUTHTOUR.TNELECTRIC.ORGThere are several resources on our website atyouthtour.tnelectric.org to help you writeyour story.CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESS:The tips below can help you get one stepcloser to D.C. Use these suggestions to makeyour story stand out.Characters, time and placeSpend some time to develop the characters,location and time frame of your story.Get specificInclude at least three specific examples of themany ways electric co-ops strengthen theircommunities. The expansion of broadband,availability of reliable energy, efforts to recruitnew businesses and jobs, and leadershipdevelopment for young people are just a fewexamples.Include one (or more) co-op principlesThe seven principles of electric co-ops are listed on pages 14 and 15. Include these in yourstory to demonstrate your understanding ofthe many things that make electric co-opsunique.Be creative in your writing, utilizingthe information in this booklet andyour own distinctive voice. Your writing will be judged on three factors:Appropriate treatment of theme50% and knowledge of subjectTo gain full credit in this category,you’ll have to effectively weave theinformation relating to the themethroughout the short story. Judges willsee indications of additional research,a grasp of what information is vitalto making your story believable andcredible and creative ways of presenting that information.Originality and35% CreativityUse a different, entertaining, effectiveway of presenting information that willeducate a reader and get your pointsacross.15%Grammar andCompositionIf you need an explanation here, checkyour English textbook.9WYTresourcebook.indd 99/24/20 5:06 PM
LAST YEAR’S WINNING STORYIt was a sweltering summer’s day in theEnchanted Forest. This area was generally knownas a very pleasant and charming place, but today’sconditions were not ideal. Unfortunately, the EvilQueen’s huntsman had ordered Snow White toflee from the Kingdom instead of imprisoningher as he had been instructed. Because of this,she had been wandering the woods, unsure ofwhere to go or what to do, for some time. Soon,she became tired and hungry. Snow White knewshe had to search until she found a place to callher new home or at least to convalesce for a shortperiod of time.Evening had fallen, and just as the princesshad begun to lose all hope, she stumbled upona tumbledown cottage deep in the heart of theEnchanted Forest. “Oh, it’s adorable! Just like adoll’s house,” squealed Snow White.She knocked on the front door and awaited awelcome. After a moment, the door creaked open,revealing the owners of the home. Seven dwarfsstood glaring at the unexpected visitor.“Might I come in to have a bite to eat and a safeplace to rest?” pleaded Snow White.The dwarfs convened on the matter and soonresponded to the princess’s request. “Around ourhome, we have several rules and expectations. Weconduct our household just as we conduct ourbusiness, Diamond Mine Electric Cooperative,”explained one of the dwarfs. “We have SevenCooperative Principles that we follow. Our namessymbolize the different aspects of our co-op!”One by one, the homeowners introducedthemselves to the young lady. “My name isVoluntary,” announced the first man, “becauseour co-op is a voluntary organization that isopen to everyone able to use our service andare willing to accept the responsibilities ofmembership. In return for our hospitality, youwill be responsible for some household chores.”Snow White nodded in agreement.“Wonderful!” exclaimed the second dwarf.“My name is Actively. I represent the decisionmaking process within our organization. Ourmembers actively participate in setting policiesand creating plans. My co-workers and I havediscussed your situation and voted to allowyou to stay with us if you agree to follow ourprinciples.” Excitement overtook Snow White, forshe finally had a place to get off of her feet for awhile.“Thank you, my friends. I cannot begin toexpress how grateful I am,” she said with muchcourtesy.“We’re more than happy to help you. Myname is Equitably. Around our home, each ofus contributes equitably, but we also help oneanother. When one of us is in need, the other sixare glad to step in and provide a helping hand!”enthusiastically explained Equitably.Snow White was unsure of what roles shewould be able to play around the cottage. Thedwarfs owned appliances and machines thatwere obscure to her. She began to question themen about what jobs could even be done by aprincess when a new dwarf interrupted her.“I’m Autonomy. Our co-op is an autonomousorganization that is controlled by our members.10WYTresourcebook.indd 109/24/20 5:06 PM
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES:CONNECTING COMMUNITIESOur household works the same way. Each oneof us has a task that we excel in; therefore, thatis our very own responsibility. We’ll be sure tosearch until we find a duty that you enjoy doing,”he proclaimed.“I’m tickled pink,” the princess cheered. “I’venever felt this cared for before! It seems that Ifinally get to have a voice, unlike in the Kingdom.”“And even if there isn’t a task you’re familiarand comfortable with right now, we can teachyou how to do one that interests you,” interruptedone of the men. “I’m Educationally, but you cancall me Eddy. Our cooperative strives to educatethe community around us. Seeing that companieslike ours serve 2.5 million people alone, we havea great opportunity to teach our members,representatives and employees the benefits ofworking together. So I am certain that we can helpyou!”“And not only do we work together amongstone another,” intruded another voice, “we alsoreach out to others to provide or receive theassets needed to run Diamond Mine ElectricCooperative. Cooperatively is my name, andcooperation is my game. When we all worktogether, our services are more effective.”Finally, the last dwarf stepped forward. “Myname is Sustainably. We work for the sustainabledevelopment of the forest around us. Our goal isto keep everything running smoothly and safely.When our members accept our policies, we areable to provide the energy that they need to carryout their daily activities.”Snow White’s cheeks dimpled, and the cornersLily Durbin, a student at AdamsvilleJr/Sr High School inthe Pickwick ElectricCooperative servicearea, was the statewinner of the 2020Washington Youth Tour Writing Contest, earning her a 3,000 scholarship.This year’s theme is “Building a Brighter Tennessee.” Write your story aboutthe many ways co-ops power andempower their local communities.of her eyes wrinkled. All of her wishes were finallycoming true.“So, what do you say, Princess? Are you willingto follow our principles?” questioned Voluntarily.“We’d hate to send you wandering back into theEnchanted Forest!”“I would be delighted to follow your principlesand learn more about these intricate and unusualitems around your home and co-op!” she replied.The dwarfs spent the remainder of the eveningshowing Snow White the power of electricity.Things as familiar as light switches, ovens andvacuum cleaners had been foreign to her untilnow, but now her eyes were opened to a worldof possibilities, the power to be anything she waswilling to work for.11WYTresourcebook.indd 119/24/20 5:06 PM
TENNESSEE’S ELECTRIC CO-OPSTennessee’s electric cooperatives providepower to more than 1.1 million homes, farmsand businesses across rural and suburbanTennessee. Unlike other businesses, electriccooperatives are owned by the consumersthey serve and operate as not-for-profitbusinesses. This may not sound important,but it means that consumers are the priority. Rates are kept low because there are nostockholders to pay, and the co-op is responsive to members because they vote on co-opleadership.In the 1930s, there was no power in ruralTennessee. Homeowners and farmers cametogether to create co-ops that would bringpower to their homes.Today, co-ops are modern businesses thatuse technology to efficiently operate a large,advanced grid. Despite these changes, theprimary goal of co-ops have not changed:provide safe, reliable and affordable energy toour neighbors, the very people who own theco-op.MEMBER-OWNED AND -REGULATEDElectric co-ops are owned by the people they serve, not by government.Members elect board members to represent their interests and set policy andprocedures for the co-op.NOT-FOR-PROFITCo-ops exist to serve their communities instead of shareholders. They distribute and sell energy at cost and invest any excess revenue back into the electricsystem.COMMITTED TO IMPROVING COMMUNITIESKeeping the lights on. Recruiting new industry. Educating the leaders of tomorrow. Electric co-ops take seriously their responsibility to improve lives in theircommunities.12WYTresourcebook.indd 129/24/20 5:06 PM
ELECTRIC CO-OPSSERVEBecause of their local ties, co-ops are committed to improving lives in their communities.Going beyond simply keeping the lights on,co-ops recruit businesses and investment,help members operate their homes and businesses more efficiently and prepare studentsto be tomorrow’s leaders.WYTresourcebook.indd 139/24/20 5:06 PM
CO-OP HISTORY AND PRINCIPLESCO-OPHISTORY INTENNESSEETHE SEVENCOOPERATIVEPRINCIPLES14WYTresourcebook.indd 14MID-1880SEARLY 1930SMAY 18, 1933Electricity wasavailable in many ofAmerica’s larger cities, but electrificationof rural areas wasdeemed unfeasible.For-profit powercompanies considered it unprofitableto build lines insparsely populatedrural areas. Withoutelectricity, the economies of rural areaswere tied exclusivelyto agriculture.President FranklinD. Roosevelt signedthe Tennessee ValleyAuthority Act, whichcreated a federalagency to provideriver navigation,flood control, electricgeneration and economic developmentin the TennesseeValley.VOLUNTARY AND OPENMEMBERSHIPDEMOCRATIC MEMBERCONTROLMEMBERS’ ECONOMICPARTICIPATIONCo-ops are voluntaryorganizations opento all persons ableto use their servicesand willing to acceptthe responsibilities ofmembership.Co-ops are democratic organizationscontrolled by theirmembers, who activelyparticipate in settingpolicies and makingdecisions.Members contributeequitably to the capitalof their co-op. Members allocate surplusesto further develop thecooperative or supportother activities approved by members.9/24/20 5:06 PM
MAY 11, 19351935–19481949TODAYPresident Rooseveltcreated the RuralElectrification Administration, whichmade federal fundsavailable to providerural electric service.The leaders of farmorganizations proposed the formationof nonprofit electriccooperatives.Tennesseans formed23 electric cooperatives to bring electricity to rural areas.Postwar enthusiasmand adaptations ofmilitary technology, materials andequipment propelledrapid growth of ruralelectrification. By the1950s, the TennesseeValley Authority hadbecome the nation’slargest energysupplier.Tennessee’s 23electric cooperativesprovide energy for2.5 million Tennesseans across 71 percentof Tennessee’s landmass. Co-ops rely onthe latest technologyto efficiently andreliably serve onein three Tennesseehomes.AUTONOMY ANDINDEPENDENCEEDUCATION, TRAININGAND INFORMATIONCOOPERATION AMONGCOOPERATIVESCONCERN FORCOMMUNITYCo-ops are autonomous organizationscontrolled by theirmembers.Co-ops provide education and trainingfor their members,representatives andemployees on thenature and benefits ofcooperation.Co-ops serve theirmembers most effectively by workingtogether through local,national, regional andinternational structures.Cooperatives workfor the sustainabledevelopment of theircommunities throughpolicies accepted bytheir members.15WYTresourcebook.indd 159/24/20 5:06 PM
WASHINGTON YOUTH TOURPRESENTED BY YOUR LOCAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AND2964 Sidco Drive, Nashville, TN 37204615.367.9284 tnelectric.orgWYTresourcebook.indd 169/24/20 5:06 PM
many ways electric co-ops strengthen their communities. The expansion of broadband, availability of reliable energy, e orts to recruit new businesses and jobs, and leadership development for young people are just a few examples. Include one (or more) co-op principles The seven prin
