Annual Meeting
Harvesting a Co-op’s Grassroots
Our Energy, Our Future is all about galvanizing consumer-members. And lest anyone question the value of a good grassroots campaign, a top official of the Iowa statewide wants to set the record straight.
Brian Kading of the Iowa statewide (at podium) joins Randy Dwyer (c) and Mike Ganley of NRECA at the forum. (Photo By: Luis Gomez)
“Legislators, who are pulled in 100 different directions, appreciate well-informed, focused grassroots advocates that make a point very clearly and do not take a ton of time,” said Brian Kading, executive vice president of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
He speaks from experience. The statewide has part of its Web site devoted to keeping its grassroots advocates informed—providing information on every piece of energy legislation before Iowa lawmakers.
“The bills are explained, our position is explained and talking points are made available for the advocates to use with their legislators,” Kading told the forum, “Our Energy, Our Future: Affordability of Electric Power.”
The statewide also publishes a weekly newsletter recapping events at the capital, and sends e-mail alerts to advocates when there is a need to get in touch with lawmakers.
“Last year, our grassroots advocates contacted 135 of the 150 legislators and senators in Iowa,” he said.
For co-ops looking to the Iowa statewide model, Kading cautioned that “grassroots advocacy doesn’t just happen.” For success, he said co-ops must have a plan and the initiative to carry it out.
Kading also stressed the need for informed volunteers who are “committed to be effective grassroots advocates.” And, perhaps most importantly, “You need to have a good story.”
“On whatever the issue is,” Kading said, “you need to be able to explain why you’re right.”