June 2026
In the co-op world, we often talk about community. In fact, it is in the DNA of a co-op — as reflected in one of our founding principles called Concern for Community. Our service reaches to the heart of the community, and we value every connection. We energize the future for our very young and career-bound high school seniors. We are grateful for the workers keeping the lights on and our elders sharing the wisdom of days gone by.
When I read this month’s Cooperative Living, I can’t help but reflect upon the community members whose stories fill these pages. Our Rural Living column recognizes the milestone of high school graduations. A new crop of young people are entering the workforce or pursuing higher education. A number of these folks will become future community leaders.
Our Cooperative Focus explores those who choose a career of service in our electric cooperatives, giving back to their communities by working to keep the lights on. And of course, we continue to look back at 80 years of this magazine and showcase some of the people who grappled with issues that previous generations have overcome to make our communities what they are today.
We talk a lot about “service” in co-ops. It’s not just about keeping electric service affordable and reliable. It’s about giving back — embracing that Concern for Community that inspired co-ops in the first place. It’s who we are. It’s what we do.
In a world of complex challenges, negative news stories and difficult issues, let’s stay focused on helping others and working together to overcome the challenges ahead. Then we will have many good stories to tell in the next eight decades of Cooperative Living.
Brian S. Mosier, President & CEO
Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives