What is a trustee’s role in governing the cooperative? 

The New Year brings a refreshed sense of inspiration and new opportunities on the horizon.  

This is the time of year to take a step outside your comfort zone and get involved in a new capacity. Being a trustee is a great way to serve your local cooperative. Trustees play an important, critical role that takes consistent effort and dedication to the cooperative and the members we serve.  

The Board of Trustees is currently made up of nine elected trustees who make decisions that represent everyone, including themselves. Each trustee is a member-owner of FreeState Electric Cooperative who works together to ensure the stability and sustainability of the cooperative for future generations. Trustees are integral to FreeState as they have a fiduciary duty to every member. 

The board has a sincere interest in preserving the strength of FreeState’s operations and maintaining productive relationships with members. Trustees keep open lines of communication with the members they serve and work together to ensure equal treatment for all members of the system. Each trustee strives to be knowledgeable about trends and circumstances that may affect the members and rural areas and communities that FreeState serves.  

Being a trustee is vital to the wellness of the cooperative.  

Running for a trustee position: 

•  is a potential three-year term  

• a commitment to learning  

• a commitment to every member of the cooperative. 
   

Each April, members elect their representatives in the board room. Members who meet the qualifications to be a trustee can apply online before February 1. The nominating committee then reviews applications and presents qualified nominees to the membership. Elected trustees serve for three years before their position is up for re-election.  

West District: Service territory for the previously existing Kaw Valley Electric Cooperative Inc., including members located in Shawnee, Douglas, Jackson, Osage, Wabaunsee and Pottawattamie counties and addition to said counties after January 1, 2017.  

East District: Service territory for the previously existing Leavenworth- Jefferson Electric Cooperative Inc., including members located in Leavenworth, Jefferson, Atchison, Douglas and Jackson counties in addition to said counties after January 1, 2017. 

Ways trustees serve members:  

• One monthly meeting, typically held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.  

• Participate in the annual meeting. 

• Serve as a cooperative ambassador.  

• Represent cooperative members at statewide, regional, and national levels. 

To become and remain a trustee:  

• be an individual 

• have the capacity to enter legally binding contracts 

• not have been previously removed or disqualified as a trustee 

• while a trustee, not be convicted of, or plead guilty to, a felony.  

• Earn the Credentialed Cooperative Trustee designation, Trustee’s Certificate, or similar designation or certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association within three years of becoming a Trustee 

• comply with any other reasonable qualifications determined by the Board. 

FreeState members interested in serving on the board of trustees can submit their names to be nominated for the election process. We encourage any member who has an interest in serving the cooperative, and is eligible, to apply online.  

Do you have a neighbor or friend that you think would be a valuable member of the board of trustees? Encourage them to apply, or serve your cooperative in another capacity.  

Board applications are available at freestate.coop/annualmeeting. If you have any further questions or need further information call during our office hours at 800-794-1989 and press zero to speak to a representative. Applications are due on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m.  

Looking to serve your cooperative and local community but in a different capacity? Consider joining the Nominating Committee or the Volunteer Member Committee.  

Cooperatives are built upon the foundation of seven cooperative principles. One principle that is ever so important to FreeState is Co-op principle No. 7: Concern for Community.  

The Volunteer Member Committee oversees Operation Round-Up, the cooperative’s charitable giving program. One of the most vital and well-recognized cooperative principles among members is concern for community. FreeState is dedicated to upholding these principles and one example is this community-focused program. The committee allocations are made possible by the generosity of members participating in the program. The program seeks one to two individuals interested in joining the committee and learning more about the cooperative difference.  

The commitment level for the volunteer member committee is on the low end. And includes:  

• Quarterly meetings (virtual options) 

• Discuss and allocate grant funding on the program’s behalf. 

• Review and provide input on applications for funding 

• Serving as a positive influence for the participating members 

• Serve communities and organizations by providing critical funding that makes life better in the FreeState service territory.  

This type of service may be perfect for someone who is passionate about lending a helping hand to the community and understands that even small change can lead to big impact. Interested in joining? Call our office or email customerservice@freestate.coop.   

The Nominating Committee, made up of members appointed by each trustee, engages in the cooperative and processes through recruiting and voting on a general election slate of nominees to present to the membership at the FreeState annual meeting. This committee meets in early February to review the names submitted and present a slate of nominees to the membership at the FreeState annual meeting.  

While the 2024 committee is set, we always look for members who are interested in serving their cooperative. If you want to be considered for 2025, contact our office or a FreeState trustee to let us know!