1. Implementing Cooperative Sustainability – The 2012 Plan
Sustainability and the Power to Grow
The REA Advantage
Implementing Cooperative Sustainability
– The 2012 Plan
This strategic plan is based on the discussion paper, The REA Advantage: Sustainability and the Power to Grow (AFREA © September 2009/updated 2011).
The original document discussed the relationship of a generalized model commonly employed to explore future planning strategies.
The accompanying planning document, The REA Strategy (AFREA © September 2009), encouraged member Rural Electrification Associations (REAs) to evaluate their associations by defining them in terms of sustainable social, economic and environmental pillars within their own community.
After the release of the original documents, members were consulted for their input.
Representatives from the AFREA met with member REA board directors to discuss issues at the grassroots level.
Using that input and information from other sessions, a workable strategy was compiled.

2. Definition:
Application to business, incorporates sound business practices that consider:
Economic growth
Minimizing waste and impact on environment
Maximizing efficiency
Includes plans that account for future considerations
Alberta’s strategy for rural communities incorporates four pillars: economic growth, community capacity/ quality of life, health care, and learning / skill development

3. Sustainability: Planning and reporting is not the action
There must be an assessment of future needs
Application must be dynamic and ongoing
Under constant review, revision, and implementation
Must be open to change and evolve to reflect market, population, environmental impacts
Are we meeting today’s consumption levels while creating a legacy for tomorrow?

4. The REA Advantage: Key component of Alberta electrification history
Energy drawn from grassroots spirit
Lay claim to a foundation of knowledge and self-discovery
Commitment to cooperative community based business
Provide member services at cost
Overall contribution to local economy

5. The REA DIS-Advantages:
The REAs served an original purpose
Complacency and tendency to rely on past endeavors
Lack of planning means ill-prepared for the future
The REA cooperative spirit is struggling in a progressive industry
Some REAs lack motivation
Aging resources and assets
Reluctance to embrace a renewed vision

6. The 2012 Plan:
Combined efforts of REA promotion with International Year of the Cooperative celebration
Defines 4 areas of focus:
Clarity
Content
Communication
Continuity
Direction derived from input & feedback from REAs
Involves achievable goals and measures

7. Clarity: Key Component:
REAs must make a plan that considers resources and the system
Business Planning
REAs are a business
Anticipated Capital Expenditures
1, 3 or 5 year outlook?
Recruitment of human resources
perpetuity of the board
REAs have to promote and educate the public
Should be natural to include REA on list of co-ops

8. Content: Key Component:
REAs are an active and visible part of their Community
What is an REA?
REAs must not be invisible
Community participation
Defining return on investment
Consider diversity within the REA community
Changing rural population = changing perspectives

9. Communication: Key Component:
REAs need to increase Communication to their members
Communication is key component in any business
Members must feel the connection
REAs are compliant with once a year notification
Is connecting for the obligatory AGM enough contact?
What is an REA?
This is not a question a member should be asking
Technology changes everything
Keep up or get left behind

10. Continuity: Key Component:
Cooperation … work together or divided we fall
Sustainability is about continuity
A plan on the shelf has no more value than the paper it’s written on
Our small REAs feel the heat sooner
Changes need in order to survive
Effective cooperative model needs trust
Continued and committed communication builds trust
Cultivate interest
Sharing your passion for the REA is a way to attract interest

11. AFREA suggested Actions:
Clarity:
Business planning workshops – commitment to attend
Content:
Participate in a local community event – IYC celebrations?
Communication:
Increase communication and connection with community
Continuity:
Devise a recruitment policy and get out there to cultivate interest
Cooperation:
You are not in this alone – use the resources to your best advantage

12. Summary: REAs…
Rely on community relationships built on a historical foundation
Are a cooperative businesses giving back to their community
Benefit from the value of an AFREA membership
Must consider not only the members of today but of the future
This plan is not the complete answer – it must be used in conjunction with an ongoing business plan to sustain the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the REA, not just for today but for future members.