CCEC and Boy Scouts of America reflect on three decades of partnership
An electric cooperative and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are two groups which, on the surface, couldn't possibly seem more different. But despite their obvious differences, both organizations ultimately strive to make their communities better places to live.
Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) powers the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. Commitment to community is even one of our core values, and it extends beyond electricity into donations, service projects, and supporting employee volunteerism.
The Boy Scouts of America operate with the idea that good communities are made by good people. Scouting develops servant leaders who positively impact their community through activities that focus on citizenship, community service, and individual physical and mental fitness. Scouts learn about their role in the community and begin to understand their own humanity by serving others.
Local scout community service projects range from Scouting for Food—a council wide food collection day for area food pantries—to building access ramps into the homes of the elderly, to neighborhood beautification projects like picking up trash, planting trees or flower beds, or building park benches or trails.
When two organizations with the same larger goal exist in the same community, it’s a natural opportunity for partnership, and partners is exactly what CCEC and the Northern Lights Council of the BSA have been for decades.
CCEC has been a participant in the Council’s Friends of Scouting program for more than 30 years, in addition to pledging funds for the Jon L. Wanzek Center for Scouting, which was established in Fargo in 2012. Support of the Scouts by CCEC has been driven by former and present employees, but the organization’s goals align with CCEC’s core values as well, making it a good fit.
“We do our best to spread our community support across our entire service area and to organizations serving people of all ages,” says CCEC Manager of Marketing and Communications Trudy Wanner. “Supporting the Scouts is a great way to contribute to youth development and education across our region.”
Scouting provides age appropriate youth development programs that are progressively structured to challenge youth in all areas of their lives. Programs include Cub Scouting for boys and girls in grades 1-5; Boy Scouts for boys ages 11-18; Venturing and Exploring for boys and girls ages 14-20; and the Learning for Life program for boys and girls ages 6-17 through in-school curriculum.
“One of the greatest strengths of our Council is the unique and longstanding collaborative relationship that we have with business, industry, community, educational, and religious organizations,” says Northern Lights Council Scout Executive/CEO Roger B. Hoyt. “Working together, we can focus necessary resources and leadership on serving youth. The result is children, families, and communities that are stronger and better prepared for the future.”
Local business leaders understand the values Scouting provides to young people, and the benefit to employers is clear. The foundations for ethical decision making and principle-based business practices instilled in Scouts at a young age not only contribute to quality communities but are also the traits employers are looking for in their current and future work force.
“Working together, we can focus necessary resources and leadership on serving youth. The result is children, families, and communities that are stronger and better prepared for the future.” - Hoyt
Every organization and individual has a role to play in contributing to thriving and vibrant communities. By partnering with the Northern Lights Council and other local organizations committed to community, CCEC extends the service we provide beyond poles and lines and into the overall wellbeing of the region we call home.