Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives honored with Human Rights Award

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives was one of 19 recipients honored at the Oklahoma State Capitol during an awards ceremony hosted by the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance (OKUHRA). Accepting the award on behalf cooperatives was Chris Meyers, general manager and CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC).

OKUHRA’s mission is to “be a guardian of liberty for all human beings.” The organization promotes equity for all humans by working for social justice.

Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives were honored for its international electrification efforts in bringing first-time access to electricity to families and businesses in Central America and South America.

“Serving others where no one else will is in our DNA. We serve the hardest to serve in America and that is why we go to remote villages,” Meyers said. “Life without electricity is hard. Co-ops brought electricity to rural American in the 1930s and 1940s; what we do changes lives for generations.”

Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives were nominated for the award by Marie Serieys-Michaud, member of Cimarron Electric Cooperative, based in Kingfisher.

“I receive Oklahoma Living magazine and see the good work that electric cooperatives do at home and abroad. I’m happy the cooperatives were recognized with a Human Rights award. They help improve quality of life and care for the communities they serve,” Serieys-Michaud said.

Media Contact:

Anna Politano, Director of Public Relations & Communications, Okla. Assn. of Electric Co-ops

Phone: 405-761-0289

E-mail: apolitano@oaec.coop