MEMBERSHIP
Mission
Statement
Our mission is to always be the most trusted and customer-focused provider of sustainable communications solutions in Southwest Kansas. Our work helps strengthen our communities and enrich the lives of our members, customers, and employees!
What does membership mean at United?
United is a member-owned cooperative. When you receive certain services from United Telephone Association, Inc., and/or United Communications Association, Inc., you become a member-owner of that cooperative(s).
Unlike investor-owned companies, cooperatives operate for the benefit of the members they serve. Members help guide the direction of the cooperative by electing a Board of Trustees, participating in the Annual Meeting, and having the opportunity to participate in the cooperative’s financial success through capital credits.
This page provides information about membership, cooperative governance, and opportunities for members to participate.
Membership has its advantages
Being a member-owner of United means more than just receiving telecommunications services. It means being part of a cooperative that is owned and governed by the people it serves.
Local Ownership
United is owned by its members, not outside investors.
Democratic Governance
Members elect the Board of Trustees, who represent their districts and help guide the cooperative’s direction.
Capital Credits
Because United operates as a cooperative, margins may be returned to members as capital credits.
Commitment to Community
Decisions are made locally with the best interests of our Southwest Kansas communities in mind.
Member participation
Members play an important role in the cooperative.
You can participate by:
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Voting in trustee elections
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Attending the Annual Meeting
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Serving on the Board of Trustees
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Staying informed about cooperative programs and initiatives
Member involvement helps ensure United continues to reflect the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.
Annual Meeting
United holds an Annual Meeting of the membership each year, typically in October. The meeting provides an opportunity for members to receive updates about the cooperative’s performance, hear reports from leadership, and learn the results of trustee elections.
2026 Annual Meeting Date: October 13, 2026
Members who are eligible to attend will receive a mailed notice and informational booklet prior to the meeting.
Board of Trustees
United is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the membership. Trustees represent four geographic districts across our service territory and help guide the cooperative’s long-term strategy and policies.
Trustees are responsible for:
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Establishing cooperative policies
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Providing strategic oversight
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Representing the interests of members in their district
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Supporting the long-term sustainability of the cooperative
Members are represented by trustees based on their district:
Click here to view information about the current members of the Board of Trustees.
Interested in serving as a trustee?
Members have the opportunity to serve on United’s Board of Trustees and help guide the cooperative’s future.
Trustees represent their district and are elected by the membership in accordance with the cooperative’s bylaws.
Members interested in becoming a candidate may review the nomination materials and requirements below.
(b) Any fifteen (15) or more members from a district entitled to elect a Trustee may nominate a candidate from their district by written petition, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of the Board, which must be filed at the principal office of the Association at least 100 days prior to the annual meeting. If the candidate meets the eligibility requirements of the Bylaws, the candidate shall be placed on the ballot.
Members with questions about the nomination process may contact the Administration Manager at 620-227-8641.
Capital Credits
Because United is a cooperative, margins are allocated to members in the form of capital credits.
Each year, any margins earned by the cooperative are assigned to members based on the services they used during that year. These credits may be returned to members at the sole discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Capital credits are one of the ways members share in the success of the cooperative.
The Cooperative Difference
United operates according to the Seven Cooperative Principles, a set of internationally recognized guidelines that cooperatives follow worldwide.
These principles include:
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
These principles guide how United serves its members and communities.
Our Cooperative History
United has proudly served Southwest Kansas for generations. Since our founding, the cooperative has worked to connect communities with reliable and state-of-the-art communications services.
Bylaws
Bylaws are governing documents that establish the rules and procedures for how an organization operates. They outline matters such as leadership responsibilities, meetings, elections, and other governance processes.
United maintains bylaws for the following companies:
These documents provide detailed information about how each organization is governed.