10/08/2026
Meet David Yi of Meadowlark Manor Co-op (CA). David is this year's recipient of our national Thornthwaite Lifetime Achievement Award.
This national award, created by our Volunteerism Task Force, represents the very highest level of volunteer recognition at CSI. It celebrates a legacy of excellence, service, and commitment to the cooperative movement.
The award is named in honor of Fred and Virginia Thornthwaite, an extraordinary couple whose unwavering belief in the cooperative system—and in the power of volunteerism—helped shape the foundation of our organization. Their vision and commitment to the cooperative movement helped lay the groundwork for CSI to become the strong and thriving housing cooperative it is today.
We believe Fred and Virginia would be incredibly proud to see that generations of volunteers who have carried that vision forward and continued to advance CSI’s mission through their service, leadership, and dedication.
The Thornthwaite Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes members who inspire others through their example; who have volunteered at their co-op for a minimum of five years; and who have served their community in multiple volunteer capacities.
David Yi’s commitment to his co-op and to the cooperative movement is an inspiration to us all.
David started volunteering for Meadowlark Manor more than 16 years ago. He has served as President, Vice President, Leasing Chairperson, Maintenance Chairperson, and Parking Chairperson.
The comments we received about David Yi speak to something much greater than years of service—they speak to the kind of person he has been to the people around him.
For 16 years, David has given his time, knowledge, and energy to strengthening his co-op. He has earned the trust and respect of members through his steady leadership, his fairness, and his willingness to help whenever someone needed support. Whether facing an everyday concern or an urgent situation, David has been someone members could turn to for guidance, reassurance, humanity, and practical help.
What makes his service especially meaningful is that his commitment has never been limited to his own co-op. He has willingly shared his experience and offered assistance to other co-ops as well, reflecting the true cooperative spirit of strengthening our communities together.
Again and again, the comments in the 23 nominations submitted describe David as approachable, compassionate, reliable, and dedicated. He leads not simply by holding a position, but by setting an example through service. And his impact can be seen in the many people and communities he has helped along the way.
As David approaches 90 years young and prepares to retire from his volunteer service, it is especially fitting that we recognize what these 16 years have meant. He devoted an important chapter of his retirement years to serving others, consistently putting the needs of his community ahead of his own.
The Thornthwaite Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting recognition of his remarkable commitment. David, your years of selfless service have left a lasting mark on our co-op community and on the many people whose lives you have touched.
Please join us in congratulating David, and thank him for so many years of extraordinary service.
David’s name and picture will be placed on the legacy walls in each of our regional offices, where he will join the distinguished company of Fred and Virginia Thornthwaite, as well as the remarkable volunteers who have received this honor before him—and those who will receive it in the years to come.
This legacy represents something much bigger than an award. It represents the profound and lasting impact that dedicated volunteers have made on their co-ops, on their neighbors, and on CSI as an organization.
Congratulations, David, for carrying forward the legacy of cooperation, service, and community that our founders established 80 years ago.
Happy Co-op Month!
