RTC Communicator for Fall 2018

FALL 2018 13 A cooperative is a business formed by a community to solve a common need and is owned by those it serves. Reservation Telephone Cooperative (RTC) was formed in 1951 to provide low-cost, quality telephone service to our member-owners and has since expanded our range of communications services. As a cooperative, RTC is guided by these principles: 1. Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. 2. Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. 3. Members’ Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. 4. Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. 5. Education, Training and Information: Cooperatives provide education and train- ing for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together. 7. Concern for Community: While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities. As RTC moves forward in the years ahead, our focus will remain on you—the member- owners of our cooperative. We work for you, with you, and because of you. RTC is Guided by the 7 Cooperative Principles Join RTC for Free Treats to Celebrate Co-op Month! The 2018 Co-op Month theme is“Coop- eratives see the future.”It reflects the forward-thinking philosophy of coop- eratives and their commitment to the communities in which their members live and work. Co-ops don’t have to answer to outside shareholders; they care about meeting their members’needs. RTC can “see the future.” It includes hosting these upcoming Co-op Month events: Watford City – Friday, September 28 Free Popcorn at the Homecoming Football Game NewTown – Friday, October 5 Free Chili Feed at the Civic Center from 4-6pm Kenmare –Wednesday, October 10 Free Cooperative Appreciation Supper at Memorial Hall from 5-7pm Garrison – Tuesday, October 16 Free Pie & Ice Cream Social at the Auditorium from 2-4pm In addition, stop by our offices in Parshall, NewTown, andWatford City onThursdays during October for coffee and cookies. We hope to see you soon!