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People joining hands, coop month,

2025 NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH

October is National Cooperative Month. Every year as the daylight wanes and nights grow chilly, we reflect with gratitude on the philosophy that inspired our beginnings.

Since 1951, when SRT became a cooperative to bring telephone service in rural north-central North Dakota, we have evolved from phone lines to broadband and have grown into the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. 

More than 40,000 co-ops dot the United States, generating jobs in the communities they serve and providing local opportunities for residents. As a telecommunications cooperative, SRT is committed to making our region a place to thrive for everyone. Our employees include your family, friends, and neighbors.

Take a look below how we are honoring and celebrating Co-Op Month this year. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and be part of the places you call home.

coopmonthshirt

Cooperative Principles

  1. Voluntary and Open Membership
  2.  Democratic Control
  3.  Members’ Economic Participation
  4.  Autonomy and Independence
  5.  Education, Training, and Information
  6.  Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  7.  Concern for Community
 
 

CELEBRATING HOMETOWN PRIDE

Enjoy free popcorn on SRT at a home game in your town in honor of Co-op Month.

  • October 2 - TGU Volleyball vs. Drake
  • October 3 - MLS vs. Berthold/ORCS/North Shore
  • October 10 - Burlington vs. Powers Lake/Ray
  • October 10 - Minot North vs. Devils Lake
  • October 10 - Velva vs. Bishop Ryan
  • October 10 - Westhope/Newburg/Glenburn vs. MLS
  • October 16 - Nedrose vs. Westhope/Newburg/Glenburn
  • October 16 - Minot High vs. Mandan
  • October 17 - South Prairie vs. Velva
  • October 17 - Surrey vs. Kenmare
  • October 18 - Bishop Ryan vs. Tioga
SRT supports First Responders in our communities

SRT donates to hundreds of community organizations, projects, and events each year. Recently, a common theme has emerged among a handful of SRT’s contributions: first responders. Police, fire, ambulance – first responders provide vital services to populations near and far. Like any organization, growing needs require community support.

In May, SRT donated $1,351 to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. This covered the cost of a communications system for the new Sakakawea SWAT Team. The team will respond to critical incidents in McHenry, McLean, Sheridan, Mercer, and Oliver counties, as well as the Fort Berthold Reservation. 

In July, SRT donated $2,500 to Upham Fire Supporters, Inc. The group is a charitable organization established to support Upham Fire Protection District through financial, educational, safety, and community programs. 

Upham firefighters needed new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), as their old ones were no longer viable. Each SCBA costs tens of thousands of dollars and includes a carbon fiber tank, face piece, harness, and thermal imager. With about 20 volunteers, the Upham Fire Protection District serves more than 260 square miles and seven townships. These devices are necessary to safely combat any situations with hazardous air.

SRT also donated $1,000 to the Burlington Fire Department toward a generator for the fire hall. The generator powers doors, the air bottle compressor, dispatch computer, and radios, as well as chargers for fire apparatuses.

The most recent donation to support first responders was $1,500 toward a new K9 unit for the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. As one K9 nears retirement, the department is working to replace this invaluable resource and team member. The K9 will be trained for narcotics, tracking, and apprehension. The McHenry County K9s assist other law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to Bottineau, Ward, Renville, and Pierce counties. The K9 is fully funded by donations from the community.

SRT’s corporate giving program gives priority to programs that encourage community involvement, support vital needs, and promote the use of technology. All corporate donations made by SRT highlight one of the seven Cooperative Principles: concern for community. During Co-op Month in October, SRT takes pride in our ability to support the region we serve in more ways than providing telecommunications and personable customer service. SRT is committed to making our service area an exceptional place to live, learn, work, and enjoy for everyone.