MADISON, Wis.–Today marks International Credit Union Day around the world.
The 2021 ICU Day theme is “Building Financial Health for a Brighter Tomorrow.” At the time CUNA announced this year’s theme, the trade group released a statement saying, “Financial well-being is the state of a person’s financial situation, their degree of control, and how they feel about their money. Improving people’s financial well-being is at the heart of the mission and structure of America's credit unions. The essence of this commitment is reflected in each institution's bylaws and it’s something credit unions have been doing for more than 100 years.
CUToday.info Series
As part of International CU Week, CUToday.info is running a week-long series examining how credit unions are attempting to work with international policy-setting organizations such as the G20 on “proportionality,” or taking into account the unique attributes of credit unions when making rules. The first three installments in that series can be found here, here and here.
‘Picnics & Parades’
International Credit Union (ICU) Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948, and it is now primarily overseen by the World Council, which was created in 1971.
On its website, the trade group said, “The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged. The day of festivities for credit unions and financial cooperatives globally includes fundraisers, open houses, contests, picnics, volunteering and parades.”
On Thursday, WOCCU will be hosting a virtual event featuring presentations on financial health and related issues. Click here to learn more and register.
Webinars Scheduled
Two webinars are scheduled for today, including:
- Filene will be hosting a webinar titled "Trauma-Informed Services for Credit Union Employees." The webinar is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET and will be led by Filene researcher Hammad N’cho.
- The World Council of Credit Unions will also be hosting a webinar, “Building Financial Health for a Better Tomorrow,” beginning at 8 a.m. ET. To register, go here.
17 CUs Come Together in Spokane
In Spokane, Wash., Transitions and Family Promise of Spokane are both getting a makeover in celebration of International Credit Union Day from 17 area credit unions, which report they will be joining together as a team to make the community stronger.
These two nonprofits were hand-picked for their commitment toward ending the cycle of poverty and providing crucial housing for women, children and families in Spokane, the credit unions said.
For six years, the local credit unions reported they have worked together in honor of this day, united in a desire to show up and put in the work. More than 70 credit union volunteers will spend the day filling flowerbeds, preparing playground spaces, building a storage shed and assembling welcome kits for those in need.
In addition to their hard work the credit unions said they will be making monetary and other donations to each organization to benefit their participants. Transitions and Family Promise of Spokane strive to be a place where people can thrive financially, a mission credit unions are proud to fulfill every day.
This year’s participating credit unions include Alaska USA Credit Union, BECU, Canopy Credit Union, Cheney Federal Credit Union, Gesa Credit Union, Global Credit Union, Horizon Credit Union, Numerica Credit Union, PrimeSource Credit Union, Progressions Credit Union, Responders Emergency Services Credit Union, Safeway Employees Federal Credit Union, Spokane City Credit Union, Spokane Firefighters Credit Union, Spokane Media Federal Credit Union, STCU and WSECU.
Fin Lit in New Mexico
In Santa Fe, N.M., Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU) reminded its community of the solutions it offers to promote a better understanding of finances.
“This year’s theme for International Credit Union day is a helpful reminder of our credit union’s mission to improve lives, both young and old, in New Mexico,” explained Kim Currie, chief marketing officer at DNCU. “DNCU strives to become a thought leader in financial literacy. We work with trusted partners, Banzai Inc., and GreenPath Financial Wellness to complement our specialized products and services designed for all ages.”
Credit Unions Celebrate
Among the other ICU Day and ICU Week-related celebrations taking place:
- In Antigo, Wis., CoVantage Credit Union said it will be offering individually wrapped chocolate chip cookies at branch locations on Oct. 21 Charlie Zanayed, CEO & President of CoVantage, said he is inviting both members and non-members to visit any branch location and celebrate this day.
- New Dimensions FCU in Waterville, Maine said it will be hosting Member Appreciation Day at its branches. The special occasion also will celebrate the credit union’s 65th anniversary. “Without our members, we would not exist,” said Ryan G. Poulin, CEO at New Dimensions FCU. “We couldn’t be more honored to serve them. We strive to enhance financial wellbeing and to fulfill the dreams of all our members. Many of our members have been with us for over 50 years, and we look forward to working with them in the years to come.”
The credit union said it will be offering tours of its office on Silver Street in Waterville, and also will be conducting member giveaways at other branch locations.
- In Eau Claire, Wis., Royal Credit Union said it will have a drawing in each office for a sunshine-themed basket that started on Oct. 11 and is ending on October 20. Members and non-members can stop in any office to sign up to win. Royal said it will also be surprising community members near each office on International Credit Union Day by handing out sunshine gift bags filled with exclusive swag items and information about financial health and the credit union difference.
- WYCUP said it will be offering two great opportunities to connect with peers around the world and expand professional networks. With ICU Day taking place first in Australia, on Oct. 20/21 WYCUP said it will be connecting Australia’s emerging leaders with young professionals from across the Americas “during a fun, fast-paced and interactive networking session. Details and registration can be found here. Later, depending on where one is in the world, WYCUP said it will connect again, this time in Spanish, when it brings together young professionals from across Latin America with the Juntos Avanzamos certified credit unions in the United States. For info, go here.
- In Indianapolis, Indiana Members CU said it will be celebrating at each of its branch locations Oct. 21-23, 2021 with popcorn and candy and a chance to register to win a $25 IMCU Mastercard Gift Card at each branch, as well as a grand prize of a $250 gift card. Both members and non-members are being invited to participate.
- The North Texas Sister Society will feature Tail O’ The Bank Credit Union CEO Beth Welsh from the United Kingdom at its Oct. 21 virtual Zoom meeting, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. CT. According to the Cornerstone league, Welsh’s presentation will focus on Britain’s credit union sector. “This will be an outstanding opportunity for attendees to discuss the differences and similarities across the global credit union sector,” the league said.