MADISON, Wis.–International Credit Union Week is taking place this week, with Thursday marking 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.
“On behalf of America’s credit unions, our shared commitment is to continue to accelerate the vital work of improving financial well-being for all and advancing the communities we serve,” CUNA concluded.
CUToday.info Series
CUToday.info will be featuring a five-part series this week in its Feature section highlighting a recent World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) meeting that explored how international policymaking works its way down to the national levels, and what CUs should be doing.
‘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.
Credit Unions Celebrate
Among the ICU Day-related celebrations this week:
- 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.