PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas—Citing the “great work” credit unions do around the world, Stephen Stapp encouraged attendees at WOCCU’s World CU Conference to accelerate their efforts and reach more people.
“It’s been a humbling experience,” said the WOCCU chairman. “I know the great work that we do and the urgency in which we need to carry it out. In this capacity, I feel I am an ambassador of the credit union system and a servant to the people throughout the world.”
Stapp said he recognizes the power CUs have to change the world.
“But we need to accelerate our work,” said the president/CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union in Portland, Ore. “We can’t be satisfied with where we are today—so much change is taking place. Nike is from Portland, and I like the Nike statement ‘Just Do It.’ Now is our time to just do it, be champions for the people we serve and fight for a cause. We have 2,000 attending this meeting this year and my challenge to you is to make that number 4,000 next year and 8,000 the following year.”
He also encouraged more young leaders to play a strong role in credit unions throughout the world.
“WYCUP (World Council Young Credit Union Professionals) this year brought 100 young leaders to the meeting. I say next year let’s have 200 and 400 the next year. We need more strong young people in our movement,” Stapp said. “I challenge everyone to invite more people to the party, because there are a lot more people in this world we need to serve and we can lead this social change.