MADISON, Wis.—The World Council of Credit Unions’ Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) program is launching the “10,000 Strong!” campaign as part of an effort to highlight its efforts to create the largest global network of young credit union professionals.
Originally designed as a scholarship program to raise the voice of young professionals (YPs) on the global stage, WOCCU said WYCUP is “expanding its framework to enrich professional journeys through global perspectives and increase engagement opportunities between YP networks around the world—ultimately energizing emerging leaders who are better prepared to lead financial cooperatives to a brighter future.”
According to WOCCU, the 10,000 Strong! campaign formalizes the WYCUP Affiliates Network and Council, providing a new structure for YPs to connect and collaborate.
“At the grassroots level, the WYCUP Affiliates Network is open to all young credit union professionals and their advocates who share a desire to connect with peers around the world,” WOCCU said. “By joining this free network, YPs connect their career paths with a world of opportunities and global engagement through WYCUP.”
‘Thematic Journey’
The WYCUP Affiliates Council is a monthly roundtable discussion among leadership from state/provincial, regional and national YP networks around the world—as well as advocates for YPs in jurisdictions where formal networks do not currently exist.
According to WOCCU, in 2021, the WYCUP Affiliates Council will follow a thematic journey by:
- Strengthening communication channels between local networks
- Supporting the formation of new local networks
- Expanding engagement opportunities and speaking roles for YPs at virtual events
- Promoting an exchange of ideas to develop shared resources.
An ‘Exciting Time’
“This is an exciting time for WYCUP as we work to ‘Bridge the Leadership Gap.’ After a year of separation, we’re coming back together stronger than before,” said Thomas Belekevich, WYCUP director. “That strength comes from recognizing that our local efforts have a global impact when we collaborate effectively. WYCUP is expanding horizons by empowering youth to be part of the solution and—in the process—strengthening the relevance of financial cooperatives in the eyes of young professionals and members everywhere.”
As CUToday.info reported earlier, WYCUP is Bridging the Leadership Gap as part of Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions' awareness and fundraising campaign called “Bridge the Gap,” which aims to help the global credit union movement bridge four key inclusion gaps that have been further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the launch of the 10,000 Strong! campaign, WYCUP reported it has redesigned its website and will convene the first monthly meeting of the WYCUP Affiliates Council on Feb. 16. That gathering will include up to 70 representatives from local YP networks around the world.