By Thomas Olney
The phrase “People Helping People” perfectly embodies what the credit union movement is all about. But in the abstract, it can become a cliché. Those unfamiliar with the origin and mission of credit unions might not understand the significance of the phrase, and even those with long histories in the credit union movement can get jaded or lose sight of the difference credit unions offer compared with their many competitors.
Credit unions can foster empathy and create a better understanding of the power of “People Helping People” through the National Credit Union Foundation’s Life Simulation experience. The Life Simulation experience is designed to help credit union employees, volunteers and leadership better understand what it would be like to live as a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month.
The interactive experience combines the financial and emotional distress that 25 simulated “families” tackle throughout the course of three hours. Participants are left painfully aware of the daily realities facing many Americans, including credit union members around the country.
Uncovering stories about real people struggling to rise above the curveballs life has thrown at them is a great way to rekindle a passion for credit unions. Whether it is based on personal experience, or through participation in the Life Simulation or something similar, it is important for everyone in the industry to recognize they can be the call for help so many people around them are seeking.
PSCU is committed to making a difference in the community and supporting its employees in their charitable endeavors. The company believes that investing in the future starts by uniting with the credit union industry in philanthropic causes and continues through to a commitment to the broader community of current and prospective credit union members.
The Helping Hands Initiative
PSCU champions numerous community outreach programs through its Helping Hands initiative. This internal initiative includes active engagement and leadership guidance in Junior Achievement, fundraising to fight cancer with Relay for Life, and underwriting to provide for critical research to mitigate childhood illness through a partnership with Children’s Miracle Network. To further encourage philanthropy, PSCU matches charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations up to $100 per year per employee.
“People Helping People” is far from a cliché. It is a call to action for each of us to look around and see how we can help one another and build the kind of community in which we all want to live. In order for credit unions to truly maximize their impact on communities, they should strive to put themselves in the shoes of the members they serve.
Tom Olney is , VP of Learning at PSCU and oversees business processes to ensure approved initiatives are completed in an accurate and timely manner at PSCU. He directs the development and implementation of major initiatives within the department and ensures all solutions enhance talent management, align with the overall strategic direction, and enable PSCU to achieve objectives and maintain its competitive advantage.