On 19 October credit unions from across the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day.
This year’s theme is Dreams Thrive Here, aiming to show how credit unions and financial co-operatives serve as catalysts to make different professions, personal choices and career paths real.
The day, celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948, was created to raise awareness of the credit union model and showcase its positive contributions. Credit unions are expected to host fundraising events, opening houses, holding contests, organising parades and other activities.
The theme was selected via an online poll involving professionals in the credit union industry, which serves 231 million members in 109 countries worldwide.
“ICU Day is the opportunity to encourage credit union members to get engaged, share their experiences and celebrate how credit unions and financial co-operatives have made an impact on their life choices,” said Brian Branch, World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) president and chief executive.
“By placing people before profit, we defend the credit union and co-operative financial institution model worldwide.”
To mark the day, WOCCU has released a hand-illustrated poster, which has been designed by an artist from a design and printmaking co-operative in Madison, Wisconsin.
WOCCU is also encouraging credit unions to share photos, events, experiences and other festivity ideas on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #ICUDay.
ICU Day graphics and posters in English and Spanish are available for download on the official website for the International Credit Union Day.
CUNA, the USA’s Credit Union National Association, is also providing free marketing collateral and an online store where credit union can purchase merchandise to show their values.
“The theme reflects the initial results of CUNA’s on-going research into what resonates with consumers about credit unions,” said Jeremiah Tucker, CUNA consumer engagement program lead.
“Credit unions are good at showing how we’re the socially responsible choice for banking, but we also need to remind consumers that credit unions are their best choice for personal success and satisfaction.”
