Are you leaving an indelible mark on your members?

What a privilege it was to attend my second Foundation Dinner in February—the primary fundraising event for the National Credit Union Foundation.

As ever, the dinner (held annually in conjunction with CUNA’s GAC) included the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards. This year, four giants of the credit union movement received Outstanding Individual Achievement awards, a likening to Mount Rushmore.

I found myself in awe listening to each recipient speak of their lifelong passion for the cooperative principles and watching videos that document their impact. What an inspiration each of them is to the global credit union movement.

One particular comment stuck with me. Linda Bodie, CEO + Innovator of Element FCU, said, “The very essence of the credit union mantra has left an indelible mark on my soul…” (in fact, it has left an indelible mark on her body. Watch her story to learn more!) That got me thinking… it’s one thing for each of us—as credit union employees, advocates and evangelists—to feel that way, but do our members?

That is where the National Credit Union Foundation can help. Our grants, education programs and resources can ensure enthusiasm translates into impact for your members, by empowering your leaders—and one of the most exciting opportunities is just around the corner.

CU FinHealth^TM has fast become the leading financial health and well-being event for the credit union system. It returns April 18 – 20, 2023, in Las Vegas and registration is still open.

As with previous years, the CU FinHealth agenda is jam-packed with learning opportunities to help credit unions and system partners better understand the barriers preventing financial well-being. Together, we will identify opportunities for innovation and improvement, and deliver meaningful, measurable long-term benefits.

The road to improving financial well-being for all is long. It’s arduous. Honestly, I’m not even sure there’s an end. But this year’s Herb Wegner Memorial Award winners (and 34 years of preceding winners!) show what can be achieved. They prove what can be done when credit unions embrace our purpose and work collaboratively. Take the opportunity to do just that at CU FinHealth in April, and take the first step to leaving an indelible mark on your members’ and employees’ financial lives.