ChatGPT reflects: The value of caring about growing credit unions worldwide

By now, we can all agree that AI and the emergence of tools like ChatGPT are changing everyday life, sometimes seen and unseen. Being the father of twin daughters, I can confidently state that ChatGPT has not yet infiltrated homework assignments but I’m sure that reality is coming to our front door soon.

One of the most significant challenges I face in my role at Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions is convincing U.S. credit union peers about the value and relevancy of being aware of, connected to, and engaged with the international credit union community.

Beyond philanthropy, there is both personal and business value in being plugged into the global credit union community. Member challenges transcend borders and zip codes. We have more in common with our global peers than we might think. Credit unions thrive when they cooperatively collaborate, and building these global bridges is in our best interest as a global community.

But don’t take just my word for this value, take the word of the latest technological craze sweeping the world. Recently during a lazy Sunday, I asked ChatGPT directly, “Why should U.S. credit unions care about growing credit unions worldwide?’

Here is what my newfound, intuitive friend concluded about the value of what we call, “Global Good”:

There are several reasons why credit unions in the United States may want to care about growing credit unions worldwide:

• • Shared values & principles: Credit unions around the world share a common set of values and principles, including a commitment to cooperative ownership and democratic control. Supporting the growth of credit unions globally can help advance these values and principles and strengthen the cooperative movement as a whole.
  • Economic benefits: A thriving global credit union system can bring economic benefits to credit unions in the United States, such as expanded business opportunities and access to new markets. It can help promote financial inclusion and improve access to affordable financial services, which can benefit underserved communities.
  • Regulatory benefits: A larger and more influential credit union movement can also help shape regulatory policies that impact credit unions in the United States. By working together, credit unions can more effectively advocate for policies that support the cooperative model and promote financial stability.
  • Social impact: Supporting the growth of credit unions worldwide can also have a positive social impact, as credit unions are often focused on serving their members and their communities. By expanding access to financial services and promoting financial empowerment, credit unions can help promote social and economic development around the world.

Credit unions transform your neighborhoods and communities. You know this. Your credit unions are doing good, local work, advancing financial well-being and changing lives.

Credit unions also change the world beyond our back yards in places and to people we may never visit, see or meet. This is where a cooperative leap of faith comes into play, guided by shared values and principles.

Join us in changing the world using credit unions. Take that leap of faith with us as we, together, play a pivotal role in supporting transformational credit union work across all corners of the world. You might just find yourself reaping one or all four of the benefits that ChatGPT shared with me in a five-second response.

Become global champions. Donate. Volunteer. Network. Engage. Let’s bridge credit union gaps together. Our global community be stronger, as will you.

Join the Worldwide Foundation’s Bridge the Gap Campaign at DoGlobalGood.org/donate/give.

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