Doing for others

Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” If you didn’t know those words were Dr. King’s, that quote could easily be attributed to Edward Filene or one of many of the credit union movement’s founders.

Admittedly, credit unions and civil rights exist on different planes of America’s consciousness, but they both share simple basic philosophies of “doing for others” and inclusiveness.

As we celebrate Black History Month to honor those who have personally sacrificed and dedicated themselves to civil rights so that others may enjoy more individual freedoms, it is also a time for credit union leaders to reflect on the opportunities they have to follow the leadership lessons of our greatest freedom fighters, such as Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and so many others.

The African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) provide opportunities for credit union leaders to carve out their own legacies of mentorship, leadership and advocacy to carry on our rich philosophy of people helping people, or, as Dr. King put it so succinctly, “doing for others.”

The AACUC’s mission is to increase diversity within the credit union community through advocacy and professional development. In serving that mission we promote internships, scholarships and mentorship programs as well as employment, volunteer and networking opportunities for African Americans throughout the credit union system.

Affiliation with the AACUC, regardless of one’s ethnicity or background, is an opportunity to not only expand the reach of the credit union movement but to elevate the cultural significance of our movement’s leadership and advocacy efforts.

CUNA likewise advocates the spirit of inclusion not only in February but 12 months a year. This month CUNA will host the “Crash the GAC” program at the annual CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington D.C. Through the “Crash” program, The Cooperative Trust and CUNA provide opportunities for up-and-coming credit union professionals to take part in GAC keynote and breakout sessions, visit congressional leaders in Hike the Hill advocacy meetings, and network with more than 5,000 credit union leaders attending the CUNA GAC.

CUNA supports similar “Crash” programs throughout the year. These are wonderful opportunities to bring together young credit union professionals from all 50 states and a variety of backgrounds to help them gain a better understanding of our movement as they advance in their careers.

Developing engaged, new leaders who are shaped by these kinds of culturally rich experiences is critical to the future success of the credit union movement as we meet the challenges and opportunities presented by a culture that is both increasingly diverse and, at times, divergent.

With that vision in mind, we draw inspiration from another great African American and civil rights icon, Maya Angelou, who once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

In that spirit, on behalf of the AACUC and CUNA, we hope you embrace the resources and opportunities our organizations offer during Black History Month, and all of 2017, to help others feel accepted, empowered and uplifted.

Co-authored by Jim Nussle, CUNA president/CEO. 

Timothy L. Anderson

Timothy L. Anderson

Mr. Anderson has over 30 years of financial services experience at credit unions and banks, and currently serves as the President and CEO at the Government Printing Office Federal Credit ... Web: https://www.gpofcu.org Details