Communities of Caring project seeks credit union stories for new book
Proceeds from collection will go toward boosting international financial wellbeing
MADISON, WI (February 2, 2022) — Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions Executive Director Mike Reuter and OneAZ Credit Union Board Chair Martha Rozen are leading Communities of Caring, a new initiative to collect stories for a book about the diverse group of people who have benefited from the help of credit unions worldwide.
“Credit unions enrich the lives of individuals in their communities by providing services that enhance their financial well-being. Behind each member, employee and partner is a story of how a credit union has made a difference for them. We want credit unions to share stories that illustrate how they have impacted the people they serve,” said Rozen.
Rozen and Reuter are asking credit union people from across the global movement to write their own stories or ask their colleagues to share their most memorable moments of how they have helped local members or communities.
Serve and Protect Credit Union, located in Birmingham, England (UK), has already shared a story about Anthony, a member since 2010.
After serving as a local police constable for many years, Anthony decided to retire abroad. However, his life was put at risk when he was informed that he had to undergo heart surgery. To prepare for the surgery, Anthony required a medical intervention to be performed beforehand. News went from bad to worse once he learned his insurance did not cover the procedure. In need of urgent help, Anthony applied for a loan from Serve and Protect in July 2020. After explaining his case, their team was able to swiftly work on his loan and issue the funds he needed within 24 hours.
“The surgery was successful, and I am now leading a normal life and looking forward to Christmas. I am writing to thank you for your speedy help which, in part, saved my life. I will be eternally grateful to you,” Anthony wrote back to Serve and Protect Credit Union in December 2020.
“Recounting specific acts of caring and giving back to members like that are exactly what we’re looking for,” explained Reuter. “And small, noble acts of service are just as important as the large ones.”
The book will be published and sold, with proceeds providing ongoing educational and engagement support to help expand the awareness of credit unions’ impact through the Worldwide Foundation’s mission.
For information on this initiative, click here. Credit unions can submit their stories to Communities of Caring until May 1, 2022.
About World Council of Credit Unions
World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development platform for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.
World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 90 countries. Worldwide, 82,758 credit unions in 97 countries serve 404 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.
