With one wild and precious life, we can change the world

Having been raised by an English teacher, I come by my love of words naturally. However, I appreciate that for some, words are just that. I’ve been coached that, at times, my passionate and hyperbolic language can cause some to put their guard up when they hear me speak. I’ve been told that “flowery language” doesn’t matter. When I talk about “impossible dreams,” I’m often asked if I know that impossible means that it cannot happen. I appreciate the challenge and oppositional view. I also believe that bold dreams have their best chances of coming to life when shared proudly and vividly. Those who dare to challenge the impossible ensure the possibilities of tomorrow.

Recently, the power of language to activate came crashing at me from the Netflix movie, “Nyad.” During my days at the University of Michigan, I was introduced to Mary Oliver, and I keep my collection of her work centered on my bookshelves for easy access. Time has a funny way of distracting us and carrying our focus away from even the most powerful forces. The driven main character of “Nyad,” Diana Nyad, quotes one of Mary Oliver’s lines from her poem, “The Summer Day” as she implores them to take on extreme challenges. The words screamed at this dreamer, begging, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

As a credit union leader, the answer to this question likely includes something about creating impact and using the cooperative finance model to improve the lives of everyday Americans. And yet, on any given day, how sharply does that dream stay in focus? How much do we challenge ourselves to improve, innovate, share more, and ensure the power of that impact grows exponentially?

I recently learned that Credit Union for Kids received the prestigious Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Founder’s Award. The award was named for CMN Hospitals’ Founders Marie Osmond, John Schneider, Mick Shannon, and Joseph Lake. A Network Partner of the Year highlights “outstanding strategic partners that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to CMN Hospitals through innovative fundraising and awareness initiatives.” When I think about Credit Union for Kids and this award, I imagine credit union leaders from around the country who have lived Mary Oliver’s challenge directly on behalf of children.

The heart of credit unions shines across our country through the Credit Union for Kids collaboration. From the Credit Union Cherry Blossom race, to the California and Nevada Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction, to the Northwest Classic, to the GoWest Credit Union Association’s annual CU4Kid’s MAXX auction, credit union leaders have been coming together for years in support of children in some of their most challenging moments. When I earned the opportunity to return to my home state of Michigan in the summer of 2022, I wondered if we might bring to life an event in the Great Lakes region that carried that tradition forward, and our In the Cellar event was born.

Events like In the Cellar drive three critical outcomes:

• First, they raise money for Children’s Hospitals. In the case of In the Cellar, we focused our fundraising on supporting the mental well-being of children, which deserves resources, attention, and a commitment to destigmatize the need. Our inaugural effort raised over $900,000.
• Secondly, they celebrate the collaborative spirit of credit unions in action. We often talk about collaboration, and these events activate and bring to life true partnership and co-creation of positive outcomes.
• Finally, they present an opportunity for storytelling and elevating the heart of credit unions. Credit unions do tremendous good in their communities, and the focused commitment to Children’s Hospitals creates a monumental moment to share a story with nationwide resonance and localized impact.

Inspired by so many who walked before us, In the Cellar demonstrates the power of a dream to change lives and to multiply impact for many, to rise to Mary Oliver’s challenge. While we felt tremendous gratitude and enthusiasm for the response and commitment to the inaugural event, we also feel extraordinary responsibility to elevate this event for 2024 and beyond. Children’s lives depend on it. That’s worth dreaming about. It will change the world. We hope you’ll join us on the journey of your “one wild and precious life.”

Save the date for Children’s Hospitals Week, CMN Hospitals annual conference where the credit union industry will officially receive the Founders Award – April 8-11 in Orlando, FL; all are welcome.

Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) in collaboration with American’s Credit Unions, was adopted as a movement charity of choice. Credit unions, chapters, leagues, associations, and business partners throughout the U.S. donate to CU4Kids benefiting local children’s hospitals through CMN Hospitals. Whether contributing through ATM contributions, events, employee giving, or other initiative, credit unions are raising funds to help children’s hospitals provide the best possible care for kids, providing financial, educational, and emotional support for families fostering economic stability. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about CU4Kids, visit CU4Kids.org.