“Credit Unions Unite for Good: A Better Way” highlights global impact of cooperation among financial cooperatives
MADISON, WI (May 31, 2013) World Council of Credit Unions today announced the 2013 International Credit Union (ICU) Day® theme, "Credit Unions Unite for Good: A Better Way," which emphasizes the benefits of cooperation among credit unions worldwide. ICU Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October and will take place this year on Oct. 17, 2013. Artwork in English and Spanish is now available on World Council's website.
"Cooperation within the financial cooperative industry has historically been considered a philosophical principle," said Brian Branch, World Council president and CEO, "but today there is a market-driven business rationale for finding cooperative solutions to consumer demand. It is fitting that we celebrate this year's International Credit Union Day with this recognition — that credit unions uniting for the good of our consumers truly is a better way of doing business."
World Council solicited theme ideas from its member organizations earlier this year, and the chosen theme reflects a combination of submissions. This year's message speaks to the powerful global network of credit unions, which no other financial institution can claim, and the advantages that result from sharing challenges, experiences and solutions with one another to better serve members. The theme also ties closely with World Council's vision to build a global community.
Official ICU Day graphics and posters in English and Spanish are available for download on World Council's website at www.woccu.org/icuday. Promotional materials and other ideas to help celebrate International Credit Union Day will soon be available. Credit union representatives from around the world are encouraged to share celebration ideas at www.facebook.com/icuday.
World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency 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 more than 290 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 51,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 196 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.