The CUInsight Network podcast: Global aid – Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (#28)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 28 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest today is Mike Reuter, the Executive Director of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), which is the engagement and fundraising arm of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Mike shares that while the Worldwide Foundation focused primarily on disaster relief at its inception, over the years it has grown and today supports the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), World Council Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) program, and much more. 

The Worldwide Foundation offers what Mike describes as an à la carte menu of global credit union engagement experiences and programs from which both credit unions and individuals can select. Mike also describes the significant work the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions is doing to support Ukraine’s credit unions in the midst of the humanitarian crisis there. During the conversation, Mike provides details on their Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund, which raised over $150,000 in its first 10 days, and their Ukrainian Taskforce in partnership with WOCCU and global partners. For credit unions that want to be involved in supporting Ukraine and its credit union system, Mike recommends a charitable donation to the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund.

As a global credit union first responder, Mike and the Worldwide Foundation support the humanitarian side during a crisis, such as the one in Ukraine, in terms of relief needs for members and citizens. WFCU also provides support for the recovery phase of a disaster, helping the credit union system rebuild, accelerate digitization, and refresh their strategic direction. Mike explains that the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions is an industry leader in marshaling volunteer resources, thought leadership, and travel to countries recovering from disaster to chart a stronger and more sustainable future together.

During our rapid fire questions, Mike shares that growing up, he wanted to be an American History professor. Listen in to hear who he thinks of first when he hears the word “success,” the book he loves to gift, and the decade of music he listens to on repeat. Enjoy my conversation with Mike Reuter!

Connect with Mike:
Mike Reuter, Executive Director at Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU)
mreuter@woccu.org
https://www.doglobalgood.org/
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook

Show notes from this episode:
What an amazing interview with Mike! Check out all the exceptional work his team is doing over at the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions here.
Want to hear more from Mike Reuter? Click here.
Shout-out: World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU)
Place mentioned: Madison, WI
Shout-out: Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN)
Shout-out: World Council Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP)
Place mentioned: Ukraine
Shout-out: Global Bridges
Place mentioned: Russia
Shout-out: Credit Union National Association (CUNA)
Shout-out: CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC)
Place mentioned: Washington, DC
Shout-out: National Museum of the American Indian
Shout-out: Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund
Place mentioned: Philippines 
Place mentioned: Indonesia
Shout-out: Elissa McCarter LaBorde
Shout-out: California Credit Union
Shout-out: Chad Helminak
Shout-out: T-Mobile
Shout-out: National Credit Union Foundation
Program mentioned: Credit Union Development Educators (CUDE)
Shout-out: Spotify
Shout-out: Prince 
Shout-out: The Police
Shout-out: The Smiths
Book mentioned: You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Shout-out: Mike’s daughters and wife

In this episode:
[00:08] – Mike Reuter says he is a U.S. History nerd, and originally wanted to be an American History professor.
[02:16] – Mike gives the historical context behind the active role of the Worldwide Foundation in social concerns.
[05:08] – How did the Worldwide Foundation respond to the situation in the Ukraine?
[07:19] – Mike discusses the recovery phase being an opportunity to upgrade credit union ecosystems. [08:53] – Mike explains the task force that focuses on the relief and recovery of credit unions in the Ukraine.
[10:55] – The Worldwide Foundation initiatives aim to engage international credit union systems to grow together and exchange ideas.
[12:43] – How can others help with these initiatives? Mike gives options on how to participate.
[15:20] – Mike talks about investing in insulation to make his home more comfortable, and gives credit to Chad Helminak on being inspirational.
[17:38] – Mike listens to 80s music mixes, and he enjoys the unapologetic theme of this book he recommends.
[19:02] – Let’s continue to support our Ukrainian colleagues.