Community Service and Your Credit Union

Make a Difference Day is a national day of community service. Millions of volunteers all over the United States participate in activities that help improve the lives of others in their communities. Make a Difference Day occurs annually in October.

Credit unions make a difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide. This is accomplished through the people-focused mission of credit unions and their operating structure. Below are some examples on how you can make a difference through your local credit union. 

Become a credit union member and participate in a system of cooperative credit.

Unlike other financial institutions credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives. Their mission, purpose, and operating structure focus on serving the needs of the people who use their products and services. For example, any profits a credit union makes is returned back to members in the form of low cost loans, higher saving rates and low fees. View this interactive infographic to learn more about the credit union structure.

How can you make a difference? As a member, when you make a deposit, that money is then used to provide loans and services to other members of the credit union. Furthermore, members have a voice in important credit union matters. For example, members vote on issues and elect a voluntary board of directors that control the direction of the credit union. This is why credit unions are called “cooperative” financial institutions.

By becoming a credit union member, saving regularly and using credit union products and services, members have the power to make a difference.

Serve as a voluntary credit union board member

Another way of making a difference through a credit union is to serve as a voluntary board member. As a board volunteer you donate your skills, time, and energy to support the direction and growth of the credit union.

Once elected as a voluntary board member, you have a direct say in how your credit union makes important operating decisions. As a board member, you help ensure that the credit union best serves the interests of its members and community.

It’s time to make a difference through your local credit union!

Below are examples of ways credit unions and their members are currently serving to make a difference!

  • Providing free financial counseling and couching services to their members 
  • Supporting local communities through fund raisers, book donations, school supply drives, and blood donation drives - Helping members achieve financial well-being through hosting free educational community events 
  • Providing scholarships to students to help cover tuition, books and other fees

Each credit union involves people just like you contributing to make a difference in many ways.

Whether it is simply making deposits as a member, helping organize events and activities, or taking on the responsibilities of a board member, each and every person collectively contributes to making a difference. Contact your local credit union today to see how you may get involved.

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