Community Service

In the mountains of Veracruz, Mexico, people in poverty typically lack any savings, let alone other services offered by urban financial institutions. Now, working with a local credit union, MatchSavings.org—a program launched in 2008 by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU)—provides an incentive for individuals to set their first savings... READ MORE

Small CU leaders are the ‘missionaries’ of the financial services industry. During the past four years, the credit union movement has lost about 1,000 small credit unions. There were 5,517 small credit unions (those with less than $35 million in assets) at the end of... READ MORE

Augustine Kang —known as the father of the Asian credit union movement—died in August. Those who knew him describe Kang as a “man of the world,” “humble giant,” “dear, compassionate man” and “a role model for our lives." By Chris Baker Augustine Kang was a credit union giant but a... READ MORE

‘The purpose of CUs is to liberate people.’ Those who knew Augustine Kang during his decades of service to credit unions report he was a transforming figure. Some say he was a key 20th-century historical leader of the international credit union movement. Others describe Kang as “a man of the... READ MORE

Orange County’s CU  branch associates display the generous school supply donations from members and associates. From left: Erica Rodriguez, Yorba Linda Branch; Michele Goode, St. Andrews Branch; and Ernie Echeverria, Fullerton Branch. By Lora Kloth The Great Recession has left virtually no one unaffected, including many school kids unable to acquire... READ MORE

By James Hanson Exploitation happens every day and in many different markets, including new immigrants, minorities, poorly educated, and the poor. But the senior market stands out because of its size and its relative wealth. Seniors are vulnerable for many reasons: * Cognition . Nearly half of the people in... READ MORE

By Lora Kloth Bay FCU employees assemble Be The Match marrow registry kits at a registry drive at its Capitola, Calif. branch. The drive resulted in 475 new registrants. From left: Dawn Wingert, Laura Simmons, Lucy Sierra, Tammurra Krutt, and Rachael Ruiz. In 2004, Amy Ivey, assistant vice president of... READ MORE

Credit unions in Kenya are growing three times faster than credit unions in any other country, according to the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Find out why—and celebrate International Credit Union Day—with a free DVD highlighting credit union success in this African country. WOCCU has made a limited supply... READ MORE

The annual International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) broadcast, sponsored by Credit Union Development Educators  (CUDE) and World Council of Credit Unions  (WOCCU), will highlight the continuing contributions of the worldwide credit union movement. This year's broadcast will originate from $3 billion asset United Nations Federal Credit Union , Long... READ MORE

With more than five decades in the credit union movement, Rita Haynes has faced many challenges. But the CEO of $11 million asset Faith Community United Credit Union in Cleveland rarely expresses discouragement.   Rita Haynes : "Dare to dream," and don't be stifled by regulations.   Watch now .... READ MORE