What Credit Unions Can Do

This year's International Credit Union (ICU) Day^® on Oct. 20 will incorporate the objectives of the International Year of Cooperatives. ICU Day provides a great opportunity for credit unions to get involved and raise awareness among their members, legislators and communities. Participating in the following ways on a local level will contribute to a successful campaign worldwide.

1. Use the IYC logo and theme. Credit unions are encouraged to use the IYC logo on their member statements, website, ATM receipts and other printed materials. The more cooperatives promoting the U.N.

   International Year of Cooperatives in 2012, the greater our collective impact. Take a minute to review the branding guidelines and download the logo.

2. Join us in New York at the launch. Although access to the U.N. meetings is limited, there will be side meetings on financial cooperatives. We need you in New York to make our voice heard.
3. Take political action. Use this opportunity to show policymakers the tangible change your cooperative is making on a local, national or international level. Educate them on the cooperative difference and encourage them to adopt policies that support cooperative growth. Together, financial cooperatives serve an estimated 870 million people and operate 23% of all banking branches. (CGAP's report: Financial Access 2010: The State of Financial Inclusion Through the Crisis)
4. Support public relations efforts. Credit unions and partners can support the public relations efforts by making a donation through either the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) or WOCCU. You may also download a contribution form for mail-in donations.
   

Snapshot: Financial Cooperatives Worldwide

• Credit unions worldwide serve 188 million people. (WOCCU 2010 Statistical Report)
• Cooperative banks in Europe serve 176 million people. (European Association of Cooperative Banks)
• Rural credit unions and rural credit cooperatives in China serve 200 million people.(Chinese Department of Finance)
• Cooperative banks and credit societies in India serve 200 million people. (National Federation of Urban Cooperative Bank and Credit Societies )
• State cooperative banks, district cooperative banks and primary agricultural cooperatives in India serve 134 million people. (National Federation of State Cooperative Banks of India)