Ann NaimanMadison, WI–Forty-eight credit union leaders were designated as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) after completing the National Credit Union Foundation’s (the Foundation) Credit Union Development Education (DE) Training.
The March DE Training was held March 15 – April 9, 2021. The virtual training was completed by employees and volunteers from credit unions and system partners across the United States credit union movement.
DE Training is a unique experiential training program that provides lessons in credit union structure, purpose and the “why” that differentiates credit unions from other financial institutions. During the Foundation’s signature program, participants engage in small and large group exercises and interactive speaker sessions focused on the credit union difference, development issues, and empathy. Each lesson provides insights into how credit unions can leverage their unique business model to help their members and communities overcome the financial and developmental issues they face.
Click here to see the list of class graduates.
Hear what a few graduates had to say about their experience:
“I have been in the credit union industry for 43 years and knew our purpose. But this class renewed my spirit and commitment with ideas and tools to help our members and communities in ways I had not thought of before. I’m so proud to have earned this designation.” – Pam Toler, Texas Telcom CU in Texas.
“I had such a great time in class. I did not know how the virtual thing would work out but it was very engaging and I found myself very immersed in the topics. Working with my group was fantastic and it really reminded me of how together, all of our voices and contributions can be additive to solve any problem. The class also gave me a lot to reflect on in terms of the mission we are all a part of. With the challenges of the pandemic and the acute financial situation many credit unions and our members have been subject to, it’s easy to get lost in trying to help the business survive and forget about our obligation to also help our members survive and thrive. The presentations really opened my eyes to some simple, grass roots solutions to tackling the developmental situations every community faces. In sum, it energized me to help everyone in our credit union learn about or simply remember what our purpose is and to put that purpose into action.” – Carl Casper, Connex CU in Connecticut
Training Staff
The program was facilitated by Chad Helminak, the Director of DE and Cooperative Culture at the Foundation, assisted by Kalli Shelton from the Foundation and coordinated by Maggie Wolff from the Foundation.
Interested in Attending DE Training?
Fall 2021 DE Training dates will be announced soon! Email us at cude@ncuf.coop to be put on a notification list to stay up to date on upcoming 2021 registration information, or click here for additional information.
