Credit Union Development Education (DE) |
40 CU Professionals Become Certified CU Development Educators (CUDEs) |
|  Forty credit union professionals were guided by eight dedicated program facilitators and mentors through the intensive week-long Credit Union Development Education (DE) Training. The April 18-25, 2012 training was held at the Lowell Center on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison, Wis.
"This was an eye opening experience that allowed me to separate myself from my daily routine and take a macro view of our movement,” said Tony Emerson, class attendee and President & CEO of The Credit Union League of Connecticut. “As a League President, I found it especially motivating to see the passion and dedication others have for seeing our industry survive and be there for our members. It should be everyone's goal to attain this designation!"
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2012 DE Training & CUDE Event Dates | | Fall Training Dates
September 6-13, 2012
Madison, WI
REGISTER NOW
If you are interested in attending DE Training in 2013, please email us at (cude@ncuf.coop) to be put on a notification list. We'll make sure you are the first to know when registration for the trainings opens up!
2012 DE Summer Workshop
June 20-22, 2012
Manchester Grand Hyatt | San Diego, CA
In conjunction with CUNA's ACUC
Click Here for Registration & Agenda
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 While it has been making a difference for over 30 years, many credit union professionals have never heard of the Credit Union Development Education (DE) training program.
We want to change that – because DE training is more critical now than ever! |
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 Why? Part of the answer can be found in the Spring 2009 issue of the nationally recognized Strategy & Business Magazine. An article headlined Not Just for Profit predicts that alternatives to the stockholder-centric business model will arise from the current economic crisis… and contribute more to the future of the world.
The Strategy & Business article focuses on the value of “hybrid” business models -- like cooperative credit unions -- that don’t feel short-term stockholder pressures. Rather, credit unions maintain a “mission controlled, for benefit” focus that provides socially responsible governance and solutions for consumers.
This empowers credit unions to achieve a “triple bottom line” that benefits their business, their members, and their communities. |
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 DE Training incorporates this emerging discussion while continuing to provide critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy, and the member-centric business model that has enabled credit unions to weather the economic storm better than most for-profit institutions.
“This year more than ever, it is critical for credit unions to leverage their unique business model in order to make a greater bottom-line impact,” emphasized REAL Solutions Program Director Lois Kitsch. |
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Who Should Attend – And Why |  DE training is open to everyone from new employees who need a credit union orientation to seasoned executives who need to recharge. Participants cite many benefits of attending DE training:
Graduates acquire skills in credit union outreach initiatives, problem solving, technical assistance, team building, and public presentations.
Graduates earn certification as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs). They join a networking group including over 1,000 graduates across America and 30 other countries.
CUDEs realize that local issues are indeed global – and that credit unions grow stronger by working cooperatively.
CUDEs return to their jobs with new understanding of how to promote cooperative principles and credit union values as distinct advantages in today’s competitive financial services marketplace.
“All financial institutions offer a commodity,” points out 2008 CUDE Lily Newfarmer, president/CEO of Tarrant County Credit Union. “We are all trying to get the same loans, checking accounts, etc. What sets credit unions apart from our fierce competition are our cooperative principles and credit union philosophy. If we don’t embrace these differences and show our members that we’re better because we’re unique, our very existence is in jeopardy.” |
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| What Sustains Us | | The Credit Union Development Education (DE) program is sustained by a corps of volunteers dedicated to growing the credit union movement by assisting credit unions in the delivery of our core philosophy.
Linking our past with credit unions' present, the DE program brings renewed relevance to the philosophy of "People Helping People."
Through discussions of cultures and movements in developing nations, our own roots are brought to vivid life. Through presentations on community development and low-income credit unions, a new light is shed on the inherent power of our cooperative structure. And through group work, participants learn practical lessons on diversity and relying on others to solve problems.
When DE training is over, graduates return to their jobs revitalized. They gain a clear understanding that local issues are indeed global, and that credit unions have the unique ability to improve the lives of people everywhere.
Every year, people from all parts of the world become certified as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs). These individuals commit volunteer and professional time to take the credit union message to audiences throughout the world. In addition to promoting the credit union ideal, continuing involvement in the DE program provides CUDEs with an excellent opportunity for career development and personal enrichment.
Becoming a CUDE is a commitment -- a very rewarding one. Staff and volunteers alike can benefit from participation in this innovative learning experience and joining the proud ranks of CUDEs around the world.
Click here for amazing testimonials! |
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Who Supports Us |  The National Credit Union Foundation is the primary sponsor of the Credit Union Development Education program.
Support is provided by state credit union foundations and leagues, CUNA Mutual Group, the Credit Union National Association, and the World Council of Credit Unions. |
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