The Impact of DE Training

Hear from program graduates themselves about their experiences with the Credit Union Development Education (DE) Program and the impact it inspired them to make.

Being a 40-year credit union veteran, I’ve had a lot of educational and outreach opportunities, but none of them have compared to what the DE program did in the longest/shortest week of my life. I’m still emotional thinking about the impact this week had on me and what I can do for my credit union and the credit union movement here and abroad!

Linda White, Upward Credit Union, 2019 program graduate

DE training will challenge you to see beyond the traditional ways credit unions can help their members and the broader community. Your experience will change how you view situations and people by applying a positive approach to truly make a difference in their lives.

Dan McCue, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, 2019 program graduate

The DE program refocused me on my obligation to be educated and uncomfortable with the complex socioeconomic issues we face today. I left armed with the tools and the fire to push toward positive change in my community.

Joanna Spoth, CO-OP Financial Services, 2019 program graduate

Clinchfield Federal Credit Union Clarissa Lane

DE Training was one of the most inspiring programs I have had the privilege to attend. It’s bigger than professional development involving a deepening awareness at a personal, community, credit union, and international level. It’s a reawakening to what should be our purpose on this planet and a catalyst to put a person back on the path of keeping that purpose constant.

Clarissa Lane, Clinchfield Federal Credit Union, 2019 program graduate

DE Projects in Action

After graduating from the DE Program, CUDE graduates are charged with taking what they’ve learned home to complete a project in their credit union or community that improves people’s lives.

Lindsey Mueller, DE Class of 2018
After 15 tornados devastated Northern Wisconsin in 2019, Lindsey assembled storm relief efforts with staff from her organization, CoVantage Credit Union. Over 30 employees spent more than 300 hours of volunteer time to help their community including operating chainsaws, moving brush and helping serve food to residents.
Christopher Morris, DE Class of 2005
In 2014, Christopher Morris began organizing local volunteer activities once a month by inviting local CUDEs to join him for outings that focused on the 12 Development Issues. He has kept this tradition alive and continues to gather CUDEs in the Madison area for activities such as stocking food pantries, Ronald McDonald houses, Toys for Tots and more.
Meghan Jamison, DE Class of 2018
In an effort to get more Young Professionals from the Cornerstone region to DE Training, Meghan designed t-shirts that she could sell to raise money for a YP scholarship. She worked with other local CUDEs to help with the scholarship process and was able to reach her fundraising goal and award her first scholarship at the end of 2019.