Getting Involved

The International Year of Cooperatives officially begins Oct. 30, 2011, and runs through November 2012.
Because the celebration is a collaborative effort, the IYC Secretariat is compiling a list of activities proposed by U.N. partners. The International Cooperative Alliance suggests that all participating organizations submit planned activities to be included on a master events calendar.

How is your credit union making an impact? If you're a credit union or a member, share your story.

Goals of the Year

1. Increase awareness among young adults about credit unions as socially oriented businesses. The U.N. will highlight the contributions of cooperatives to socio-economic development and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
2. Promote formation and growth of credit unions and cooperatives.
3. Create an enabling policy environment for credit unions and cooperatives. Encourage governments to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to the formation, growth and stability of cooperatives.

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)
  

Resources

Video courtesy of National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). www.ncba.coop

Video courtesy of the United Nations News & Media Webcast: www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/

U.N. International Year of Cooperatives 2012
Credit Union IYC Idea Exchange
International Cooperative Alliance
Worldwide Credit Union Statistics

The U.S. credit union system and partners have joined other cooperatives to finance a public relations campaign mounted by WOCCU, the National Cooperative Business Association and International Co-operative Alliance aimed at increasing the role and value cooperatives take in the lives of consumers everywhere. The campaign aims to earn maximum visibility for the International Year of Cooperatives while raising awareness of cooperatives to help build membership. WOCCU is proud to recognize the contributions of the these organizations.

Gifts in Kind (US$20,012)

Credit Union Times

IYC Campaign Leader (US$20,012)

CUNA Mutual Group

IYC Honored Cooperator (US$2,012)

Georgia Credit Union Affiliates
Heritage Family Credit Union
Integris Credit Union
New Jersey Credit Union League
Rocky Mountain Credit Union
Texas Credit Union League
Missouri Credit Union League
Topline Federal Credit Union

IYC Contributor (US$212)

Academic Federal Credit Union
Pennsylvania Credit Union Association
UHS Employees Federal Credit Union
Fergus Federal Credit Union
Snowflake Mills Federal Credit Union
Rocky Mountain Credit Union

Credit unions and partners can join the campaign 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.