MADISON, Wis.—Today, credit unions worldwide are celebrating International Credit Union (ICU) Day and this year’s theme, Together We’re Better™. With parades, picnics, special speakers and lobbying events, credit union members and the professionals who serve them are celebrating the role these not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives play in their communities with a special holiday that can be enjoyed by all people regardless of religion, political beliefs, cultural differences or language.

“In a bustling world, it is easy to lose sight of the impact our credit unions have on the lives of our members and our communities,” said Melvin Edwards, chairman of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). “ICU Day is the one day each year when we can all take time to celebrate that impact.”

“The credit union movement was founded on the philosophy of cooperation and its central values of equality, equity, and mutual self-help,” said Dan Mica, president/ CEO of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). “This year's theme – ‘Together We're Better’ - focuses on credit unions' track record of serving their members most effectively through cooperation at the local, state, national and international levels.”

CUNA is celebrating ICU Day in Washington, D.C. with a “Hike the Hill” visit to the U.S. Capitol. Credit union leagues from across the country will participate in congressional visits, joining hands to highlight how credit unions differ from other financial institutions and how they have with WOCCU embraced international credit union development along.

After the event, CUNA and WOCCU will jointly sponsor a reception for the participants. Some credit unions leagues, including the Maryland and D.C. Credit Union Association (MDDCCUA), will be holding their own celebratory events. MDDCCUA’s celebration is being held at the Nicaraguan Embassy in Washington, D.C.

On the day following the celebrations, WOCCU’s International Partnerships department will be holding its annual Partnerships Workshop. Credit union leagues involved with one of WOCCU’s 22 partnership programs are invited to share best practices and experiences of their partnership.

International Credit Union Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday in October for the past 59 years. The day is co-sponsored by WOCCU and CUNA and will take place next year on October 16.