Madison, WI—Credit union leaders may still sign up for World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) pilot Cooperative Learning Tour to Quito, Ecuador, June 10-17, 2007. This exciting new program will enable credit union leaders to reconnect with the credit union difference by working in a developing credit union system in the Andean mountains of Ecuador.

“I hope to bring back a better appreciation of how credit unions can help all people in different types of economic environments,” explained Joe Thomas, CEO of Fairfax Community Credit Union and one of the credit union leaders signed up for WOCCU’s first Cooperative Learning Tour.

“My personal agenda is to return to the roots of credit union development,” Thomas continued. “When I attend a World Council event, I recharge my batteries and reconnect with what the movement is all about. It takes me beyond the daily operations aspect. We sometimes take for granted the profound influence credit unions can have on people’s financial independence.”

The one-week intensive experience offers a personalized tour of World Council's program in Ecuador and allows participants to better understand the nuts and bolts of credit union development work. Participants will also visit credit unions and exchange ideas on strategies for growing membership, volunteerism and serving low-income populations.

Individual exchanges with Ecuadorian credit union members will remind tour participants of the major impact the availability of affordable financial services can have on members and their families, whether in Ecuador or in the United States.

The Cooperative Learning Tour is a unique offering and will be limited to only 15 participants per group, allowing each person to directly engage in all activities.

The cost of the tour is $1,990 single or $1,790 per person for double occupancy. For more information, visit the World Council of Credit Unions website at www.woccu.org/meetings or contact Valerie Breunig, Worldwide Foundation manager, vbreunig@woccu.o rg or 608-231-7353.