2026 Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is the international credit union system’s highest honor, first presented by World Council in 1986 to recognize member organizations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to credit union development outside their home country.
2026 Nomination CategoriesWorld Council member organizations may submit nominations in the following categories:
DSA Individual: Individuals who have provided exemplary service to the international credit union movement and have positively influenced credit union development outside their home country qualify for the individual category.
DSA Institutional: Organizations that have provided financial and technical assistance over an extended period of time to develop international credit union movements and their service infrastructure may be nominated in the institutional category.
2026 Nomination CriteriaThe World Council awards committee reviews all nominations and selects the DSA recipients. Only World Council member organizations may make DSA nominations. Individuals nominated for the award should demonstrate some or all of the following:
- Personal history of commitment to international credit union development outside the nominee’s home country.
- A record of technical service to the development of other credit union movements beyond their own national boundaries.
- Ongoing institutional development by playing a leading role in advancing World Council.
- Ability to locate and mobilize resources needed by World Council and its affiliates to establish strong credit union movements wherever they are sought.
Institutions nominated for the DSA must meet the following qualifications:
- Ongoing commitment to international credit union development for more than three years.
- Technical assistance provided beyond the nominee’s borders has led to measurable results within the region receiving it and has an ongoing history following the end of the period of assistance.
- The range of programs funded has led to concrete changes and development as anticipated beyond their borders.
Previously nominated individuals or institutions that have not been selected may resubmit their candidature for consideration with updated documentation.
Download 2026 DSA Nomination Form
Nomination Checklist
- Completed nomination form
- Board resolution from the nominating organization approving the nomination
- If nominated by an affiliate of a World Council member organization, the affiliate must also present an endorsement by its member organization
- For individuals, a resume
- For individuals, a color photograph of the nominee (professional quality headshot)
- For institutions, a color logo (preferably in an .eps file format)
- 5–20 photos featuring the nominee’s international work
2026 NominationsTo nominate a candidate, please submit the items listed above in the nomination checklist.
DSA nominations are due Friday, March 6, 2026, to the following email: DSA@woccu.org.
NotificationsWorld Council will notify nominees by May 1, 2026, whether they have been selected as winners. World Council will provide the DSA recipient with a complimentary registration to the 2026 World Credit Union Conference. Travel and accommodation are not included.
Award PresentationWorld Council will present DSA winners with their award during the World Credit Union
Conference in Sydney, Australia, July 19-22, 2026.