Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions Accepting 2023 I-CUDE Applications
National and regional Development Educators (DEs) encouraged to apply
14 February 2023
MADISON, Wis.—Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, in partnership with World Council of Credit Unions, is accepting applications through April 14 from credit union development educators interested in obtaining designation in the International Credit Union Development Education (I‐CUDE) program.
Designed to provide credit union employees and volunteers with a greater understanding of the international credit union system and opportunities for continued engagement, 2023 I-CUDE designations are available to credit union professionals who complete a significant level of project work and have received a Development Educator (DE) designation through one of seven national or regional DE programs, including:
- Africa DE, operated by the African Confederation of Co-operative Savings & Credit Associations.
- Asia DE, operated by the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions.
- CanadaDE, operated by Saint Mary’s University.
- Caribbean DE (CaribDE).
- European DE (DEEU).
- Philippines DE, operated by VICTO National.
- United States DE, operated by National Credit Union Foundation.
Along with having received DE status in their home country, applicants for the I-CUDE designation must show they have completed at least one independent studies project that aligns with the learning objectives of the DE program, and provide a report of no less than 500 words detailing their project.
The project can be either domestically or internationally focused, but the purpose must align with the learning objectives of DE, such as meeting cooperative principles and sustainable development goals. Applicants must also show their project had a tangible impact on credit unions, a credit union system, credit union members or their community.
Once an application is received, the applicant’s national or regional DE program director will review and confirm their submission meets I‐CUDE requirements. The application will then be forwarded to Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, whose staff will review, select and notify those chosen for I-CUDE designation.
The I‐CUDE Class of 2023 will be recognized at the 2023 World Credit Union Conference, co-hosted by World Council of Credit Unions and the Canadian Credit Union Association, July 23-26, in Vancouver, Canada.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for credit union development educators who want to take the next step into the international arena and engage with peers from around the world who are working to solve problems for their credit unions and communities in new and innovative ways. We can’t wait to select the I-CUDE Class of 2023 and introduce them to the world this summer,” said Mike Reuter, Executive Director of Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions.
You can find more about the 2023 I-CUDE designation criteria, along the application form, by clicking here. All applications are due by April 14, 2023.
The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, as the strategic partner of the World Council, bridges gaps impacting credit unions' ability to grow and advance financial inclusion worldwide. Our commitment to provide global credit union journeys augments our shared vision with World Council's of realizing a vibrant and growing global credit union movement. Worldwide Foundation's philanthropy advances World Council's technical capacity to strengthen credit union systems that advance financial inclusion to underserved communities.
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association for the credit union movement, advancing cooperative finance worldwide. Through advocacy, education and more than 300 technical assistance programs in 90 countries, WOCCU advances financial inclusion and strengthens cooperative finance across diverse markets. Globally, more than 67,000 credit unions across over 100 countries serve more than 412 million people and hold over $3.8 Trillion (USD) in assets. Learn more at www.woccu.org.
Organization: World Council of Credit Unions
E-mail: lstanislawski@woccu.org
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