International Relations
Cornerstone League proudly recognizes the impactful involvement of our member credit unions within the global credit union system. Engagement in international efforts not only strengthens communities abroad but also exemplifies the cooperative spirit that has driven our industry for over 100 years.
By partnering with global credit union organizations, our members are fostering financial inclusion and contributing to sustainable growth across borders. Together, we are building a brighter financial future for individuals and communities around the world—one that reflects the true power of cooperation and mutual success.
International Engagement
Through financial initiatives, global engagement, and collaborative activities, credit unions are expanding their reach to help transform lives and communities. Cornerstone is pleased to feature stories that reflect our members’ international good works. To contribute a story of your own, please send to media@cornerstoneleague.coop.
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From Community to International Collaboration, CUs Help People Rise
Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions’ news about their growth, expansion, and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.
Ghana Credit Unions Visit True Sky After a Year of Collaboration
For more than a year, credit unions in Ghana have been collaborating regularly with True Sky Credit Union in Oklahoma City. They have weekly Teams calls, rotating among seven different tracks to learn about each other and their processes. Those tracks include youth and women development, sustainability, technology usage, governance, individual development plans, micro-lending, and digitalization.
True Sky President/CEO Sean Cahill said this collaboration culminated in the Ghana credit unions visiting his credit union for a week and seeing how Oklahoma credit unions serve their members and communities.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” Cahill said. “A truly was an inspiring week with the Ghana credit unions and the chair of ACCOSCA talking about the purest form of what we do, down to $10 micro-loans to fishmongers to mend their nets.”
UFCU Helps First-Generation College Students Save Hundreds of Dollars
Navigating the first year of college can be difficult and expensive for anyone, particularly for first-generation college students. Having additional funds for food or miscellaneous expenses can be a game-changer. That’s why Austin-based UFCU hosts an annual College Dorm Basket Drive for students associated with pivotal community organizations in Austin: Breakthrough Central Texas, Communities in School, and Con Mi MADRE.
UFCU has served the college-student population for nearly 90 years and understands how a college education can facilitate long-term financial security. On Aug. 6 at UFCU Plaza, UFCU hosted a panel interview with student recipients of this year’s college dorm baskets.
UFCU employees gathered their time and treasure to create college dorm baskets full of supplies to meet a student’s everyday needs. Each basket is valued at more than $350. The impact of 2024 UFCU college dorm baskets in terms of dollars is $12,600. UFCU employees donated about $11,100 worth of dorm essentials, and the credit union provides each of the three community organizations with $500 donations ($1,500 total).
Level Up Globally
Learn how you can get involved in international opportunities and make connections around the globe. Whether you want to engage in experiential learning or assist global cooperative efforts first-hand, different levels of connection can suit your passion. Join our efforts to ensure financial health worldwide.
African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA)
A Pan-African confederation of national associations of savings and credit cooperatives societies.
Global Women’s Leadership Network
Seeks to provide women in the credit union arena a safe forum to discuss issues to further their professional and personal journeys, exchange ideas, network with neighboring credit union leaders and provide education
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU)
WOCCU represents credit union associations in 98 countries, advancing financial inclusion; engaging in international advocacy, development, and education; and connecting credit union systems worldwide.
World Council's Young Credit Union Professionals
Designed for young credit union professionals and their advocates to connect to the world, engage professional journeys with global perspective, and inspire a force for positive change through financial cooperatives communities everywhere.
Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU)
As WOCCU’s partner, WFCU was established to advance the vision of expanding financial inclusion through a vibrant and growing global credit union system.
International Credit Union Day
Cornerstone League joins the World Council of Credit Unions to celebrate International Credit Union Day on the third Thursday of October every year. This year, ICU Day is Thursday, Oct. 16, and the theme is Cooperation for a Prosperous World. ICU Day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. We raise awareness on ICU Day to promote the movement’s achievements, share member experiences, and give members the opportunity to get more engaged.
Participate
Worldwide Foundation of Credit Unions enables you to participate in ICU Day by offering items and ideas that emphasize our role as a global force for financial inclusion and well-being. Explore the meaningful actions you can take to make that happen as you and your credit union teams celebrate ICU Day.