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.
Credit Unions Make a Difference in Your Community
Read time: 1 min, 10 secs
Credit unions across the country are stepping up to make a difference in their communities, and this year’s International Credit Union (ICU) Day theme, "One World Through Cooperative Finance," highlights
these impactful efforts. With ICU Day approaching, let’s take a closer look at three recent stories from local credit unions fostering community growth.
Austin Credit Unions Build Affordable Homes Amid Rising Housing Costs
In response to Austin’s soaring housing prices, a group of credit unions launched the fifth annual wall-raising for the House That Credit Unions Built. Since 2020, this collaborative effort has raised over $300,000, built four homes for families, and engaged more than 1,000 employee volunteers.
"As Austin thrives, we’re also seeing the gap between prosperity and disparity grow wider," said UFCU’s Chris Turnley. "That’s why we’ve joined together with Habitat for Humanity to bring hope through homeownership."
This year, the participating credit union groups include:
- UFCU
- Austin Telco
- Greater Texas Federal Credit Union
- Velocity Credit Union
- Austin Chapter of Credit Unions
RRCU Foundation Awards $50,000 in Grants to 22 Agencies
Red River Credit Union's philanthropic arm, the RRCU Gives Foundation, awarded $50,000 in grants to 22 agencies across its membership states. These grants support crucial housing, hunger, and education initiatives.
"We are excited to launch the RRCU Gives Foundation with this initial round of funding," said Patricia Cunningham, Foundation director. "We believe investing in these areas is key to building a stronger, healthier future for everyone."
TFCU Helps Members with The Great Auto Loan Payoff
Tinker Federal Credit Union makes an impact in their community through The Great Auto Loan Payoff. Each quarter, members with a TFCU auto loan are automatically entered into the sweepstakes and selected randomly as part of the TFCU Great Member Giveback. TFCU recently announced Chris Atkinson of Perry, Okla., as the latest Great Auto Loan Payoff winner. TFCU paid off his auto loan for $14,750 on his 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Get Involved: Celebrate ICU Day
International Credit Union Day celebrates these and other stories of positive impact. As we prepare for this special day, we encourage you to share your own credit union stories using the hashtag #ICUDAY2024. For more information on ICU Day and how to get involved, visit WOCCU today.
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.