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.
Brazil 2014 Trip with World Council of Credit Union's Internship with Sicredi
At the heart of the credit union industry is not only the philosophy of “people helping people” but seven cooperative principles that help guide the makeup of cooperatives and their relationship with one another. While you may be familiar with the notion of the cooperative principles from a credit union perspective, they do not stop there. The cooperative spirit has its place in the global arena and is adopted worldwide in different forms from credit unions to grocery chains, and much more. Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
Interns and accompanying visitors with the World Council of Credit Unions witnessed the global cooperative spirit firsthand as they ventured to Brazil in 2014 to visit with Sicredi, the first financial cooperative initiative in the country. The group was afforded many opportunities to learn and observe Sicredi’s relationship with various cooperatives in the region. Their time abroad was spent visiting local cooperatives including milk and meat processing plants, dairy farms, and Lars, a grocery chain that specifically sells products manufactured and sold from cooperative businesses in Brazil.
Time spent with Sicredi exemplifies the nature of not only the global credit union movement, but impact of the global cooperative spirit in local, national, regional, and international organizations.
EVP of United Texas Credit Union, Nancy Croix-Stroud with Sister Society Members.
Local dairy farm carries out cooperative spirit through production and manufacturing processes.
WOCCU visitors enjoy time on dairy farm and observe their operations.
Sicredi expresses gratitude to WOCCU visitors and presents them with suitcases to travel home with.
Sicredi expands operations and opens a new branch to serve the over 4 million existing members throughout the region.
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.