Celebrating the theme “Local Service. Global Reach,” credit unions are sharing a message of saving, service and financial empowerment to mark International Credit Union Day.

This year’s ICU Day theme, “Local Service. Global Reach.,” serves as a reminder of how the cooperative spirit of credit unions leads to life-changing opportunities to their over 260 million worldwide members who’ve wanted to start a small business, own a home, or continue their education but were denied access to other financial institutions.

Globally, the credit union movement empowers people to take control of their financial futures. In many parts of the world, even people’s first taste of democracy comes in the form of their credit union where “one member, one vote” is the governing structure.

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, ICU Day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement.

Started in 1948, the day is celebrated by credit unions worldwide in a number of ways. Some sponsor open houses, picnics, fairs, festivals and parades. Others hold athletic competitions and essay or art contests for young members.

Here's a sampling of how credit unions celebrated ICU Day on social media.

Happy #InternationalCreditUnionDay! This day we recognize and reflect upon the credit union's history and share member experiences. #ICU pic.twitter.com/m42bLJPNIQ

— Meridian CU (@MeridianCU) October 19, 2017

#ICUDay #MyCUWhy Chat:

Q1: Why did you join a credit union? pic.twitter.com/T1ZfaZsdFi

— yourmoneyfurther (@moneyfurther) October 17, 2019

At PCCU we're celebrating #ICU Day. We live and breathe ethical #finance every day but know many people in our community still need to know 'What is a credit union?' Here's a little video to highlight what we do #savings #loans #budgeting #commonsense https://t.co/yk1SWXUbxA

— PCCU (@PCCU3) October 17, 2019

Happy International Credit Union Day! It's a fantastic day to celebrate the 71st Anniversary of #ICUDay! #ICUDay2019 2019. pic.twitter.com/twnxqus5jN

— White Eagle CU (@WhiteEagleCU) October 17, 2019

Today is INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY!

Join us between 10am-12pm for a piece of Cake and great conversation.

Take a selfie with our banner in each branch, fill out a ballot for a chance to WIN a pair of Tickets for the Obama Event! pic.twitter.com/BF92E4VHES

— Community Credit Union (@Co_Credit_Union) October 17, 2019

A message to credit unions across the world from ABCUL and the British #creditunion sector! #ICUDay #WOCCU pic.twitter.com/1pWhN5QJgx

— ABCUL (@ABCULCUs) October 17, 2019

Come in to one of our branches to celebrate International Credit Union Day, grab a snack and enter to win a gift basket with some Endurance swag! pic.twitter.com/VzPYOllpY3

— Endurance FCU (@EnduranceFCU) October 17, 2019

 

 

 

 

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It’s International Credit Union Day! Credit Unions play such a pivotal role in local communities across the globe, bringing together people from all walks of life and empowering them to achieve their dreams. We’re proud to partner with so many incredible credit unions and to celebrate the incredible spirit of the credit union movement. Happy #ICUDay! . . . . . #creditunions #creditunion #creditunionsrock #credituniondifference #creditunionscare #internationalcreditunionday #creditunionday #creativeagency #communitycreditunion #CUcommunity #communitysupport #supportcommunity #supportdiversity #diversity #localservice #globalreach #worldcouncilofcreditunions #icuday2019 #heritagetrustfcu

A post shared by Prager Creative (@pragercreative) on Oct 17, 2019 at 8:46am PDT

Join us today to celebrate ICU Day! We will have cake and prizes! #acipcofcu #icuday pic.twitter.com/tEjbAHc3Zs

— ACIPCO_FCU (@AcipcoF) October 17, 2019

 

 

 

 

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Today is International Credit Union Day! We love credit unions and what they stand for so much! Earlier this week our entire company traveled to Chariton, IA and volunteered doing various tasks for the town. We donated over $5,000 in labor to the Chariton community and we loved every minute of it! #iowacreditunions #icuday #togetherisbetter #creditunion #c1st #peoplehelpingpeople

A post shared by Community 1st Credit Union (@community1stcu) on Oct 17, 2019 at 8:43am PDT

Happy #ICUDay to our #creditunion friends around the world! Thank you for your work in community engagement, local businesses growth, and financial wellness for members. We're looking forward to seeing cutting-edge, innovative CUs at @fileneresearch #BBM2019 next month! pic.twitter.com/iYmP1pwIhu

— Larky (@getlarky) October 17, 2019

 

 

 

 

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Happy #icuday from QCU! We are proud to be supporting our community and members for over 85 years. Here is a glimpse of some of the community related events QCU supported in 2019! Learn more about the Quincy Credit Union difference. http://getstarted.qcu.org/services/

A post shared by Quincy Credit Union (@quincycreditunion) on Oct 17, 2019 at 8:12am PDT

Check out a special message from our CEO in honor of #ICUDAY pic.twitter.com/cDbbq09yJW

— Louisiana CU League (@LACULeague) October 17, 2019