CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » Cornerstone League's Willard: Cooperation sets CUs apart
CU System

Cornerstone League's Willard: Cooperation sets CUs apart

February 10, 2023
Caroline Willard

Credit unions' unique structure sets them apart and makes their impact stronger, Cornerstone League President/CEO Caroline Willard wrote in CUInsight. 

"It is important to remember that credit unions themselves also have a crucial role to play in cooperation among cooperatives. By returning to their roots, reconnecting with their origin story, and opening their hearts and doors to the knowledge that guides us, credit unions can advance their communities in a more effective and impactful way. To paraphrase Curl, credit unions can recirculate wealth locally," she wrote. 

"As credit union champions, it is important for us to remember the core values and principles that make the cooperative movement so special. In a world where banks dominate the financial services sector, it is easy to fall into the trap of head-to-head competition as I once did," she adds. "In setting ourselves apart by amplifying the competitive differentiation that the cooperative structure gives us, we rise above and heed our original calling: to help people."

Willard encouraged credit union leaders to "prominently feature" the benefits of cooperatives in their advertising materials and website. This includes highlighting access, business sustainability, community commitment, democratic governance, inclusion, financial security, and advancement for workers, and growth.

"Let’s embrace the cooperative principles and work together to create a better world for our communities. Let’s not lose sight of the unique and valuable asset that the cooperative structure offers us," she wrote. 

Credit Union Magazine: Spring 2023

Spring 2023

Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2023 issue features the 2023 Credit Union Heroes and examines CUNA-League advocacy priorities, board leadership, the impact of financial well-being efforts, fee-related compliance issues, predictions for the year ahead, and more.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • CUNA Mascot Madness: Voting opens for East Region

  • CUNA launches page with bank collapse response resources

  • League leaders highlight credit union difference, safety, soundness

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

CUNA Mascot Madness: Which Midwest Region mascot is your favorite?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us