By Dawn Poker, CUDE
I've always been enthusiastic about my work for CUES. I just love CUES members and the idea that CUES helps them realize their professional potential.
However, when it comes to drinking the pure, sweet "credit unions are super great" Kool-Aid, I have to admit I'd been a little slower to get out my straw. Then, I attended the recent Credit Union Development Educator training offered by the National Credit Union Foundation.
At this weeklong intensive training, my classmates and I (in photo at right) heard great speakers, went on field trips to Madison, Wis.-area co-ops, and considered industry case studies (mine was how to respond to citizens asking to form a credit union to serve Afghan-Americans).
But perhaps the most telling exercise for me was the one that helped me start fully drinking the credit union Kool-Aid. This excercise was a role play. The people seated at the table comprised a family of which I was the head of household with a wife and three kids. We had to live within our budget or lose our home. Our credit union played an important role as advisor and product provider to help keep us afloat.
Now, I tell you, unequivocably, my passion is your passion. I'm enthusiastic about my work for CUES because CUES helps credit union executives realize their professional potential. And that, in turn, helps them help members improve their financial lives.
Thanks for being out there in the trenches, guys. I'm excited to support you in your work. My passion is your passion. Let me know how CUES can help you be the best you can be at helping your members.
Dawn Poker, CUDE, is CUES' SVP/chief membership officer.
