With consumers disgruntled about bank fees for debit card use, there has never been a better time for credit unions to showcase their difference with a big splash on International Credit Union Day.

Redwood Credit Union has opted to share the credit union experience with their local communities by hitting the streets doing some good.

On International Credit Union Day, October 20, volunteers from RCU will be appearing unannounced throughout the North Bay and San Francisco to make good things happen for people in their communities. Activities planned will range from bagging groceries with free eco-totes at select supermarkets, handing out free lunches in the community, and distributing free school supplies at local colleges, to paying parking fees for unsuspecting drivers. Many in the industry view the move as a national branding opportunity and would like to see the effort expand, with credit unions worldwide each surprising locals in their communities with random acts of kindness.

Also along the lines of leveraging the day to build awareness, credit union music duo, The Disclosures, has released a free song and music video for use on ICU Day called “Building a Better World,” which pays homage to this year's celebration theme.

The Disclosures put out a casting call to credit unions to provide video clips, to include in the music video. In addition to the submissions, the band also filmed credit union people singing a few of the segments. More than 40 credit unions and supporting organizations make cameos in the video, which include credit union staff lip-synching lyrics, performing air-guitar with hockey sticks and even dancing with mascots. Credit unions can use the song and video to raise awareness of the positive impact credit unions continue to make around the world.

“Our music has always focused on finding new ways to share the credit union message,” said Disclosures band member Chad Helminak. “With 'Building a Better World', we decided to take it one step further and invite credit union folks to have some fun and help demonstrate our cooperative nature.”

The song and lyrics can found on The Disclosures website. The song is free to download and credit unions can share the music video.

Music will also be featured as part of the Texas Credit Union League's ICU Day plans. The League has plans to unveil its CU Lip Dub, to Smashmouth's cover of the Monkees' classic I'm a Believer on October 20.

On August 16, some100 credit union staff and families from San Antonio gathered in 106 degree heat to film the Project CU lip dub. Two local television stations covered the credit union lip dub taping, generating over $12k in free publicity for credit unions in San Antonio.

“Credit unions leaders have the passion, the talent, and the knowledge to come together to accomplish things which can only be achieved through real collaboration,” said Pamela Stephens, chair of the League and CEO of Security First Credit Union. “This is the mission of the League's innovation and collaboration task force – to move beyond ideas and into execution.”

Instant Insights /

Opportunity Knocks for CU Awareness on ICU Day

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