I like the definition of a credit union that Mike Welch included at the end of his column for several weeks. It is short, but descriptive. I would add a thought that is taken from the social responsibility section of credit union operating principles. My definition then would read like this: "A credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative organized to serve the changing financial needs of all the members who need it. It seeks to bring about human and social development." At a recent credit union meeting, I mentioned to one of the presenters, a well-known credit union consultant, the social responsibility section of the Credit Union Systems of Principles. He responded by saying that he had first read them just a few months ago. To refresh everyone's memory, here they are: "Continuing the ideals and beliefs of cooperative pioneers, credit unions seek to bring about human and social development. Their vision of social justice extends both to the individual members and to the larger community in which they work and reside. The credit union ideal is to extend full service to all who need and can use it. "Every person is either a member or potential member and appropriately part of the credit union sphere of interest and concern. Decisions should be taken with full regard for the interest of the broader community within which the credit union and its members reside." Donald Moon Lee Director U-Lane-O Credit Union, Eugene, Ore. OUR FCU, Eugene, Ore.