Paul Gentile has done it again. His editorial in the May 17th edition beckons a response from any of us that have “credit union movement” flowing through our veins.

I read his comments and said to myself, “I have too much to do, I haven't got time to respond.” I read it again because I wasn't sure I understood why he was opposed to the use of the term movement when referring to credit unions, and again didn't want to dedicate the time to respond. But dog gone it I couldn't get it out of my mind all weekend so here I am at the keyboard in an effort to enlighten Gentile and anyone else that works in the credit union industry (intended).

My response isn't written for the benefit of those that understand why we use the term movement, like the Jim McCormacks of the movement, it's for those who haven't looked beyond the daily grind in their credit union industry.

The term movement reminds us that this credit union thing (movement) is far greater than any one of us that give to it and deserves to be protected from extinction through banker attacks, conversions, unnecessary mergers or loss of insight. It goes beyond our individual offices, FOMs, positions and even our borders. It's the embodiment of our combined efforts as we transform our philosophy of “people-helping-people” from motto to tangible reality.

Yes Paul, “if credit unions are helping Americans improve their financial future, maybe it is worthy of `movement' status.” Maybe nothing, it is worthy to continue to be known as a movement! Is there any other collective group offering financial services that claim such a philosophy? Do any of them have a World Council actively working to establish this philosophy in underdeveloped countries around the world to improve their financial future? Not that I'm aware of and that's why I am proud to be less of an individual in and more a part of this great movement.

Gentile stated, “Movement also indicates something in flux, or a state of change” indicating that the word movement doesn't fit as the credit union “movement/industry” is well established. I've been in this movement for 30-plus years and if there's anything I've seen in credit union land, it's flux. This movement must change with the times to meet the needs of our members and potential members.

In the American Everyday Dictionary the word “movement” is defined with several examples, of which, I've selected a couple: “the progress of events, as in a drama” and “a series of actions or activities directed toward a particular end.” Credit Union Times reports on dramas unfolding daily in the credit union movement.

Look at the headlines in the May 17th issue, “DFCU Financial Board Invalidates Petition”, “Hearing on McHenry Bill Shed Little Light”, etc. How will these dramas all turn out? That's currently unknown and remains to be seen. However, one thing I'm confident of is that if we, collectively, continue to direct our activities towards the particular end of putting people before profits and embracing and developing the motto of people-helping-people then the term “movement” remains befitting and people will benefit.

Terry L. Denmark CEO Dearborn Village Community CU Dearborn, Mich.