CALGARY, Alberta — Thirty-six young credit union young people came from 12 countries to the WOCCU conference in Calgary. Eight of them came from the U.S. They were the WOCCU Young Credit Union People Nominees and they were there for more than just the conference.

All of them are under 35 and they hold different positions in their credit unions. Besides competing for five scholarships, they were on a mission to find out how credit unions can attract and keep staff and members in their age group and spent Sunday in an all-day session examining the issues related to the under 35s. It was agreed that traditional banking most often doesn't match their needs.

After a presentation of white cowboy hats from the Calgary tourist board, they sat down to work. Despite national differences, their conclusions were similar.

Young adults are primarily interested in getting the products and services they need and quickly see through false promises. The co-operative values of a credit union, if they are aware of them, which most are not, may or not make a difference if their financial needs go unmet.

Credit unions, no matter in which country they are operating, need to spend more time in educating the young in what makes credit unions different, was one of the conclusions.

Another was that co-operative values make a difference in recruitment. Some of the attendees felt that employees want to work for an organization that shares their values.

The WYCUP program was started to encourage young people into the movement. Over the years, it has grown. As an offshoot, some countries, like Canada, have also formed groups that look into the same problem.

Last year's winners had input into the program and also are to present reports to the WOCCU board about the place of youth in the movement.

The five winners of the scholarships will receive a complete expense-paid trip to the WOCCU Conference scheduled for Hong Kong in 2008.

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