HARBOR, Ore. — Don't limit your credit union's teen financial literacy efforts to a three-ring binder. Consider hosting a complete Concert for Financial Literacy.
Chetco Federal Credit Union and virtual architectural and social media consultation firm Eloquent Online used the language of lyrics and music to deliver its financial literacy message to over 400 students and faculty. A mix of student performers and live professional musicians were the main event at Brookings-Harbor High School, while Chetco FCU Youth Operations Coordinator Adam Van Cleave spent a few minutes talking about the importance of having a trusted financial partner.
"The whole idea is to reach kids through music. At the same time, our mission is to teach financial literacy to kids so they know what a checking account is, how credit affects them and so on. So, how do we best reach youth? Well, what do they care about–music," said Van Cleave. "We believe this is the first event of its kind in the nation, and we hope to be doing many more of these in the future."
Recommended For You
Van Cleave said the idea came in working with Eloquent Online on a new way to really connect with its younger members. With three high school credit union branches, and given the power of music to bring people together, a concert seemed a natural fit.
CFCU presented musicians Scott McKenna and Nyke Van Wyk, who performed with guitar and violin. Their blend of folk, rock and classical music had the audience keeping time with the music and begging for more, according to Eloquent Online President Jason Dias. BHHS student Kayla Hamm also performed on the piano her original song, "Art of Life," accompanied by McKenna and Van Wyk.
"She has an amazingly unique voice and such a talent, we knew we had to showcase her," said Van Cleave. "She ties in with exactly what CFCU is trying to say–everyone has the tools they need right now, they just need to reach inside. We want students to see that these kids are their peers and that they are so talented. We want students to find that same creativity in themselves and realize that the financial aspect will come to them with a trusted and fun credit union partner–like CFCU."
The two-hour event featured not only live music but also a Wii bowling tournament, a rock band video game battle of the bands between the students and the teachers and a tailgate party to wrap it all up, courtesy of one very forward-thinking, next-generation credit union, Dias added.
"Simply put Chetco FCU rocked it," said Dias. "Students were texting their parents and grandparents from the event, so we essentially touched every generation that day. The students think Chetco is the coolest credit union ever, and the parents know we were there in the best interest of the kids, not ourselves."
He added that coordination of several elements was key to this event going off flawlessly. "Putting this event together was not easy. There are things you have to do, partners you have to have and an eloquent and inspiring message you need to deliver," said Dias. "These kids are about 10 years away from making financial decisions–from first homes to first cars, and CFCU wanted to make certain that they are armed with the necessary tools to make smart financial choices that will carry through their adult life."
He added that credit unions–local, member-owned and not-for-profit–are very relevant to the next generation.
"We really were just testing the waters with this first concert, and the feedback has been so phenomenal we plan to do something for back-to-school," said Van Cleave. "Basically this is just one way to start building loyalty and a stronger relationship within this group. More than just the cool factor, we're letting them know we are here to support them, so when they want to make their financial dreams come true we're here for them."
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more inforrmation visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
