In addition to the operating principles, attendees learn the social purpose of co-ops and credit unions. Participants leave with a greater understanding of just how special credit unions are, and why the Seven Cooperative Principles are at heart good business practices.

Scholarships are available for staff and volunteers at credit unions of $125-million in assets and under. The scholarship application deadline of August 31, 2018 is fast approaching! Click here to download and submit the scholarship application.

The Principles & Philosophy Conference appeals to a wide range of professionals, including:

• Young professionals who wish to learn more about credit unions.
• More seasoned professionals who have come to credit unions from banks and other industries.
• Longtime credit union employees who wish to deepen their appreciation for the uniqueness of credit unions & co-ops. 

Please click here to access the application page and view the conference agenda. For more information on the conference, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

So, what did you do on your summer vacation? “CUaware Podcast” co-hosts Paul Narcisse and Phil Kadzielawski have returned with episode nine, which was recorded after both spent time away from the office. Narcisse enjoyed a two-week vacation, while Kadzielawski went to summer camp!

Kadzielawski's journey to the shores of White Lake, NC served as the launching point into episode nine, which featured an interview with Emily Nail of the NC Cooperative Council. Emily shared the history of the Council as well as its programs, which include Cooperative Leadership Camp.

Held at the FFA Camp at White Lake, CLC is an annual event for high school teens, which combines learning about cooperatives in a fun, engaging atmosphere. CLC is one of several programs of the Council, which traces its roots to farm co-ops in the 1930s. Nail's interview about CLC and the Council begins at the four minute mark.  

The podcast pivots at the 32-minute mark to the blockchain bit. Phil and Paul discuss the three types of blockchains: public, private and permissioned. You can check it all out by hitting play above or by going to the episode page on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/cuaware/episode-9.

You can learn more about camp by clicking here and the Cooperative Council by heading to its website.

Megan Bell (Duke FCU), David Brehmer (Vizo Financial Corporate CU), Barbara Demarest (Truliant FCU), Joy Manley (CULIANCE), Anthony Norman Jr (Local Government FCU), and Wil Spears (Coastal CU) were among the people who successfully earned the CUDE designation. "DE was one of the most impactful and eye-opening training experiences I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of," Norman shared. "I left DE with a renewed sense of purpose, drive and commitment to my Credit Union and the CU movement. I now understand that the work I do supports the ability of the CU to be a sustainable resource for our membership throughout their lives.”

DE Training provides critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy and international development issues while incorporating challenges credit unions face today. During the week-long program, participants were involved in group exercises, field trips, discussions with speakers from around the credit union system, and were required to complete team projects proposing solutions for credit unions to help alleviate or eliminate challenging situations in any given area.

More than 100 people from South Carolina and North Carolina hold the DE designation from the National Credit Union Foundation. Their passion for cooperation and dedication to service has led to the creation of the Reality of Money simulation for high school students, as well as the annual Principles and Philosophy Conference. 

"I have been in the financial industry for over 25 years, in commercial banking regulation, consulting commercial banks and credit unions all over the country and now back to the regulatory side for credit unions. I have over 1,400 hours of training in the industry and have never attended a class that focused on the true nature and purpose, and history of the industry as this one." -- 2017 conference attendee

Registration for the 2018 Principles & Philosophy Conference is now open! The event, which educates credit union professionals about the cooperative business model, as well as the principles of and key historical figures in credit unions, takes place October 23-25 at the Caraway Conference Center (Sophia, NC). 

 The conference, now in its ninth year, is a volunteer-driven initiative of the Carolinas Credit Union League and Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) in North Carolina and South Carolina. Seating for the event is limited and prompt registration is encouraged.

"Credit unions are unique in the American financial system in that we balance the bottom line with social responsibility," noted Jeff Hardin, who coordinates the conference planning each year with the CUDE volunteers. "This conference hones in on what social purpose means for credit unions and why it's an important part of our future growth and sustainability." 

Tuition for this event is $650 and is all-inclusive (two nights' lodging, all meals and conference materials). A limited number of scholarships are also available for staff at credit unions of $125-million in assets and under. Click here to download the application form.

To register for this event, please click here. If you have questions about the conference or scholarship opportunities, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063).

The CUaware Protégé Mentor program connects professionals with a mentor at another credit union for a period of one year. Through a process that is collaboratively designed by the mentor and protégé, a plan and goals are developed, and a strategy for maintaining regular contact is created.

The shadow day is an optional part of the program, but has been shown to amplify the learning outcomes for both the Protégé and Mentor. The panelists on the call included Andrew Hall (Heritage Trust FCU), Sandon Nachmann (Coastal CU), Genice DeCorte (HealthShare CU) and Koy Stone (SC Telco FCU).  All four relayed their experiences in planning shadow days and offered tips on how to make them a success.

This is the first of four such educational sessions in the program year. Their purpose is to enhance outcomes in the program and to offer skills training to especially young professionals in the credit union movement. An audio file of this week's session is available by clicking here.

“CUaware Podcast” co-hosts Paul Narcisse and Phil Kadzielawski have returned with a new episode for May that takes listeners on a deeper dive into blockchain technology and how it may be used in the U.S. election process.

Referencing an article from NPR, Phil notes how the U.S. election system is still vulnerable to cyber-attacks and how blockchain technology has the potential to deter these kinds of attacks in the future while restoring voter confidence.

An illustration of the differences between a traditional database and blockchain. Source: Faizod

“A proper blockchain solution for voting, would be a trustless immutable ledger that would lead to increased confidence,” shares Kadzielawski. “By moving voting to blockchain solutions, there would be no single third-party…that holds the one copy of our records. Blockchain is itself, a transparent ledger of information.”

What is a “trustless” immutable ledger, you may ask? Find out more by listening to the "Blockchain Bit" at the 7:05 mark.

Later in the episode, South Carolina Federal Credit Union’s Troy Hall returns to get into the “meat and potatoes” of mentoring through the prism of his success model in the “Real Talk with Dr. Troy” segment.

In part one of five in this segment, Troy focuses on the first ground rule in the mentoring success model: Declaring the mentee/mentor relationship as a collaboration between two people. An agreement where both parties acknowledge they need each other. Often times, it can be perceived that the mentor doesn’t get much out of the experience but Dr. Troy cautions against that kind of thinking.

“As a leader, one of the important characteristics of leadership is to be teachable,” shares Hall. “I have to enter the space saying ‘I have more to learn than just my 10,000 hours of practice.’ Think about it, how awkward would it be going into a relationship where the other person doesn’t need you? That doesn’t even make sense.”

Hear more from “Real Talk with Dr. Troy” at the 22:28 mark.

The full podcast episode is available on CUaware’s podcast page or on iTunes here. Lastly, if you have a podcast topic or suggestion, please contact Paul, Phil or Jeff Hardin using the email links on the podcast page.

Paul Narcisse (Coastal CU) and Skyler Jackson (Carolina Foothills FCU) were among the people who successfully earned the CUDE designation. “DE Training was an amazing experience to have the opportunity to serve others and understand how we can change and affect lives by our actions,” said Jackson. “It was a great reminder that ‘people helping people’ is the most important thing to focus on, and if you come from a place of service, you’ll never go wrong.”

DE Training provides critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy and international development issues while incorporating challenges credit unions face today. During the week-long program, participants were involved in group exercises, field trips, discussions with speakers from around the credit union system, and were required to complete team projects proposing solutions for credit unions to help alleviate or eliminate challenging situations in any given area.

Nearly 100 people from South Carolina and North Carolina hold the DE designation from the National Credit Union Foundation. Their passion for cooperation and dedication to service has led to the creation of the Reality of Money simulation for high school students, as well as the annual Principles and Philosophy Conference. 

Chapter leaders from North Carolina and South Carolina gathered in Myrtle Beach April 10-11 to share best practices, network and discuss the future. More than 35 credit union staff representing 11 chapters in the Carolinas were joined by League staff for the event. 

The workshop kicked off with a Tuesday evening reception followed by a full day of engagement and sharing Wednesday. "Chapters are a key cog in the credit union system," shared Jeff Hardin, the CCUL director of cooperative initiatives. "They connect local credit union staff together through networking and collaborative community events. The relationships they develop over time are an important part of the success of our movement."  

A few themes emerged from the interactive discussions, including discovering the unique value proposition - the why - of each individual chapter, reaching out to local credit unions that have not been as engaged in recent years, and increasing communication and collaboration efforts across the chapter system.    

And a key finding for the League: this workshop should be an annual event. "The workshop is the League's statement of support to our chapters, and it will be an annual event going forward" shared Hardin. "We support the ongoing efforts of our chapter leaders and will do all we can to help them thrive."  

“CUaware Podcast” hosts Paul Narcisse and Phil Kadzielawski have returned with a new episode for April that takes listeners back to CUaware’s roots as they interview the council’s co-founders Brandon McAdams and Patrick Livingston of Coastal Credit Union. The podcast episode also includes a segment on the rise of blockchain technology and the premiere of “Real Talk with Dr. Troy” led by SC Federal Credit Union COO Troy Hall.

McAdams and Livingston, tasked with a follow-up project as part of the CUDE certification program, started CUaware back in 2011 with a simple premise to fill a gap that exists within the credit union industry: staff often not knowing what makes credit unions and cooperatives unique and special. So, they started to host afterhours meetups to bring credit union professionals in the Triangle together for networking and knowledge exchange.

Coastal Credit Union's Patrick Livingston (left) and Brandon McAdams (right) were honored with the 2014 Cooperative Spirit Award by the National Credit Union Foundation for creating CUaware. Photo credit: Coastal CU

“We reached out to folks that were DE graduates in the area as well as people that we worked with and brought them in and said, ‘hey, we’re going to be at a local watering hole after work, just come and talk,” recalled McAdams.

“We also started off with buy-in from folks,” Livingston added. “Working with our management team and other credit unions’ management teams, and saying, ‘this is something that you want to participate in.’ So, it became an opportunity for real networking to happen.”

Later in the interview McAdams reflected on the growth of the CUaware Council, remarking on how they quickly realized this program had great potential to expand and make even more of an impact on the lives of professionals in the Carolinas and beyond.

“Once we realized that people were coming back and people in other areas wanted something similar, we realized that…the two of our efforts weren’t enough to keep up with demand," said McAdams. "We needed some funding, to expand out and we looked at each other realizing, this was that next step. Now, we have the League involved, CEOs coming and we have a lot of people’s attention and we don’t want to mess up."

CUaware today has five active regional councils in both states, hosting events throughout the year focused on four central themes: education, volunteerism, protégé, and advocacy. The League’s existing Protégé Competition was also added to the CUaware “family” in 2014 and has since expanded, adding a Protégé Mentor program for sustained career development for CU professionals of all ages.

Kadzielawski and Narcisse are both past participants in the Protégé programs, and have shared in a past episode the impact these CUaware programs have had on their own careers and lives.

For McAdams and Livingston, CUaware was among their first experiences serving in a strong leadership role at a time when their careers were just beginning. And from then to now, they carry the lessons of that experience into their roles at the credit union today.

“In my role at the time, I was not managing anybody or had a marketing background,” McAdams continued. “CUaware was an opportunity for me to lead and show a different skill set. It’s not just a networking opportunity.”

“It’s allowed me to explore creativity [at my job] in way that’s better than what it would have been without the experience of going through that,” Livingston added.

(Editor's note: registration is open through April 20 for the 2018 FiCEP program. This story shares the impact the 2017 FiCEP program is having on one credit union.)  

"Through this course, not only did I learn the psychological reasons why people make the financial decisions they make but also how these daily decisions can have a major impact on someone’s financial life," SC Telco FCU Financial Literacy Coordinator Andrea Finley said of the FiCEP program.

Last year, the Carolinas Credit Union League partnered with CUNA and the National Credit Union Foundation to offer credit union staff the Enhanced Financial Counseling Program (FiCEP). Nearly 40 staff from the Carolinas successfully completed the FiCEP program and earned their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation.  

The FiCEP program provides credit union staff with a comprehensive understanding of how to assist members in a variety of financial situations, including emergencies and non-emergencies, as well as in all life stages. Another key benefit: it gives credit unions the opportunity to design a strategic and thoughtful approach to improving member financial capability through counseling. 

SC Telco FCU, which sent three employees through the 2017 FiCEP program, is one credit union stepping in to that strategic opportunity. The credit union recently promoted Andrea Finley into a newly-created Financial Literacy Coordinator position.

In this new position, Finley will be responsible for creating financial literacy programs and activities for the members of SC Telco, as well as the community. “It is increasingly important that we not only serve the immediate financial needs of our members, but that we also continue to educate the community on financial literacy, as well,” said SC Telco CEO Steve Harkins. 

 Formerly a recovery specialist at the credit union, Finley notes that the skills she learned in FiCEP opened up the opportunity to lead the credit union forward in this key area. “I learned the right tools to inspire members to take control of their financial freedom and overcome difficulties with confidence," Finley shared. "Through this course, not only did I learn the psychological reasons why people make the financial decisions they make but also how these daily decisions can have a major impact on someone’s financial life."

The FiCEP program includes eight webinar-based self-study modules, as well as two in-person training days. The 2018 program begins May 24 with an orientation webinar and concludes October 10.  The registration deadline is April 20 to participate in the 2018 program year. 

Jeremiah Mooney, an assistant collections and recovery manager at SC Telco, echoed Finley's experience in the program. He noted the class "covered the importance of various intangible skills for financial counselors, such as listening well to our members, showing empathy, and extending hope in difficult financial situations. I remain very excited to use these skills on a daily basis in serving our members.” 

If you are interested in the 2018 FiCEP program, please click here for more details. For specific questions, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

Pictured: Allegacy Federal Credit Union President/CEO Cathy J. Pace (left) and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center CEO Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D. at the new WellQ facility in Winston-Salem.

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Allegacy Federal Credit Union are pleased to announce an innovative partnership – believed to be the first of its kind in the country – focused on improving both the physical and financial wellbeing of people in our community.

WellQ, located at 575 N. Patterson Avenue next to the Allegacy financial center at Biotech Place in Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, is a membership-based service that provides access to convenient high-quality health care for everyday illnesses and wellness needs, along with wellness and financial coaching and education.

Members will enjoy same day treatment of minor illnesses such as strep throat, upper respiratory illnesses, poison ivy and pink eye, for just $35 per visit. Financial benefits include membership at Allegacy Federal Credit Union with an AllHealth Wellness Savings Account, offering higher-than-market dividends, health care financial advising, no-obligation Healthcare Financial Planning to help plan for current and future health care costs and on-site financial education classes.

“There is a strong correlation between people’s physical and financial wellbeing as financial stress can negatively impact their physical health and vice versa,” said Cathy J. Pace, President and CEO, Allegacy Federal Credit Union. “Healthcare expense can be one of the top costs for families and a WellQ membership can be a vital part of financial planning for those who need an affordable, convenient place to go for minor illnesses, as well as valuable financial education and planning assistance.”

Additional health benefits include complimentary annual wellness exams and monitoring of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, health screenings, wellness classes and access to 24-hour virtual visits. A convenient onsite visit-related pharmacy is stocked with common prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

“The clinic at WellQ is not designed to be a substitute for a primary care provider, but rather as a convenience that complements a person’s existing primary care provider and supports the physical and financial wellbeing of members,” said Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D., CEO, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Interim Dean, Wake Forest School of Medicine. “The Allegacy – Wake Forest Baptist partnership is about becoming champions for improving the overall health and wellbeing of the folks who live and work in our community.”

The clinic at WellQ is operated by Wake WellQ, LLC with experienced, licensed providers from Wake Forest Baptist Health.

Insurance is not accepted for clinic appointments or visit-related prescriptions at the onsite pharmacy, appointments are made online or through a smartphone app, and payment is made only with credit or debit cards, including those attached to Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts.

At least one physician assistant will be on site along with other clinical and office staff, including staff that will help guide members’ financial wellness and healthcare financial planning.

Annual membership for an individual is $199 and $249 for a family. Up to two adults and children/dependents ages 2-21 who share a household are included in the family membership. Membership may be free to individuals if their employer opts to add WellQ as a corporate benefit. 

The CUaware Protégé Mentor program connects credit union professionals with a mentor for a period of one year. Through a process that is collaboratively designed by the mentor and protégé, a plan and goals are developed, and a strategy for maintaining regular contact is created. 

Nearly 35 professionals applied to be mentored in 2018, nearly three times the number in any previous year of the program! True to their cooperative nature, credit union professionals are stepping forward to offer their time and talents as mentors in order to meet the need. 

The program kicks off with a workshop on February 1 in Charlotte. This event takes place just prior to the CU Connect Conference. Executive coach and retired credit union CEO Lee Fogle will lead the workshop event, which will serve as a springboard to connect the Mentor-Protégé pairs. 

If you would like more information about the CUaware Protégé Mentor program, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063).  

The CUaware Protégé Mentor program connects professionals with a mentor at another credit union  for a period of one year. Through a process that is collaboratively designed by the mentor and protégé, a plan and goals are developed, and a strategy for maintaining regular contact is created.

The program is flexible and based on the needs of both the mentor and protégé in order to facilitate a meaningful and productive outcome for both parties. The League facilitates the match, provides some baseline support and assistance in getting started, and includes a few check-ins through the year. Other than that, the mentor and protégé work together to dictate the pace and flow of the relationship.  

Heading into 2018, there has been tremendous growth in the demand for mentors. "We're looking forward to an exciting year of exchange and professional growth through the program in the upcoming year," shared CCUL's Jeff Hardin, who coordinates the program. "This is a wonderful opportunity for people to give back to the credit union movement." 

Protégé applicants describe their overall goals for the relationship and provide other key details that help to determine a suitable mentor match. "You don't need to be in upper management to be a mentor," said Hardin. "All you need to possess is experience, knowledge and passion for what you do and a willingness to share your gifts with another person. I encourage anyone interested to apply."  

Complete program details and application forms for mentors and protégés may be found here. If you have specific questions or would like to speak to someone who has participated in the program previously, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

The scholarships are funded by the earnings from the Principles and Philosophy Conference, an annual two-day event that is produced by the League working in partnership with the CUDE Group. This volunteer-led event teaches credit union staff about the cooperative & credit union business models and how they are unique in the marketplace. Attendees also learn the rich history of credit unions and co-ops, and how this history speaks to us today. 

In order to qualify for the scholarships, Bell, Whaley and Jackson attended a previous Principles & Philosophy Conference, submitted a thorough application that included why they wanted to be a CUDE, and how they planned to implement the experience into their career. Their CEO or a CUDE sponsor also had to provide a letter in support of the application. 

"We're thrilled that Lauren, Megan and Skyler have taken the initiative in their careers to attend CUDE, and we are truly pleased to award them these scholarships," said Jeff Hardin, who works with the CUDE Group in the Carolinas. "On behalf of the nearly 100 CUDEs in the Carolinas, we look forward to our scholarship winners attending CUDE and then partnering with us to promote the compelling social responsibility role of credit unions." 

For more information on the CUDE program, please visit the National Credit Union Foundation web site. The 2018 Principles and Philosophy Conference will be held October 23-25 in Sophia, NC at the Caraway Conference Center. If you would like to be placed on a contact list to register for this event, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

JoAnne Harper (Peach State FCU) and Marty Pell (Coastal CU) were among the class members who successfully completed and earned the CUDE designation. More than 90 credit union staff (active and retired) are CUDEs in North Carolina and South Carolina, and work cooperatively on events and projects such as the Principles and Philosophy Conference.

DE Training provides critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy and international development issues while incorporating challenges credit unions face today. During the recent week-long program, participants were involved in group exercises, field trips, discussions with speakers from around the credit union system, and were required to complete team projects proposing solutions for credit unions to help alleviate or eliminate challenging situations in any given area.

For this training’s final case studies, participants worked through and presented solutions to critical issues that included financial stability among young adults and families, credit union board development, building microfinance programs in developing countries, credit union solutions to predatory lending, the increasing issue of homelessness in America, and rejuvenating a stagnant credit union. In this way. participants are challenged to consider the cooperative nature and structure of credit unions when considering solutions to these issues.

For more information on the CUDE program, please go to the National CU Foundation web site. The Carolinas Credit Union League offers up to two scholarships to CUDE each year for staff at credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, please go to the CUDE Scholarship page or contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

The CUaware Protégé Mentor program kicks off its 2018 program on Thursday, February 1 with a workshop in Charlotte. Executive Coach Lee Fogle, who has extensive credit union experience in addition to his coaching skills, will facilitate the event. 

The CUaware Protégé Mentor program connects credit union professionals with a mentor for a period of one year. Through a process that is collaboratively designed by the mentor and protégé, a plan and goals are developed, and a strategy for maintaining regular contact is created. 

The workshop will bring together the incoming program participants as well as people who have participated in earlier years. Led by Fogle, this group will learn what mentoring is and why it is important; will receive practical steps to implement to ensure success; and will share one-on-one networking time in order to get mentors and protégés started together.   

Applications for the 2018 CUaware Protégé Mentor program will be accepted through December 31, 2017. For more information please visit the program page. To apply to be a mentor, please click here and if you would like to be mentored, click here to apply. 

The workshop event takes place prior to the start of the Carolinas CU Connect Conference. Registration for the workshop and Connect is open to all past and incoming program participants. Please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063)  for registration information as well as a discount code. 

Phil Kadzielawski and Paul Narcisse, the dynamic duo hosts of the CUaware Podcast, are out with their latest episode. This episode highlights the CUaware Protégé Mentor program with Jeff Hardin of the Carolinas Credit Union League.

Hardin facilitates the program, which matches credit union professionals with a mentor for a period of one year. The podcast covers the history of the program, how it works and how you can get involved! Give them a listen above, and if you'd like to learm more about the CUaware Protégé Mentor program, please click here. Applications for the 2018 program year are being accepted through the end of 2017. 

Forty credit union staff learned the history, purpose and values of credit unions at the Principles & Philosophy Conference October 24-26. The event took place outside Winnsboro, SC at the White Oak Conference Center. 

Produced by a group of volunteer Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) working in partnership with the League, the curriculum is designed with three major outcomes in mind:

1. To raise awareness of and empathy for the struggles that many credit union members face today;
2. To share the knowledge that credit unions and cooperatives were specifically formed to address these struggles; and
3. To encourage conference attendees to act on what they've learned when they return home. 

"Credit unions, like all cooperatives, are best seen as problem solvers," said Jeff Hardin, who coordinated the conference working in partnership with the DE group. "Credit unions came to the Carolinas a century ago because affordable, ethical credit was not available to most people - particularly those of very modest means. We were seen as a solution to a very difficult problem. That's a helpful framework we use in delivering the conference."

The event kicked off Tuesday afternoon, October 24 with the Life Simulation. The Life Simulation experience is designed to help credit union employees, volunteers and leadership begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month-to-month. The attendees were randomly organized into family units, with each person playing a unique role and each family having a unique set of challenges. These families then role-played the simulation through a series of four, 15-minute "weeks". 

Following up on the experiential learning of the Life Simulation, the group learned about the origins of the credit union and cooperative moments on Wednesday and Thursday. This portion of the program focused on the problem solving aspect of cooperatives, and shared the specific and unique role the credit union business model plays within the financial system. 

The attendees also worked in small table groups to share their perspectives and learning points throughout the event. In one exercise, each of these seven small groups analyzed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of one principle and reported their findings with the larger group. 

On Thursday, this group work culminated in group presentations about one of seven credit union pioneers. This assignment included research of their assigned pioneer prior to arriving at the conference, and then working together as a small group to teach the rest of the class what they had learned about their pioneer. 

This Pioneer Storytelling segment also challenged each group to see the motivations each pioneer had in helping the credit union movement organize, understand what problems their pioneer was attempting to solve, and consider how this information connects to the present day. The pioneers profiled included Alphonse DesJardins, Edward Filene, Roy Bergengren, Louise Herring, Dora Maxwell, Thomas B. Patterson of Rowan County, NC (organizer of the first African American CU in the US) and Esau Jenkins of Charleston (Civil Rights leader who organized several cooperative ventures, including the CO FCU). 

The conference concluded with an action planning session that challenged each person to set goals related to what they had learned that they could implement at their credit union or in their community. "I have been in the financial industry for over 25 years, in commercial banking regulation, consulting commercial banks and credit unions all over the country and now back to the regulatory side for credit unions. I have over 1,400 hours of training in the industry and have never attended a class that focused on the true nature and purpose, and history of the industry as this one," shared one conference attendee in an anonymous survey.

The 2018 Principles & Philosophy Conference is scheduled for October 23-25, 2018 at the Caraway Conference Center located near Sophia, NC. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063).  

An important change to the program in the upcoming year includes dropping an age requirement to participate as a protégé. "In previous years, the program mirrored the age requirements of the CUaware Protégé Competition," shared Jeff Hardin, the coordinator of the program. "Going forward, we think the program can continue to grow in its scale and impact by recognizing that all professionals who want to expand their horizons can benefit from mentoring." 

Applications will be accepted through the end of the year. The 2018 program year kicks off in Charlotte on February 1 with the CUaware Protégé Mentor Program Workshop. The Workshop takes place prior to the start of the Carolinas CU Connect event. Lee Fogle, an executive coach, will facilitate this interactive session. 

If you are interested in mentoring or being mentored, you will find complete details and application forms on the CUaware Protégé Mentor Program page. Please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063) with any questions. 

Nachmann's ten rules include: 

1. Pre-publish an agenda
2. Stick to the agenda
3. Start on time
4. End on time
5. Set ground rules
6. Use a parking lot
7. Fix responsibilities
8. Publish minutes
9. Use a facilitator
10. Continuously improve

Nachmann learned these rules in the wake of tackling his first major project more than 15 years ago: deploying a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system at a credit union he worked for at the time. 

"We had our first meeting to get things kicked off and it was a mess because I didn’t know about any of the effective meeting rules mentioned above," Nachmann wrote.  "There was no agenda, we didn’t start on time, I didn’t fix responsibilities, and believe it or not I didn’t even have an ending time for the meeting.  I’m pretty sure we just talked until we all got bored."

Nachmann's post expounds upon each of the ten rules, and he says they are a key driver in successful project management efforts. "Having worked with both poor and great PM’s over the years I can tell you there’s nothing better than working with a PM who knows how to hold an effective meeting," he shares. 

To read the full post, please join the CU Project Management expertise group (note: you must be a registered web site user and logged in to join CCUL networking groups). Nachmann's post in the blog may be found here. 

Hall recounted the steps that led to the development of the program as well as its growth and evolution through the years. The trio also discussed specific learning points and discoveries they made about themselves and about leadership by participating in the CUaware Protégé  Mentor Program. Both Kadzielawski (2016) and Narcisse (2017) were mentored by Hall. 

"Speak I am, not some day I will be," Hall shared as one key attribute of personal growth and development. "When a person speaks and says I am ... I am this. Wow,  there is power in that," Hall concluded.  

Hall also talked about his philosophy of career development and the intention one should bring to their future growth. Hall, Narcisse and Kadzielawski also shared the steps for how the mentor-protégé relationship develops and the overall commitments involved. 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 CUaware Protégé Mentor Program. Learn more about this exciting professional development opportunity, which is provided free-of-charge by the League to young professionals in the Carolinas, by clicking here. 

Melissa Cozart (Duke FCU), Wendy Dawson (Coastal FCU), Kathleen Sullivan (Local Government FCU) and Scott Weaver (Carolina Foothills FCU) were among the class members who successfully completed and earned the CUDE designation. More than 90 credit union staff (active and retired) are CUDEs in North Carolina and South Carolina, and work cooperatively on events and projects such as the Principles and Philosophy Conference.

DE Training provides critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy and international development issues while incorporating challenges credit unions face today. During the recent week-long program, participants were involved in group exercises, field trips, discussions with speakers from around the credit union system, and were required to complete team projects proposing solutions for credit unions to help alleviate or eliminate challenging situations in any given area.

For this training’s final case studies, participants worked through and presented solutions to critical issues that included financial stability among young adults and families, credit union board development, building microfinance programs in developing countries, credit union solutions to predatory lending, the increasing issue of homelessness in America, and rejuvenating a stagnant credit union. In this way. participants are challenged to consider the cooperative nature and structure of credit unions when considering solutions to these issues.

For more information on the CUDE program, please go to the National CU Foundation web site. The Carolinas Credit Union League offers up to two scholarships to CUDE each year for staff at credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, please go to the CUDE Scholarship page or contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

To increase the giving impact, credit unions can easily double their donations by applying for a guaranteed match through the CO-OP Miracle Match™ Program. CO-OP® Financial Services is guaranteeing match approval for all credit unions participating in Shop for Miracles this year, even if you’re not a CO-OP member! CO-OP member credit unions are guaranteed funds matching up to $10,000, and non-CO-OP member credit unions are guaranteed a match up to $1,000.

Register to participate in Shop for Miracles this year at http://cu4kids.org/shopformiracles, then sign up for a guaranteed Miracle Match at co-opfs.org/miraclematch.

Six Carolina credit unions participated in Miracle Jeans Day in 2017. The annual event, which allows staff at participating credit unions the opportunity to wear jeans to work in exchange for a $5 donation to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. 

American Partners FCU, Carolina Trust FCU, ElecTel Cooperative CU, Local Government FCU, Greenville Health Systems FCU and Telco Community CU employees all supported their local children's hospital through the event, which was held Wednesday, September 13 across the country. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals treat millions of children across North America. This treatment is given regardless of the patient’s condition or ability to pay. 

If your credit union is interested in supporting CMN Hospitals through efforts like Miracle Jeans Day, the next event is Shop for Miracles Day Thursday, October 19. Co-op Financial Services will offer its Miracle Match if your credit union signs up for Shop for Miracles Day by September 30! Complete program resources and registration links are available here. 

CUaware Podcast hosts Paul Narcisse and Phil Kadzielawski discussed a program near and dear to their hearts in their second episode. The dynamic duo discussed the CUaware Protégé Competition with CCUL Director of Communications Courtney Jackson. 

Jackson, who piloted the program and serves as its coordinator, shared the impact the program has on young professionals, and the springboard it can represent for contestants at the credit union, chapter and finals level. Participating in the competition opens the door for further engagement in programs like the CUaware Protégé Mentor Program, and gives young professionals a chance to participate in leadership opportunities in the CUaware Councils.

"It connects you with peers you would not have met otherwise," Jackson shared of the program. She added that while the top three finalists receive scholarship opportunities to enhance their professional development, anyone participating in the program will experience professional and personal growth. 

Kadzielawski and Narcisse are both past participants in the program, and Narcisse is the reigning CUaware Protégé. Both shared the impact the program has had on their careers and lives. 

For more information on the CUaware Protégé Competition, please click here. If you have a podcast topic or suggestion, please contact Paul, Phil or Jeff Hardin using the email links on the podcast page.  

Applications are now being accepted for the CUaware Protégé Mentor Program. The program pairs a young professional with a mentor from another credit union for a period of one year. Mentors and Protégés are invited to apply between now and the end of the year. 

The free program is designed to be flexible in order to account for the demands of work and life for both protégé and mentor. However, there are some steps you can take now as a protégé in order to enhance the benefit you receive from the program.

"First and foremost, people who would like to be mentored should consider carefully what they hope to gain from the experience," said Jeff Hardin, who coordinates the program. Hardin noted that each year, people coming into the program identify a variety of needs and set very different goals.

"Some employees envision a different role in their organizations, while some might have long-term career goals they would like to build a foundation around," Hardin said. "The CUaware Protégé Mentor program can meet just about any need, but the protégé has to come into the process with a clear understanding of what they want to accomplish."

In order to assist the protégé in setting goals, and both the protégé and mentor get off to a strong start, a resource page for the program provides tips and tools. For the protégé some general tips to consider are included, as well as SMART Goal tips and a personal SWOT analysis tool among other resources. "These can be great to work through before submitting an application," shared Hardin.

After the protégé and mentor pairings are announced, further resources include guidelines for getting the relationship off to a great start and some DISC profile tools (either free and fee-based) that may further support the relationship. "The strength of our program will always be its flexibility since credit union staff get pulled in so many directions," Hardin said "but these tools are provided as a way of putting some thoughtful structure into the very early parts of the process. We've found tools like these to be a great in setting folks up for success in the program."

If you have any questions about the program or need more information, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

The 2017 Principles & Philosophy Conference is fast approaching and as of this week, just three spots are open for this year's class! Staff and volunteers interested in attending are encouraged to register very soon in order to secure a spot at this unique event. 

Now in its eighth year, the Principles & Philosophy Conference educates credit union staff about the history of the cooperative and credit union movements, shares the key differences between credit unions and banks, and offers participants a chance to learn about the changes in the financial services industry.

The conference is a "deep dive” into the Seven Cooperative Principles, as well as the social purpose of co-ops and credit unions. Participants leave with a greater understanding of just how special credit unions are, and how the Seven Cooperative Principles are at heart good business practices.

The event is perfect for younger professionals, as well as more seasoned employees who have come to your credit union from the banking industry. "The products and services and their delivery may look and feel very similar at credit unions and banks," said Jeff Hardin, conference coordinator for the League, "but the business models are fundamentally different from one another. It is vital that staff understand and apply those differences in order to maintain our cooperative nature in the long-term." 

If you have any questions about the conference, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). To register, please click here. 

•  62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment every minute.
• Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals treat one in ten children in North America annually.
• Children’s Miracle Network Hospital emergency rooms treat 16,000 children every day.
• Your entire donation will go directly to your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.  

A Big Thank You!
Thank you to the participating credit unions already registered: American Partners FCU, Carolina Trust FCU, ElecTel Cooperative FCU, Greenville Health Systems FCU and Local Government FCU. 

Applications are being accepted through the end of the year for the 2018 CUaware Protégé Mentor Program. Seasoned professionals and young professionals are welcome to submit applications for the program, which kicks off February 1, 2018 with an in-person workshop during the CU Connect Conference. 

The CUaware Protégé Mentor Program connects credit union professionals age 35 and under with a mentor for a period of one year. Through a process that is collaboratively designed by the mentor and protégé, a plan and goals are developed, and a strategy for maintaining regular contact is created.

The program is flexible to account for the scheduling issues and other life demands that credit union professionals encounter. However, several resources are provided to help protégés and mentors develop concrete goals and get to know one another early in the process.   

Click here to submit a Protégé application and click here if you would like to considered for a Mentor position. If you have questions, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). You will also find more information on the CUaware Protégé Mentor Program page. 

Scholarship applications for the 2017 Principles & Philosophy Conference are due by Friday, September 1. The scholarships include all on-site expenses, including meals, lodging and conference materials. Travel and other incidental expenses are the responsibility of the credit union or scholarship recipient. 

The conference takes place October 24-26 at the White Oak Conference Center near Winnsboro, SC. Now in its eighth year, the conference is a deep dive into the cooperative business model and the seven principles that differentiate credit unions and other co-ops in the marketplace. 

In addition to the operating principles, attendees learn the social purpose of co-ops and credit unions. Participants leave with a greater understanding of just how special credit unions are, and how the Seven Cooperative Principles are at heart good business practices.

Scholarship criteria are as follows: 

• Open to staff and volunteers at credit unions of $125 million and under assets;
• Recommendation letter or email from a CUDE or CEO required;
• Must be submitted for consideration by September 1, 2017.

Please click here to download and complete the application form. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

Avid podcast listeners themselves, Paul Narcisse and Phil Kadzielawski (Coastal CU) have decided to join the ranks of content creators by starting a podcast that is all about something they love - CUaware! The duo recorded a soft-launch primer to CUaware (shared above) and plan to use it to enhance CUaware's learn. share. grow. mantra. 

Paul Narcisse (left) and Phil Kadzielawski created the podcast in order to connect, inform and inspire credit union staff about the value of credit unions and CUaware.

Kadzielaswki and Narcisse intend for The CUaware Podcast to provide an open platform for professional development content in an audio format. "When Paul approached me with his idea of doing the podcast, I became really excited and put some time into researching how we could make it happen," shared Kadzielawski. "It's been a true partnership," Narcisse said of working with Kadzielawski. 

Over the past few months, the dynamic duo have met to talk about the CUaware podcast model, its overall format, the strategy for launching the podcast, and topics both would like to tackle. "We invite folks in CUaware to contribute content," shared Narcisse. "Phil and I will be creating episodes on a regular basis but there are so many people in CUaware with great career journeys and experiences. We'd be thrilled to have some of them record episodes."

Narcisse, the current CUaware Protégé, was inspired to start the podcast at the Co-op Think Conference in May. "David Rogers did a great presentation about digital transformation and how to create meaningful experiences. That really got me started thinking about how much CUaware has meant to me, and the possibility of starting a podcast."

Narcisse got a further nudge toward the project when he won a $200 gift card at the conference. "I used it to buy the recording equipment we're using," Narcisse said.  

"Paul and I ultimately want to get more people involved in the credit union movement," Kadzielawski shared. "CUaware has been a great platform for our professional growth and it has provided us with invaluable exposure to the movement. We want the podcast to show the value that CUaware offers and do our part to add to that value." 

If you have feedback about topics, or would like to give a shot at creating an episode, you can contact Phil Kadzielawski or Paul Narcisse directly. "We'd love to hear from folks," Narcisse said. Episodes of the podcast will be available on The CUaware Podcast page on the CCUL web site. 

You can make miracles on September 13! Miracle Jeans Day is the second Credit Unions for Kids’ national fundraiser of the year. When each member of your credit union team donates $5, they can sport their favorite jeans on Wednesday, September 13. Everybody enjoys dressing down, especially when it’s for a good cause, and the kids really benefit from the day. CU4Kids also has pre-printed stickers as well as FREE paper icons for Miracle Jeans Day, so members can join in the fun. Dress to show you care!

The Cape Fear Chapter of Credit Unions will hold a kick-off social event on Tuesday evening, August 22. The event takes place at the Bluewater Grill on the Intercoastal Waterway in Wrightsville Beach. 

Formerly known as the Southeast Chapter, the re-launch is composed of seven credit unions in the greater Wilmington area. Staff from these credit unions met in May and decided to proceed with the effort. While the group plans to hold its events locally, credit unions in the old Southeast Chapter region, which includes Fayetteville and Goldsboro, are welcomed and encouraged to attend. 

The event starts at 6:00 pm with appetizers and drinks, followed by dinner and a short program. The goal is to network and hear more information about the chapter's future plans. 

To register for this meeting, please click here. 

Working in partnership with the Carolinas Credit Union League, project managers from three credit unions have organized a networking and information sharing group. The purpose of the group is to promote collaboration & networking, encourage innovation and the sharing of best practices in the area of project management.  

The group will share information and documents through an Expertise Group set up on the CCUL web site. Registered users of the CCUL web site may join this group. To set up a user account, please click here.  

Sandon Nachmann, Coastal Credit Union director strategic projects, brainstormed the group idea. "By participating in the CUaware Protégé Mentor Program the last couple of years, I got to know two people involved in project management at their credit unions. Creating a group that would be able to help more people share, learn and implement new project management processes seemed like a logical next step." 

Koy Stone (SC Telco FCU) and Greg Young (Carolinas Telco FCU), who were mentored by Nachmann, are part of the founding core of the group. Geoff Finken of the CCUL, who does project management for the League, is also involved with the new group.  

Project management is an emerging field within credit unions. It coordinates staff efforts and encourages a culture of innovation.

For more information about the group and how you can get involved, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063).  

Principle Six: Cooperation among cooperatives. Credit unions serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative principles by working with other cooperatives through local, state, regional, national, and international structures.

Nearly 40 teens experienced a fun and interactive week in White Lake during the Cooperative Leadership Camp (CLC) held June 19-23 in White Lake, NC. Credit unions in North Carolina contributed to the success of the camp as well as the educational opportunities provided to the campers.    

A program of the Cooperative Council of North Carolina (CCNC), CLC educates rising sophomores, juniors and seniors about the cooperative business model and how it is designed to function in a free market economy. Campers learn by doing in that they organize a tee-shirt cooperative through the week, and practice the Seven Cooperative Principles in their decision-making. 

This was the 62nd Cooperative Leadership Camp in North Carolina. "We had such a terrific group of campers this year and as always, we had tremendous support and engagement from our cooperative members," shared CCNC Executive Director Emily Nail.   

Credit unions supported CLC in a variety of ways, including sponsoring a combined 11 teens who participated in the camp. Sponsoring credit unions & credit union organizations included: the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, the Carolinas Credit Union League. Coastal Credit Union, Local Government FCU and Riegelwood FCU.

Ty Randleman (left), one of the attendees of Cooperative Leadership Camp, discussing which car he will buy as part of Coastal Credit Union's Mad City Money simulation. The "car salesman" is Kyle Randleman of Star Communications, who is Ty's father.

Credit unions also contributed to the educational experience at the camp. Coastal Credit Union volunteers taught the teens real-life money and budgeting skills through the Mad City Money simulation. Campers were given an adult profile and navigated a series of stations where they made spending and budgeting choices.  

On Tuesday, Jeff Hardin of the CCUL taught the Seven Cooperative Principles to the group. Hardin also shared the governance structure of the tee-shirt cooperative, plus the responsibilities & roles of each camper in making sure the co-op operated smoothly and in line with the principles of equality, democracy and mutual self-help.

The campers took their Seven Cooperative Principles education and, in seven smaller groups, developed fun and informative "infomercials" about each principle. These fun skits were presented by the teens on Wednesday evening.   

The tee-shirt cooperative organized by the teens functions much like any other worker-owner cooperative. Each camper was a part owner of the cooperative and worked collectively to elect a board of directors. Other campers served in management positions and implemented the vision and strategy of the board. The worker-owners combined their talents to create tee-shirt designs. From there, one design was chosen for the shirts and the group produced shirts for each camper.   

In addition to credit unions, electric and telephone cooperatives, food cooperatives and the NC Grange supported the camp and contributed to the week of learning for the teens. "One of the great things about camp is that it is truly a cooperative effort," shared Nail. "It is always inspiring to see how cooperatives statewide embrace the opportunity to educate and inspire teens." 

The conference is a deep dive into the Seven Cooperative Principles of credit unions and cooperatives. Attendees gain an understanding of and embrace the cooperative business model, learn how it is different from for-profit industries like banks, and become advocates for these principles at their credit unions.

The conference takes place October 24-26 at the White Oak Conference Center near Winnsboro, SC. For more information please visit the conference registration page. Scholarship applications should be completed and returned on or before September 1, 2017. A CEO or sponsoring Credit Union Development Educator letter of recommendation is required to apply.

Scholarships include lodging, tuition, meals and all conference materials. You may download the application form here or contact Jeff Hardin with any questions.  

Registration for the Annual Conference is now open, with a discounted hotel room rate available through July 11. Full details and registration links may be found on the AACUC web site's event page. Local Government FCU is serving as the host credit union for the event as well as a Platinum Sponsor. The Carolinas Credit Union League is also a sponsor of the 19th Annual Conference.

Details of the Reality Fair event are still in process. The Reality Fair, which educates high school aged students about the real life money and budget decisions they will be making in their adult years, relies on volunteer support from annual conference attendees and credit union staff from the Raleigh-Durham area. This is the fifth year a Reality Fair simulation has been presented as part of the AACUC Annual Conference.  

If you are interested in attending the Annual Conference, please visit the AACUC web site. To volunteer for the Reality Fair event scheduled from 9 am - Noon on Wednesday, August 9, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063).  

Sherrie Krizic (Local Government FCU) and Tami Langton (Coastal FCU) were among the class members who successfully completed and earned the CUDE designation. Nearly 90 credit union staff (active and retired) are CUDEs in North Carolina and South Carolina, and work cooperatively on events and projects such as the Principles and Philosophy Conference.

DE Training provides critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy and international development issues while incorporating challenges credit unions face today. During the recent week-long program, participants were involved in group exercises, field trips, discussions with speakers from around the credit union system, and were required to complete team projects proposing solutions for credit unions to help alleviate or eliminate challenging situations in any given area.

For this training’s final case studies, participants worked through and presented solutions to critical issues that included financial stability among young adults and families, credit union board development, building microfinance programs in developing countries, credit union solutions to predatory lending, the increasing issue of homelessness in America, and rejuvenating a stagnant credit union. In this way. participants are challenged to consider the cooperative nature and structure of credit unions when considering solutions to these issues.

For more information on the CUDE program, please go to the National CU Foundation web site. The Carolinas Credit Union League offers up to two scholarships to CUDE each year for staff at credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information on these opportunities, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

On June 14, a group of volunteers from Carolina Foothills FCU (CFFCU) delivered Christmas a few months early to Spartanburg resident Rose Gilliam. The presents came in the form of much-needed home repairs and improvements to the home of the 65-year-old retired cafeteria worker.

The credit union effort, which was coordinated through the group Christmas in Action, was part of the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) Day of Service. Held the second Wednesday of each June, the Day of Service encourages CUDEs across the world to complete a service project in order to improve the lives of members and local communities.

“As a 24-year veteran of the Credit Union Development Educator program, I was more than happy to join with thousands of other DEs across the globe to make a difference,” said Terri Hendrix, vice president of business development and community engagement for CFFCU. “There is real power in numbers, and having many of my co-workers supporting it with their own sweat equity makes us an even more cohesive team!”

The 65-year-old Gilliam has lived in her California Avenue home in Spartanburg for more than 22 years. Prior to her retirement, Gilliam worked in the cafeterias at Arcadia and Dorman Center Schools for 28 years, including 10 as a manager.

Despite temperatures that were a not very Christmas like 90 degrees by afternoon, the Carolina Foothills crew made a variety of repairs and enhancements to Gilliam's home, including replacing rotted window framing on the back of the house, trimming tree limbs and cleaning up the yard. The group also provided a much needed coat of paint to the trim and shutters of the home.

As a retiree living on a fixed income, Gilliam was unable to pay for repairs out of pocket. A variety of health problems also limits her ability to maintain the property. The Carolina Foothills effort was one part of a multi-step repair and improvement project on the home. 

Christmas in Action is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates the houses of elderly, disabled, and otherwise disadvantaged homeowners, to provide for their continued safety and independence. Founded in 1996, the organization mobilizes volunteers to complete repairs and improvements to the homes of those who cannot afford to make them. According to Census Bureau data, some 3,500 Spartanburg County homeowners are elderly and impoverished.  

President/CEO Scott Weaver notes that volunteerism is a key strength for the CFFCU staff. “From the board down to the teller line, our credit union not only talks about working to make our community stronger, we actually roll up our shelves and do it! This is the third year our management team has performed a day of service; everyone enjoys it, we like seeing the results and it makes us feel connected to the community.” 

Principle Seven: Concern for community. Credit unions work for the sustainable development of communities through policies developed and accepted by the members. Credit unions seek to achieve a greater good through responsible corporate citizenship.

Credit union staff often interact with and assist members who struggle each day to get by financially. Assisting members living on a financial cliff is not easy, and sometimes it is hard to understand why people make the financial choices they do.

The Life Simulation, an experiential learning program of the National Credit Union Foundation, bridges this understanding gap by placing staff in the shoes of people encountering these struggles. The Life Simulation experience is designed to help credit union employees, volunteers and leadership begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month.

It is unique and special because it combines the financial and emotional distress that 25 simulated families tackle as one of up to 90 participants. "The goal is increasing empathy and awareness," shared Jeff Hardin, the League's director of cooperative initiatives.

Through a partnership with Coastal Credit Union, Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union and the Carolinas Credit Union League, the Life Simulation is available for credit unions and chapters in North Carolina and South Carolina to use free-of-charge. "It is a three hour simulation from beginning to end, but that investment of time is sure to impact people's ability to relate to the struggles that members go through," said Hardin. 

In addition to the Life Simulation kit, Hardin is available to assist with coordinating credit union planning efforts, as well as facilitating the event. For more information, please contact Jeff Hardin at 919-457-9063.  

A total of 39 credit union professionals in the Carolinas began the five-month Enhanced Financial Counseling Program (FiCEP) this week. FiCEP, which is a combination self-study and instructor-led program, enables credit union staff to earn the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation from CUNA.

"As this is the first year of the FiCEP program in the Carolinas, we are thrilled to have such a great interest and response from credit unions," shared Jeff Hardin, the director of cooperative initiatives for the Carolinas Credit Union League. "FiCEP gives credit union employees more confidence in assisting members in need of financial counseling. It is a valuable skill for both staff and the credit union, and a tremendous member benefit."

The program kicked off with an orientation webinar this week. Over the next five months, FiCEP participants will complete a series of eight self-study modules, and participate in webinars with NCUF staff that recap the information in each module. 

The program also includes two in-person training and testing dates in the Carolinas, including August 9 in Irmo and October 18 in Charlotte, The October 18 in-person event includes a final test to earn the CCUFC designation.

If you are interested in FiCEP and would like to ask a question or be added to a contact list for the 2018 program, please contact Jeff Hardin (919) 457-9063.  

Principle Seven: Concern for community. Credit unions work for the sustainable development of communities through policies developed and accepted by the members. Credit unions seek to achieve a greater good through responsible corporate citizenship.

The Credit Union Development Educators (DEs) of the Carolinas will join their counterparts across the nation and world to complete service projects aimed at improving the lives of people and strengthening communities. The DE Day of Service takes place Wednesday, June 14. 

In 2016, DEs in both Carolinas cooked food for the homeless at a Salvation Army shelter, prepared a meal for families staying at a Ronald McDonald House, and launched a new employee assistance program for credit union employees with children. DEs completing projects later reported them to NCUF and shared recaps and photos using the Twitter hashtag #CUDEDay.  

NCUF began the Day of Service in 2016 to call attention to the work of DEs across the globe. DEs are asked to consider service ideas that support making a difference around the Development Issues that are at the heart of the DE curriculum. These issues include health, housing, hunger, access to credit, savings mobilization, transportation, and education, among others.

NCUF holds the Day of Service each year on the second Wednesday in June. Look for recaps of Carolina-focused projects following the June 14 event.  

Principle Six: Cooperation among cooperatives. Credit unions serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative principles by working with other cooperatives through local, state, regional, national, and international structures.

Hoyt Bray (Upstate FCU, at left), Jeff Hardin (Carolinas CU League), Koy Stone & Micah Smith (SC Telco FCU) and Dizzy Felkel (Family Trust FCU) field questions from the audience about the Protégé Competition and the Mentor program at the Upstate Chapter May 23.

On May 23, the Upstate Chapter learned more about two young professional development opportunities from a trio of past participants in the CUaware Protégé  Competition and the CUaware Mentor program. Micah Smith and Koy Stone (SC Telco FCU) and Dizzy Felkel (Family Trust FCU), shared their perspectives and learning points on the program with chapter attendees Tuesday evening, May 23 in Greenville. 

Felkel, Stone and Smith were joined by Jeff Hardin of the Carolinas Credit Union League, who was on hand to answer general questions about both programs. Hoyt Bray (Upstate FCU) moderated the panel discussion. 

The CUaware Protégé Competition officially kicks off July 5, and chapters are in the process of opting in to the program for 2018. Credit unions and chapters will host competitions in the later summer and fall, with the CUaware Protégé  Finals Competition taking place Feburuary 1-2, 2018 in Charlotte during the Connect Conference. 

The Mentor program is open to young professionals age 35 and under in the credit union movement in the Carolinas. Young professionals are paired with a mentor from another credit union for a period of one year. Applications for the 2018 program will be accepted beginning in October. 

Both the Protégé  and Mentor programs provide young professionals in the Carolinas with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities, and to encourage their growth as credit union professionals. "These types of opportunities don't come along very often," shared Felkel, who was the first winner of the Protégé Competition. Felkel's remark drew wide agreement from Stone and Smith.

All three former participants shared how the programs had gotten them out of their comfort zones, built their personal networks to include a wide range of connections within the credit union movement, and helped to advance their careers. Hardin challenged the credit unions present to hold internal competitions at their credit unions to demonstrate their commitment and support of the career development of their young professionals.  

The Upstate Chapter is a regular participant in the program and has already opted in to the 2018 competition. The CUaware Protégé Finals Competition takes place February 1-2 in Charlotte during the Connect Conference. 

The competition manual for the 2018 program has been published and provided to chapter presidents in the Carolinas for their review and consideration. To learn more about the CUaware Protégé Competition, please click here to access the competition page. More information on the CUaware Protégé Mentor program is available here. 

Scholarships include meals, two nights of lodging and all conference materials -- a $650 value! The scholarships are available to staff and volunteers at credit unions of $125 million in assets and below. 

"Scholarships serve a twofold purpose for the event," shared Jeff Hardin, the League's director of cooperative initiatives. "They provide an opportunity for credit unions to attend that otherwise would not be able to, of course. The biggest benefit, however, is that having the perspectives of a diverse group of credit unions at the table enriches the overall conference experience for everyone." 

The Principles and Philosophy Conference is a deep dive into the cooperative business model and the key principles that underpin it. First developed in Rochdale, England in 1844 by 28 people who started a food store, the Seven Cooperative Principles provided a spark for the development and spread of the cooperative business model worldwide. 

To download the scholarship application form, please click here. The form uses "auto fill" fields in order for applicants to type in their information. Scholarship applications will be received through September 1, 2017. Please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063) if you have any questions. 

Triangle CUaware volunteers Sara Portis (left), Angela Harrington and Renee Bradley work together to saw particle board for the roof of a Habitat for Humanity home Saturday, May 20.

The Triangle CUaware Council donned hard hats and gloves, and picked up hammers and saws in order to support Habitat for Humanity. The volunteer event took place Saturday, May 20 in Southeast Raleigh. 

Despite high humidity and temperatures near 90 by afternoon, nearly 15 volunteers participated, mixing cooperation among cooperatives with sweat equity in order to support a good cause.

“If you haven’t had a chance to volunteer for Habitat, you should really consider it," shared Phil Kadzielawski (Coastal FCU), who worked on one of the saw crews. "There are so many great things about volunteering with them. They are proud to serve the community and have so many wonderful stories to tell."

This is the second Habitat for Humanity volunteer project for the Triangle group. The Triangle CUaware group also worked on a Habitat Home that was in the final stages of construction during the 2015 Holiday Season.

The primary focus of the day's work was sawing and installing particle board for the roof of the home. By the end of the day, the roof was completely covered, and the group headed home. "Volunteering is a great opportunity to build your network and connect with others outside of work," said Kadzielawski. "Plus, you get to learn new skills!”

The bylaws were modified from the Southeast Chapter, which has been inactive for two years. The Cape Fear Chapter will continue to invite credit union staff from all areas of the old chapter, which includes Fayetteville and Goldsboro, to participate in meetings and events.

The board plans a fun kick-off event for the Cape Fear Chapter in the late summer. Details on this event will be coming in the weeks ahead. 

The following credit union staff will serve as officers of the new chapter: 

• David Williams, Marine FCU (President)
• Ken Garris, State Employees' CU (Vice President)
• Teresa Dew, Riegelwood FCU (Secretary)
• Andrea Troccia, Corning CU (Treasurer) 
• Lindsay Aponte, Sharonview FCU 
• Melissa Kerley, Local Government FCU
• Melody McBroom, Self-Help CU 
• Lin Spears, Piedmont Advantage CU 

For this training’s final case studies, participants worked through and presented solutions to critical issues that included financial stability among young adults and families, credit union board development, building microfinance programs in developing countries, credit union solutions to predatory lending, the increasing issue of homelessness in America, and rejuvenating a stagnant credit union. In this way. participants are challenged to consider the cooperative nature and structure of credit unions when considering solutions to these issues. 

For more information on the CUDE program, please go to the National CU Foundation web site. The Carolinas Credit Union League offers up to two scholarships to CUDE each year for staff at credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information on these opportunities, please contact Jeff Hardin (919-457-9063). 

Pictured (from left): Brian LeNoir, Mike Jones, Steve Clark and Horace Adell, all from United FCU, supported the Western Chapter Golf Tournament Friday, May 12.

A total of 26 teams converged on the Cummings Cove Golf Course near Hendersonville May 12 for the Western Chapter's annual golf tournament. For the second straight year, the event raised funds for Meals on Wheels programs in western North Carolina. 

Cloudy skies and a rainy forecast did not discourage the golfers from teeing off in the afternoon. Their dedication was rewarded as no rain fell during the event. 

"We are thrilled at the support of our credit unions at this year's event," said Western Chapter President Susan Holliday (Ecusta CU). "Once again the chapter board did a great job of planning the event and we appreciate everyone who helped make the tournament a success."  

This is the chapter's third golf tournament and the event was its biggest to date. Four of the 18 holes included longest drive and hole-in-one opportunities to win cars and other prizes. 

The chapter expects to raise more than $10,000 from this year's event. These funds will be divided and shared with Meals on Wheels programs in western North Carolina counties over the summer.  

Principle Seven: Concern for community. Credit unions work for the sustainable development of communities through policies developed and accepted by the members. Credit unions seek to achieve a greater good through responsible corporate citizenship.

The CUaware Lowcountry Council learned about the Victory Junction Reach Program, and built birdhouses in support of the Reach mission (view more photos here.).

The Triad and Lowcountry Councils of CUaware mixed education, volunteerism and fun during their recent April events! Triad area participants learned about credit unions and cooperation from a member's perspective, while the Lowcountry attendees learned about the Victory Junction Reach Program of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF). 

The Triad hosted its event at Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, with Fentress Gerald as the featured speaker. Gerald is a member of State Employees' Credit Union who serves as an Advisory Board volunteer. SECU has Advisory Boards at each of its branches. These volunteers meet quarterly to discuss issues relative to their branches and provide recommendations for improvement of services and procedures.

Nearly 40 people attended the event on April 26, and learned insights from Gerald about credit unions from a member's perspective. Attendees also enjoyed lunch and a time of networking. 

Meanwhile 40 people gathered in the Lowcountry on Tuesday morning, April 25 to learn about the Reach program. Lauren Whaley of the Carolinas CU Foundation and Jonathan Lemmon of Victory Junction shared the impact of Reach and the credit union movement's impact. The event took place at the Rivers Avenue location of South Carolina Federal. 

Reach is made possible by an exclusive partnership between Victory Junction and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. The support of the credit union industry brings specialized camp-style programming to children and families year round outside the gates of Victory Junction.

Having heard the message, the Lowcountry attendees got to work in support of Reach! The group built birdhouses that will be used in Reach, investing their time in a program that is special to credit unions in Carolinas. 

CUaware is a council of the Carolinas Credit Union League. CUaware aims to informally introduce all levels of credit union employees to the movement through events emphasizing education, volunteerism, advocacy and networking.

CUaware also invests in the professional development of credit union staff through the CUaware Protégé Competition and the CUaware Protégé Mentor program. Learn more about CUaware and how you can get involved by going to the CUaware web page. 

Besides educating future leaders about how credit unions are different from for-profit financial institutions, the conference has sparked a wider interest among staff in attending Credit Union Development Education in Madison, WI.

To assist credit unions and staff in attending this week-long event, the League and CUDEs in the Carolinas are pleased to announce that two CUDE Scholarships will be offered to credit union staff in the Carolinas each year beginning in 2018. Applications for 2018 scholarships will be accepted beginning October 1, 2017.

"This is an exciting milestone for our CUDE group and it is a tremendous opportunity for credit union staff in the Carolinas," shared Jeff Hardin, the League's director of cooperative initiatives. "Each year, 100% of the profits made from the Principles & Philosophy Conference sweeps into a scholarship fund at the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. The growth of this fund is such that we can confidently offer these scholarships."

This same fund has provided scholarships to attend the Principles & Philosophy Conference for the past four years. These scholarships allow staff at credit unions that would otherwise not be able to attend the conference. These scholarships also enhance the conference experience by bringing a wider range of credit union perspectives to the table during the immersive and experiential conference event.

Scholarship applications for attending the 2017 Principles & Philosophy Conference will be accepted beginning later this month. The conference takes place near Winnsboro, SC October 24-26.  

The League is thankful for the efforts of CUDEs in the Carolinas, and grateful for the consistent support and enthusiasm credit unions have shown for principles and philosophy education," shared Hardin. "We look forward to continuing to impact and inspire credit union leaders through the conference as well as these scholarship opportunities in the future." If you would like more information on CUDE or Principles & Philosophy Conference Scholarships, please contact Jeff Hardin at 919-457-9063.