Most of the trade press and conversation around Occupy Wall St and Bank Transfer Day seems to be around acquiring new members. Bringing new blood into the fold. But this seems like an equally great opportunity to remind your existing members of the power they have.
Everyone on Wall St is fighting, “We’re here to take back control!” Well credit unions are it, literally. Or at least they would be if people would actually participate in votes, meetings, in the things it takes to grow and nurture a cooperative.
So now’s a great time to encourage your members, especially those that are demonstrating, or armchair-demonstrating, to put their money where their mouth is and be a part of the solution.
Bucky Sebastian from NCUF once said:
“The ability to own your own financial institution is one of the best social programs in existence.”
I agree. But in order for that to mean anything besides “we return profits back to you in the form of rates!” …. which speaks more of commodities than purpose….we have to give our members the ability to act, to the change, to control. To be a part of the credit union.
What if credit unions developed clear calls-to-action for our members? I just whipped up this poster, and it’s by no means the answer (anyone with a mind for typography is squirming in their seat right now), but I hope it sparks some new ideas for you. I’d love to hear if anyone decides to run with an idea:
I think this is also a good opportunity to drop “The Little Guy” thing. No one wants to be the little guy, and the 99% is not “The Little Guy.” It’s time to be strong. These protests represent millions of pissed off people ready to fight, ready to take back control.
Does any of this say “little guy” to you?
(photos from the big picture)
Don’t you see that in all of these protests, you are the call to action?
It’s time to be strong. It’s time to be a presence. It’s time to stop begging for table scraps.
Join the Conversation