SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
 

Each credit union is an integral part of the community it serves, whether that community is made up of cities and towns, a workplace or a community formed by people who share an interest of some kind. Unlike for-profit financial institutions, credit unions are cooperatives that exist solely for the purpose of providing for the financial needs of their members. Therefore, it is quite easy to understand how naturally Social Responsibility comes to credit unions.

The Association actively supports and encourages credit unions in their community outreach efforts. In support of those efforts, the Association maintains a committee on Social Responsibility. The purpose of that committee is to develop a unified plan of social responsibility for the Association through recommendations to the Association’s Board of Directors. That plan features programs and events that focus statewide efforts on designated charitable and community activities and that enhance the positive image of credit unions as well as the public's overall awareness of them.


Special Olympics Rhode Island

The Association has established a very strong relationship with the Special Olympics Rhode Island since 1998. Through a variety of events and activities, the Social Responsibility Committee through the Association provides a vehicle through which the credit unions of Rhode Island can combine resources to address the needs of more than 2,500 athletes who participate in Special Olympics. To gain a better understanding of the fine work that this organization does, please click on link to visit their web site www.specialolympicsri.org.

Fundraising Goal
In September 2010, the Social Responsibility Committee established a fundraising goal of $54,000 for the Special Olympics Rhode Island and presented a check for $55,000 to the Special Olympics Rhode Island at the Credit Unions of Rhode Island Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, July 18, 2011 at Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth, MA. Since 1998, the credit unions of Rhode Island have donated more than half a million to the Special Olympics Rhode Island and have helped inspire greatness for these special athletes.

Fundraising Events

• Year round – Designs by Lucinda Pins
• Month of October – Special Olympics Paper Medal Sale
• November/December – Tall Tapers Too/Ye Old Candle Mill Candle Sales
• March – Bowling Tournament
• Month of April – Granite State Candy Bar Sale
• June – Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games
• June –September – Six Flags New England Discount Ticket Sales
• July – Credit Unions of Rhode Island Charity Golf Tournament

Credit Union Recognition Program

The Social Responsibility Committee established a special recognition program that recognizes all credit unions that reach a fundraising goal for the year. The fundraising goals are as follow: Bronze Level - $100-$499; Silver Level - $500-$2,499; Gold Level - $2,500-$4,999; Platinum Level - $5,000-$9,999; and Titanium Level - $10,000+. In addition, one credit union is recognized as the top fundraising credit union of the year and receives a special plaque to be displayed at the credit union for the year. The top fundraising credit union is determined by the most dollars raised on a per member basis (December membership information is used). All contributions are included in the recognition program. Providence Postal Federal Credit Union claimed victory as this year’s top fundraising credit union!

Past Top Fundraising Credit Unions
2011 – Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union
2010 – Providence Postal Federal Credit Union
2009 – Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union
2008 – Anchor Federal Credit Union
2007 – Columbus Credit Union
2006 – Anchor Federal Credit Union
2005 – Columbus Credit Union
2004 – Warwick Municipal Federal Credit Union
2003 – Warwick Municipal Federal Credit Union
2002 - Bostitch Federal Credit Union

2010/2011 Fundraising Levels
Gold - $2,500 - $4,999
Columbus Credit Union
Greenwood Credit Union
Navigant Credit Union
Pawtucket Credit Union
People’s Credit Union
Wave Federal Credit Union
Westerly Community Credit Union

Silver - $500 - $2,499
Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union
Blackstone River Federal Credit Union
Community & Teachers Federal Credit Union
Cranston Municipal Employees Credit Union
PGE Federal Credit Union
Rhode Island Credit Union

Bronze - $100 - $499
Coventry Credit Union
Dexter Credit Union
Kent Hospital Federal Credit Union

Donation – up to $99
Pawtucket Municipal Employees Credit Union
Postal Employees Regional Federal Credit Union

National Credit Union Recognition Programs
 
Since 1987, the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award has honored credit unions for their charitable works in their communities. Some credit unions have ongoing programs and establish a special relationship with local social service agencies or school programs. Other programs address many different needs in the community. No matter the size or scope of a project, each participating credit union builds its reputation as a good corporate citizen along the way.

Credit unions enter the Dora Maxwell Award program in one of eight asset categories or the chapter/multiple credit union group category.

Beginning in 1990, the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action has commended credit unions that make exceptional efforts to include credit union philosophy in their daily operations and member service. Programs that provide financial education to particular member groups within the credit union or special assistance to low-income members struggling to pay heating bills, for example, are clear examples of the philosophy that sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions.

Entrants in the Louise Herring Award program compete in four asset categories.

This year's national winners will be honored at the next Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

Click here for information on the 2013 Dora Maxwell and Louise Herring Award including their entry forms.

For more information, contact Donna Bevilacqua, director, Communications and Community Relations, at 1-800-842-1242 or dbevilacqua@cucenter.org.

Individual Credit Union Charities
Credit unions throughout the state are making a major effort to support those less fortunate. Many imaginative and effective programs have been undertaken to support their communities. Credit unions have traditionally embraced the concept of "people helping people."