As a kid, do you remember wanting a toy or game everyone had, but your parents said no? Then when you got your allowance from chores or celebrations, you would tuck that money somewhere “safe” to hopefully be able to buy that item. I’m sure we all have and can pinpoint a toy we loved and prayed we got. Well, wouldn’t it have been easier to have joined with a youth membership at a credit union? It is so incredibly easy for children to become part of a credit union, and is highly recommended to start saving this way, rather than taking their money and tucking it away somewhere. Not only is it fun for children to take “charge” of transferring their money into their own account, but watching their credit union account number increase can be very exciting. That’s why we want to give some ideas on how to introduce youth to credit unions.
With your experience working for a credit union, you know the importance of attracting and retaining new members. And one of the best ways to do that is by reaching out to youth. Young people are the future of your credit union, and by introducing them to the benefits of credit unions early on, you can ensure that they will be loyal members for life. Here are a few tips on how to introduce youth to credit unions:
- Partner with schools. One of the best ways to reach out to youth is by partnering with schools. You can offer financial literacy classes, sponsor school events, or even just set up a booth at the school fair.
- Host events for youth. Credit unions can also host events specifically for youth. These events can be anything from a financial literacy workshop to a game night.
- Reach out to youth online. In today’s digital age, it’s important to reach out to youth online. You can create a social media presence specifically for youth, or you can sponsor youth-oriented websites and blogs.
- Get involved in the community. Credit unions can also get involved in the community in ways that appeal to youth. For example, you can sponsor a youth sports team or donate to a youth-oriented charity.
By following these tips, you can introduce youth to credit unions and the benefits of being a member. This will help you attract new members and build a strong foundation for the future of your credit union.
Benefits of Reaching Out to Youth
There are many benefits to reaching out to youth and introducing them to credit unions. Some of these benefits include:
- Attracting new members. As mentioned above, young people are the future of your credit union. By reaching out to them early on, you can ensure that they will be loyal members for life.
- Building relationships. Reaching out to youth is a great way to build relationships with them and their families. This can help you gain their trust and loyalty.
- Educating youth about financial literacy. Credit unions can play a vital role in educating youth about financial literacy. This is important because many young people do not have the opportunity to learn about financial matters at home or school.
- Promoting financial inclusion. Credit unions are committed to promoting financial inclusion. By reaching out to youth, you can help to ensure that everyone has access to the financial services they need.
If you are running a credit union, I encourage you to reach out to youth and introduce them to the benefits of credit unions. It is an investment that will pay off for years to come.
Learning how to properly save from an early age is so incredibly important. Being able to learn how and when to spend your money will create a balance of wants and needs when purchasing items. We all have at one time in our lives felt guilty about buying an item or items, but that is part of growing up and learning from your mistakes. Furthermore, being able to understand how important it is to save and prosper with every penny you have in your CU account shows growth and determination in saving for a greater future.
It may be daunting for young ones to sign so many documents as they sign up for a new credit union account, but nowadays with easy forms available it is not as overwhelming during the membership process. Experiencing how to be part of a credit union and learning developmental leadership skills is very beneficial and it is something we can always use and pass on to any future credit union employee or credit union member.
