For 73 years, credit unions around the world—along with CUSOs, vendors, members, and other credit union supporters—celebrate the cooperative spirit and all that makes credit unions special by celebrating International Credit Union Day. Each year has a unique theme that focuses on a different aspect of credit unions. The theme for 2021 is “Building Financial Health for a Better Tomorrow.”

According to the CUNA website, the theme “reflects the way credit unions contribute to a brighter future by working to improve members’ financial well-being. It is at the heart of the mission and structure of credit unions. The essence of this commitment is reflected in each institution’s bylaws and it’s something credit unions have been doing for more than 100 years.” To assist credit unions, CUNA and the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) are providing resources to credit unions, making it easy for them to get the word out to their members and communities.

Credit unions are coming out in droves to commemorate the day. While last year’s festivities were mostly limited to social media and virtual interactions, credit unions are back to celebrating in full swing. According to National Today, there are close to 274 million members across 118 countries who recognize International Credit Union Day. In total, there are over 56,000 credit unions celebrating the day.

This morning, WOCCU hosted a webinar that discussed the overall status of credit union member financial health and how credit unions can work support their members in achieving better financial health. With speakers from the US, Brazil, and Kenya and participants from Canada, the Caribbean, Nepal, Mauritius, Yogyakarta, the Philippines, Trinidad, and more, it truly was a world-wide gathering of credit unions.

Furthermore, in the spirit of this year’s theme, credit unions are not only doling out treats and prizes to members who interact with them via social media or come into a branch, they are encouraging and educating members on their financial wellness.