There’s a lot to love about credit unions: the services they offer, the work they do in their communities, their wonderful and caring staff, and of course, the everyday impact they have on their members’ lives. We know all that there is to praise when it comes to credit unions, but we often cite those accolades and accomplishments in private or with other credit union professionals. Rarely do we shout our movement’s virtues from the hilltops for all the world to hear.
However, at the same time, the power and necessity of storytelling as a means of supporting the credit union cause has been at the forefront of industry conversations over the last few years. If we don’t spread the word of the work credit unions are doing, how will anyone ever know? How can we convey the impact of credit unions to lawmakers and consumers alike? How can we let people know all that there is to love about credit unions?
The founding of #ILMCU
To help spread the love, in 2021, the Illinois Credit Union League began #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day, a one-day nationwide social media blitz where credit union leaders, members, partners, and employees all come together to share what exactly they love about credit unions.
The event was the brainchild of then ICUL President and CEO Tom Kane (now retired, but still sharing his credit union love on social media each year), who was inspired to share his credit union love with the world and wanted to hear from members and staff alike about why they loved their credit union.
The first year of the event was a resounding success and brought together over 500 credit unions from the US and beyond. Since then, the event has only grown in terms of both participation and organizer support. To make it as easy as possible to participate, event organizers offer a plethora of premade social media graphics, information sheets, talking points, engagement ideas, and more that can all be used as is or customized to each individual credit union. Thanks to the organizer’s tireless work, #ILMCU Day is nothing less than a social media storm each year.
Over the years, the event has also garnered support from credit union partners, who provide donations to credit union causes and credit union-backed charities as a means of further showcasing the impact our movement is capable of and making the day even more special.
2026 event impact
On July 31st, 2026, the credit union industry rallied together to celebrate the sixth consecutive #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day with all the fanfare and love the event commands. 
According to results from the Illinois Credit Union League, the 2026 campaign generated 4.3 million in reach and 28,100 engagements, was adopted in all 50 states, and continued to grow “as a worldwide celebration of the credit union difference.”
The CUSO of the Illinois Credit Union League, Evisant, went a step further and donated $15,000 to Illinois Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The donation was divided among the state’s three CMN hospitals, for a total of $5,000 each.
“#ILoveMyCreditUnion Day is a powerful reminder that every credit union has a story worth telling,” said Libby Calderone, President/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League. “When we share those stories together, we give people a clearer picture of the difference credit unions make every day. That collective voice is important—not only for celebrating our movement, but for helping policymakers and communities understand why credit unions matter.”
The 2027 celebration of #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day will be celebrated on Friday, July 30, 2027. You can find information on how to join, tools for your credit union’s use, and much more on the official event website.
