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From youth to new Mainers, Maine credit unions remain one of the leaders in the state when it comes to supporting financial education efforts. This was reinforced by the Maine CU League and Maine’s credit unions recent support and involvement in two significant events.
Last week, Maine’s credit unions were a lead sponsor and participant in the Annual Community Financial Literacy celebration in Portland. At the event, CFL announced it was changing its name to ProsperityME (pronounced Prosperity Maine) to better reflect its role and mission in helping new Mainers prosper. The event, which drew more than 300 people, was held in Portland and celebrated the “importance of helping new Mainers from a variety of countries prosper.” “Helping people better understand money management is certainly not just a new Mainer issue but it can be especially overwhelming to individuals who not only do not know the language but come from countries where the financial system was often corrupt, unreliable and not sustaining. Beginning with Franco Americans immigrating to Maine in the early 20th century, Maine CUs have a long history of helping individuals become successful financially,” explained Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement for the Maine CU League.
Also, last week, the League was a lead participant and supporter of the Fostering Financial Education in Maine Annual Conference for educators. Held at the Augusta Civic Center and coordinated by the Maine Jump$tart Coalition, of which the League is a founding member, the Conference is aimed at helping educators teach and deliver effective financial education to students. This year’s Conference attracted nearly 200 educators from across Maine, and Maine’s credit unions had an opportunity to showcase the award-winning Financial Fitness – Money Management Experience Fairs, which continue to grow and expand. “We had a lot of interest from educators and schools to bring the Financial Fitness Fairs to their areas, so we look forward to coordinating additional fairs when the next school year begins,” added Paradise.
The Maine CU League and Maine’s credit unions have received the national Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award for 17 consecutive years.