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This weekend, we’ll all “spring forward” when we set our clocks forward by one hour. The following week, the spring equinox will take place and we will officially enter a new season! Before we know it, flowers will be budding, birds will be chirping, and we’ll trade all this mud for beautiful green grass.
Here at the Maine Credit Union League, we love spring—not only for the reasons mentioned above, but because this time of year is particularly busy for us, especially when it comes to providing financial education to Maine’s youth. Throughout the month of April, credit unions will be hosting Financial Fitness Fairs across the state, leading lesson plans in classrooms, and promoting both Credit Union Youth Month and National Financial Literacy Month.
Credit Union Youth Month provides us with even more opportunities to work with our members and community partners to promote financial wellness. To help your credit union tailor its efforts to younger members, we encourage you to join with our League in promoting the theme “Save Away for a Rainy Day” because when kids learn about the importance of saving money for the future, they are laying the foundation for financial success!
To echo this concept in your activities, the League has created materials for your credit union to use. Along with social media graphics and sample messaging, the League has developed a coloring page, crossword puzzle, and word search to engage younger children. All these materials can be found on our website. The hashtag #CUYouthMonth can also be utilized on social media to demonstrate the power of our collaborative efforts.
In addition to sharing Credit Union Youth Month materials, credit unions should consider reaching out to their local schools about scheduling Financial Fitness Fairs and to offer the Elementary and Middle School Curriculum programs. These turnkey programs are highly impactful and provide students with age-appropriate lessons that are easy to understand.
“Aligning Credit Union Youth Month with National Financial Literacy Month is a no-brainer,” said Jake Holmes, the League’s Director of Outreach & Financial Education. “Financial education is a pillar of our philanthropic outreach and educating the kids of today will help them build a foundation of financial prowess to help them succeed tomorrow. That’s why I hope you’ll join the League in promoting education about savings throughout Credit Union Youth Month, and in every month beyond.”
If you have any questions about promoting financial wellness, or to inquire about April Credit Union Youth Month, Financial Fitness Fairs, or the Maine Credit Unions’ Curriculum program, please email Jake Holmes at jholmes@mainecul.org.