National and regional Development Educators (DEs) encouraged to apply
Kevin Lashley (Barbados) and Angela Prestil (USA) were in the I-CUDE Class of 2022
MADISON, Wis.—Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, in partnership with World Council of Credit Unions, is accepting applications through April 14 from credit union development educators interested in obtaining designation in the International Credit Union Development Education (I‐CUDE) program.
Designed to provide credit union employees and volunteers with a greater understanding of the international credit union system and opportunities for continued engagement, 2023 I-CUDE designations are available to credit union professionals who complete a significant level of project work and have received a Development Educator (DE) designation through one of seven national or regional DE programs, including:
Africa DE, operated by the African Confederation of Co-operative Savings & Credit Associations.
Asia DE, operated by the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions.
CanadaDE, operated by Saint Mary’s University.
Caribbean DE (CaribDE).
European DE (DEEU).
Philippines DE, operated by VICTO National.
United States DE, operated by National Credit Union Foundation.
Along with having received DE status in their home country, applicants for the I-CUDE designation must show they have completed at least one independent studies project that aligns with the learning objectives of the DE program, and provide a report of no less than 500 words detailing their project.
The project can be either domestically or internationally focused, but the purpose must align with the learning objectives of DE, such as meeting cooperative principles and sustainable development goals. Applicants must also show their project had a tangible impact on credit unions, a credit union system, credit union members or their community.
Once an application is received, the applicant’s national or regional DE program director will review and confirm their submission meets I‐CUDE requirements. The application will then be forwarded to Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, whose staff will review, select and notify those chosen for I-CUDE designation.
The I‐CUDE Class of 2023 will be recognized at the 2023 World Credit Union Conference, co-hosted by World Council of Credit Unions and the Canadian Credit Union Association, July 23-26, in Vancouver, Canada.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for credit union development educators who want to take the next step into the international arena and engage with peers from around the world who are working to solve problems for their credit unions and communities in new and innovative ways. We can’t wait to select the I-CUDE Class of 2023 and introduce them to the world this summer,” said Mike Reuter, Executive Director of Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions.
You can find more about the 2023 I-CUDE designation criteria, along the application form, by clicking here. All applications are due by April 14, 2023.
World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development platform for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.
World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 90 countries. Worldwide, 87,914 credit unions in 118 countries serve 393 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.