COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH
THE CAMPAIGN FOR ENDING HUNGER
When the pandemic hit, food banks and pantries across the country—including hunger relief organizations in Maine—saw a significant increase in demand. Many people required assistance for the first time in their lives. Three years later, the need remains just as high. Fortunately, our shared devotion to the success of Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has not waivered. In fact, in many ways, the Campaign is stronger than ever!
In February, the League announced that in 2022, credit unions in partnership with the League and Synergent raised over $1 million in food and cash contributions. This was the first time the Campaign surpassed the $1 million mark in a single year, bringing the collective total of funds raised since the Campaign’s inception in 1990 to $12.3 million! Through the Campaign, credit unions provided 260 organizations with financial support to feed hungry Mainers in need.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
While the past year brought many changes for you, your members, and communities, our collective mission never wavered. Changes to member priorities can be daunting, their needs can sometimes evolve in perfect alignment with our mission. This was true in 2023, with Mainers’ needs for financial education being communicated more than ever before.
Early in 2023, after a multi-year hiatus due to the pandemic, schools started voicing a need for the return of in-person financial literacy outreach. Answering the call, the League and Maine credit unions worked together to host 20 in-person Financial Fitness Fairs in our first full year back, reaching more than 4,000 students with an important and insightful money management experience. Since the program’s inception in 2004, nearly 77,000 students have experienced our award-winning monthly budget simulation.
PROMOTING THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE
The League is often asked to weigh in with our thoughts and expertise on a variety of platforms and with key local influencers. Communicating the credit union difference and offering sound, financial resources to the public is a responsibility our League takes seriously. We are regularly featured on WMTW Channel 8, Southern Maine’s ABC-affiliate station. The League also contributes a monthly article in Amjambo Africa, a newspaper for Maine’s immigrant community.
Another way we are advancing the credit union movement is through our work to prevent fraud. Earlier this year, we launched a Fraud Resources Hub on both the League and Maine Credit Unions websites. With tips for spotting scams, collateral credit unions can share, and guidance for reporting fraud, we hope we can keep members better protected against financial exploitation. We also remain engaged with AARP’s BankSafe program to ensure credit union frontline staff have the resources and training they need to protect members.
