Make A Difference Day

On Saturday, October 22rd, 2011 GLCU staff committed 100 “random acts of kindness”
throughout local communities for Make a Difference Day.


7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES FOR CREDIT UNIONS

1. Voluntary and Open Membership — Cooperatives are voluntary organizations open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
   
   
2. Democratic Member Control — Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives,
   members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
   
   
3. Member Economic Participation — Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
   
   
4. Autonomy and Independence — Cooperatives are autonomous, self help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their
   members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
   
   
   
5. Education, Training and Information — Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public — particularly young people
   and opinion leaders — about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
   
   
   
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives — Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
   
   
   
7. Concern for Community — While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

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THE REAL DEAL
Today’s world offers many choices in financial institutions. What is the best option for consumers? When you compare choices, you’ll see credit unions stand apart from the rest. Over 90 million credit union members feel that way!

As a not-for-profit financial service cooperative, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), like all credit unions, returns earnings to its members in the form of higher savings rates, better services, fewer fees and lower borrowing rates. While GLCU has a “local,” non-commercialized feel, shared branching and nationwide ATM networks allow members to conduct transactions most everywhere.

REAL PROGRAMS
GLCU’s full array of financial products and services are a “great deal” for members geared toward achieving financial success.

Examples include:

• Ultimate Checking; Fresh Start checking for those that need a 2nd chance with checking; goal and youth programs; pre-qualified consumer and mortgage loan programs; electronic banking
• Federal insurance of $250,000 on member savings through the NCUA 
• GLCU Member Rewards – offers exclusive member discounts with American companies
• Money Concepts’ wealth management and financial planning*
• Small business services and SBA-approved lending
  

REAL RESOURCES
GLCU provides consumer information on credit union services, financial education and smart choices for daily money management.

Education tools for adults and youth:

• GLCU website: Retirement Center; College Resource Center; and financial calculators
• Baby Joey Accounts (ages 0-4), Kirby Kangaroo (kids 5-12) and CU Succeed (teens 13-15) On Your Way (16-23)
• Free financial workshops on personal finance
• GLCU Scholarships – 6 awarded annually to members

Financial literacy programs:

• Junior Achievement curriculum and volunteering
• Biz Kid$ education inspiring youth entrepreneurship
• Mad City Money classroom budget simulation for teens

Credit counseling services:

• BALANCE Financial Fitness Program
  

REAL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND OUTREACH
Community involvement and charitable initiatives/donations include:

• Kids One United
• Event and education partner with YWCA Lake County
• Latino Coalition Partner and Sponsor of Hispanic Celebration Series
• Earth Day Expo organizer for local “green” businesses
• “Stuff the Bus” school supply donation drive for schools in need
• Annual food drive for local food pantries
• Annual warm clothing drive for families in need
• Annual “Giving Dinner” for the homeless
• Money Smart WeekSM partner with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago annually
• “Patron of the Year” awards from local park districts
• Recipient of statewide “Dora Maxwell” Social Responsibility Award for multiple years
• Recipient of statewide “Desjardins Youth Financial Literacy” Award for multiple years

*All Securities through Money Concepts Capital Corp.  Member FINRA/SIPC. Not NCUA insured. No Credit Union guarantee. May lose value. Money Concepts is not affiliated with Great Lakes Credit Union.