A Direct Line Blog

By Michelle Skinner, MCU Communications Director

Whether you started your position on your credit union’s board a year ago or more-years-than-you-want-to-admit ago, you wanted the position for a reason — and we know it wasn’t for the pay. It’s called the credit union philosophy, and we have a newly refreshed program to test your philosophy knowledge.

Obtaining your Credit Union Philosophy Certification isn’t just another thing to add to your LinkedIn profile (though it looks great there, too). It’s a chance to reconnect with the heart of the credit union movement — and maybe even have a little fun while you’re at it.

Here’s why certification is worth your time:

• Mission (Re)Alignment: Remember why credit unions exist? (Hint: it’s not just to offer great rates.) This program helps you tap into the “people helping people” philosophy that started it all.
• Leadership That Inspires: You’ll learn how to communicate the “why” behind your work to stakeholders, community members, and family gathered around the dinner table.
• Involvement Opportunities: If you want to get more involved in Montana’s Credit Unions, grab a notebook and pencil. You’ll want to take notes on what we’re up to and services/resources you may not know about.
• Consistency Across the Board (Pun Intended): When everyone’s on the same philosophical page, things just click. Strategy, service, culture all start to sync up like your favorite ’90s boy band. And who doesn’t love a little harmony?

Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Nudge)

If you’re a board member who wants to lead with purpose, inspire others on the board, and maybe learn a little something to share with your friends and family, this certification is for you. It’s not just about checking a box. It’s about embracing the values that make credit unions awesome.