Hi there, credit union friends,
Last week my family and I decided to dine at a local sushi spot. My daughter knows this restaurant has vending machines featuring all her favorite trinkets: bouncy balls, costume jewelry, and squishy animals. So when she announced she wanted to take some money out of her Save jar to bring with her, my “Mom Radar” went off. 🚨
But to my surprise, instead of asking to pocket all the cash for a tchotchke shopping spree, she matter-of-factly stated she would need just two quarters to spend. I immediately shot my husband an incredulous look. Were our money-smart musings actually paying off?!?
After not-so-patiently waiting through dinner to pick her prize, my daughter sauntered over to her vending machine of choice. Then I helped her add the quarters and turn the dial. That’s when the unthinkable happened — nothing came out!
Once we dealt with the sniffles that ensued, my husband and I explained to our daughter that we would refund the coins when we returned home since she lost them through no fault of her own. So instead of receiving a treat, she learned a valuable lesson: Life is full of twists and turns.
Back to its former glory!
Speaking of surprises, is Credit Union Youth Month sneaking up on you? Never fear, the Marketing Manatee is here! Read on for resources to help you engage your young members and their families throughout April.
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Calling All Super Sleuths: Still deciding on a theme for this year’s Youth Month? We at Snigglezoo have you covered with
Joe the Monkey, Coconut Valley’s top detective, needs help cracking his latest case. This April, invite your youngest members to join him in solving a money-smart mystery.
They’ll analyze clues, evaluate suspects, and decode secret messages, all while learning how to share, save, and spend smart!
Engage your super sleuths with:
- A set of printable case notes 🗒️
- A newsletter full of clues and suspects 🔍
- A suite of corresponding social media collateral 🤳
- A mystery-themed event perfect for community outreach 🕵️
If you’d like to leverage these money-smart materials this season, then reply directly to this message so we can get started. And if you’re interested in truly making a splash, then let’s chat about how you can become an Art of Allowance Project digital partner in time for April. You’ll even receive exclusive access to three additional cases to share with your young members and their families throughout the year!
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The Power of Community {Choice}: Curious about the logistics of a Youth Month launch? Several of our partners, including Central Iowa-based Community Choice Credit Union, have opted to roll out their Art of Allowance Project programs in and around April.
After considering rebuilding its youth program internally and calculating that finding an expert partner in the space would be more time- and cost-effective, Community Choice debuted The Art of Allowance Project in March 2024. Marketing Manager Bryce Verlinden recounts the process from onboarding to launch here:
And Community Choice didn’t stop there! The credit union has steadily expanded its youth program’s impact by:
- Sending quarterly newsletters to over 1,800 accounts 🗞️
- Featuring a promotional piece on the folders of a local elementary school 📂
- Being present at family-focused events, including Disney on Ice and the Iowa State Fair 🎡
- Deploying a Money Mammals-themed Smart car as a mobile billboard 🚗
- Participating in regular success calls and KPI reviews with our team 📈
These efforts have led to the impressive results Bryce details below:
Want to hear more of Community Choice’s story?
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Branch Bandicoot Bonus: As promised in the last edition of this newsletter, here’s a branch … err … brand new section of Marketing Manatee Musings! Moving forward, be on the lookout for the “Branch Bandicoot Bonus,” which features content exclusive to our Art of Allowance Project partners.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the first installment!
If you’re on the hunt for activities to engage kids in your branches and communities during Youth Month and beyond, then look no further than our trusted Marketing Support Drive for inspiration. Within the “Event Ideas and Proposals” folder reside what I like to refer to as “Events in a Box.” These prefabbed parties are based on seasonal themes, including:
- Spring Into Savings 🌷
- Joe’s Birthday Bananza 🎂 (Fun fact: None other than Studio DIY founder and podcast guest Kelly Mindell created this event!)
- Share & Save for the Holidays ❄️
Everything you need to make an impact with young members and their families is included, such as invitation templates, decor ideas, food suggestions, favor tips, and activity recommendations.
So Blazin’ Bananas! Here’s a sneak peek for those of you who are curious:
If you utilize these materials during outreach opportunities, then please send some snapshots my way! I’d be happy to highlight your efforts in a future edition of this very newsletter.
📸: Tostoini on Giphy
Well, friends, Credit Union Youth Month is inching ever closer. I can’t wait to hear all about what you have planned for your young members and their families in April. Whether you create your own campaign, leverage our content, or become an Art of Allowance Project partner, I know the celebrations will be manatee-rrific!
Until next time, here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward!
Erin Prim
Marketing Manatee
