Inside: Youth Month-ready ideas you can still implement this week—plus real examples from fellow credit unions.
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Hi there, credit union friends,
I have a confession to make!
I had every intention of releasing this newsletter on Manatee Appreciation Day. The only problem? I thought that day was today. Turns out, it was actually yesterday. 🤦🏻♀️
📸: Giphy
But all is not lost! Because Credit Union Youth Month is just days away, and that’s definitely an event worth celebrating. So if you, like me, have been double-checking your calendar lately, then read on for a few low-lift, cost-effective, and high-impact ideas to engage kids and families this April.
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A {Social} Star Is Born: If you’re still looking for Youth Month inspiration, then head over to Instagram. (But not for mindless scrolling! 😜) Instead, take a page from Community Choice Credit Union.
Over the past year, this Iowa-based institution has used giveaways to highlight its youth and family programming. And recently, it evolved that strategy to focus on member acquisition.
Here’s how the campaign works:
- The Community Choice team posts a pic of Money Mammals mascot Joe the Monkey in a branch or on a money-smart adventure.
- The caption prompts users to follow the credit union’s account, like Joe’s latest selfie, and tag a friend whose kids would love to learn how to “Share & Save & Spend Smart Too” with The Money Mammals.
- Participants are entered to win experience-based prizes. (Think botanical gardens passes, golf park gift cards, and minor league baseball tickets.)
- A link in bio directs families to learn more about The Money Mammals.
Blazin’ Bananas … A money-smart influencer in the wild!
So with a single post, Community Choice is promoting its programming, attracting new members, and reinforcing the value of experiences over things. Now that’s a win-win-win!
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Color Your Members Happy: Looking for a more analog activity for kiddos to complete during Credit Union Youth Month? SECNY Federal Credit Union offers a great example of simple, effective in-branch engagement.
Young members pick up or download themed activity sheets, decorate them, and submit their creations. Check out these works of art!
But the fun doesn’t stop there:
- The SECNY team shares entries on Facebook.
- Members vote by liking their favorite money-smart masterpieces.
- Winners receive small prizes, like ice cream gift cards. (Because, as CEO Courtney Fulmer jokes, “Like any good parent, we bribe with ice cream!” 🍦)
SECNY also displays submissions throughout its Central New York branches, creating a welcoming environment and giving families a reason to visit. What a creative way to turn engagement into foot traffic—and lasting impressions!
Want to try this artful approach at your own institution? Download a sampling of Money Mammals printables here.
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“We’ll Share & Save & Spend Smart Too!”: Looking for programming that goes beyond a one-time giveaway or promotion? Our Youth Month toolkit is built around the habits of sharing, saving, and spending smart—making it easy to connect with kids and parents through meaningful financial education.
During April, credit unions can request access to:
- A printable “Share & Save & Spend Smart” plan for kids
- A short parent guide to support money conversations at home
- Ready-to-use social media content
- Branch and event activity ideas
- An interactive family newsletter
Our goal is simple: help credit unions create experiences that build lasting financial confidence—not just new accounts.
Interested in bringing these money-smart materials to your institution? Just hit “reply,” and we’ll help you get started.
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The “Art” of Allowance: If starting an allowance has been sitting on your parent members’ “To Do” lists, then April is the perfect time to begin!
In this Art of Allowance Podcast clip, Chief Mammal John Lanza explains when to start, why it matters, and how to do it in a way that actually teaches kids to share, save, and spend smart—without turning money into a power struggle.
Small steps now can build money confidence that lasts all year!
Well, credit union friends, the Manatee Appreciation Day festivities may be behind us, but the money-smart fun is just getting started. April is right around the corner, and I’d love to hear what you have planned for Youth Month.
Are you running a giveaway? Hosting an event? Trying something new? Hit “reply” to share your strategy. I may just feature it in an upcoming edition!
In the meantime, I’ll be marking my calendar very carefully for International Manatee Day on September 7th. 🗓️
📸: Jason Clarke on Giphy
Here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward,
Erin Prim
Marketing Manatee
