Hi there, credit union friends,
We may be only halfway through October, but the month peaked early for many Taylor Swift fans with the release of The Life of a Showgirl.
I couldn’t resist! (📸: @savethemanateeclub on Instagram)
For those of us in the credit union movement, today—International Credit Union Day®—is when we shine. So grab your cardigans, friendship bracelets, and sequins! In true Swiftie style, we’re celebrating collaboration, creativity, and connection with ideas to engage kids and families this quarter.
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In Their Fair Era: Cue the candy apples and caramel corn: It’s fair season! Community Choice Credit Union used the Iowa State Fair as the stage for a standout youth campaign.
Their “Camp Choice” activation space featured Money Mammals pals:
- Inhabiting a media booth
- Highlighting youth accounts on bleachers
- Greeting visitors from trees and tents
Over the fair’s 11 days, the Community Choice team connected with more than 10,000 attendees.
Marketing Manager Bryce Verlinden summed up the initiative best:
“Having the Money Mammals with us at Camp Choice helped bring even more fun to the Iowa State Fair. For years we have been next to the Fun Forest Stage and playground on the Fairgrounds, so adding in Money Mammals branding to help connect with the thousands who come through with their kiddos seemed like a no brainer! Kids had fun trying to find Joe the Monkey on the tent design and throughout the area, resulting in greater name recognition and even a few new accounts in the process!”
This success? No need to “Shake It Off”! 🎤
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Community Outreach (GTE Financial’s Version): Florida’s GTE Financial partners with its hometown professional hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
As part of their Bolts & Blue Faceoff Against Hunger event, the GTE Financial team showcased a custom hockey-themed Money Mammals activity sheet—complete with Lightning jerseys and logos.
Sofia Vidal, GTE Financial’s Marketing Engagement Specialist, shared:
“The printables at the Bolts & Blue Faceoff Against Hunger event made a significant impact. Our children’s station, showcasing youth accounts and The Money Mammals program, delighted kids with coloring sheets featuring Joe the Monkey and Lightning jersey-clad friends, creating a fun and educational experience!”
So if engaging kids tops your “Wi$h Li$t,” then take a cue from GTE Financial and team up with local partners who already have fans in the stands. 🏒
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Not-So-Secret Song: Need a soundtrack for your branch or family event? Use The Money Mammals’ original tune, “We’ll Save & Share for the Holidays”!
This jingle follows Joe the Monkey and pals as they plan how to use their Save and Share jars during the most wonderful time of the year—a catchy way to encourage thoughtful spending and giving.
As a festive bonus, current partners will find a special mention and QR code in this quarter’s upcoming Money Mammals Messenger—leading kids straight to a custom holiday song page.
Here’s hoping your young members go “Back to December” with a little extra money mindfulness! 🎁
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Heart Hands for Strong Passwords: It may be International Credit Union Day®, but it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
So help families protect their financial information by sharing this short clip from The Art of Allowance Podcast. Guest Diana Graber of Cyberwise breaks down how to build stronger passwords kids can remember—and hackers can’t guess. 🔒
Until next time, credit union friends, stay “Fearless” with your youth programming. And as always, here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward!
Erin Prim
Marketing Manatee
P. S. It’s your chance to “Speak Now”! How is your credit union planning to engage families this quarter? Hit “reply” to let me know. I’d love to highlight your story in an upcoming issue!
