(May 3, 2007 – New York, NY) On June 6-9, 2007, youth representatives of community development credit unions (CDCUs) from around the country will gather in New Orleans, Louisiana for a yearly youth credit union program (YCUP) conference being organized by the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (the Federation). As in the past, the YCUP Conference is being held in conjunction with Federation’s 33rd Annual Conference on Serving the Underserved, to allow for greater interaction between the youth and the adult CDCU representatives.
This year, the YCUP Conference presents dynamic workshops where youth will learn the monetary and personal rewards of socially responsible investing; they will find out what it means to be a BizKid$ and how the new PBS Television show was made; and they will hear how to start a successful youth business from Chauncey Holloman, a young entrepreneur who recently received a $1-million contract to produce greeting cards for Wal-Mart.
Alongside these exciting workshops, the youth will also take part in a volunteering opportunity in New Orleans’ Seventh Ward. Working with Faith Church #5 the youth will have the opportunity to be part of the rebuilding process, experiencing first-hand the power of volunteerism and living the credit union motto of people helping people. Following a half-day of volunteer work, the youth will also tour parts of the devastated Ninth Ward.
For CDCUs interested in establishing youth programs, YCUP coordinators will team up with youth representatives in their very own workshop to the attendees of the 33rd Annual Conference. This workshop will explain some of the different ways CDCUs operate YCUPs. Whether the programs are run by partnership with local schools and community groups or completely internally this workshop will look at innovative ways to recruit and retain youth to strengthen credit union membership.
The YCUP Conference also presents the youth plenty of fun activities, including an evening outing to the historic “Rock-and-Bowl” in the French Quarter and head-to-head financial trivia competition during their very own Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl.
The “Youth Crewe” will also have the opportunity to show off their CDCU spirit at the Federation’s CDCU Second Line Parade, where a police escort will bring conference attendees through the French Quarter in a special parade complete with a brass band, beads and carnival masks, and even a CDCU float!
Another special event is a screening of Maxed Out, a recently released documentary about America’s growing credit card debt. This session has been organized by the YCUP Conference, but is open to all 33rd Annual Conference attendees.
All this and much more is in store for youth in New Orleans. Make plans now to join the 33rd Conference on Serving the Underserved! All youth are welcome.
Questions regarding the youth program can also be directed to Dan Apfel at dapfel@cdcu.coop or (212) 809-1850 ext. 220.
For more information about the YCUP Conference and to view a schedule of events, click here.
© 2007 National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions.
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