For example, credit unions offered loan extensions, emergency loans, interest-free loans, and financial counseling to workers furloughed during the federal budget battle. Defense credit unions work to make sure that in wartime or while on peacekeeping missions, American troops and their families have adequate financial services during their tours of duty. Going the extra mile is common for credit unions. Only members may belong or vote. Another feature of credit unions is their volunteer leadership.
Directors work, unpaid, for the memberships' best interest.
Most credit unions have paid staff and management, but some of the smallest credit unions have volunteer staffs. Just as an individual credit union is a democratic financial institution, the entire credit union system also works together cooperatively. Members of the system include credit unions, national and state associations, corporate credit unions, U.S. Central Credit Union, and related organizations. This cooperation makes it possible to accomplish far more than any single credit union could alone. Credit unions even invest cooperatively to gain high earnings at low risk.