Service has been at the heart of credit unions' mission since the very beginning of the credit union movement. This means close personal service for all members regardless of the size of their deposits. This also means arranging loans for the jobless, providing credit counseling, encouraging thrift among young people, even helping to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods. The fact is, you in the credit union movement hold yourselves to a very demanding standard. Service, according to the credit union philosophy, extends to much more than getting good feedback on a customer questionnaire.
Service is also about service to the broader community.
The credit union ideal is to extend service to all who need and can use it. Every person is either a member or a potential member and appropriately part of the credit union sphere of interest and concern. Decisions should be taken with full regard for the interest of the broader community within which the credit union and its members reside. Every time a credit union makes a loan to someone to help them get through difficult financial times, that credit union is reaffirming its commitment to serving the community. It gives hope and opportunity to one person, but in so doing it gives strength to the entire community.