The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) has partnered with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) to offer the International Credit Union Development Educators (ICUDE) designation. Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) who are interested in obtaining this designation can apply until April 12.
The ICUDE program is designed to provide credit union employees and volunteers with a better understanding of the international credit union system and opportunities for continued engagement. To achieve the ICUDE designation, credit union professionals must complete four key criteria, including graduating from their country/regional CUDE program. They can choose from seven national or regional DE programs, such as:
- Africa DE, operated by the African Confederation of Co-operative Savings & Credit Associations (ACCOSCA).Â
- Asia DE, operated by the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU).Â
- CanadaDE, operated by the International Centre of Co-op Management (ICCM) at Saint Mary’s UniversityÂ
- Caribbean DE (CaribDE).Â
- European DE (DEEU), coordinated by the Association of British Credit Unions, Ltd. (ABCUL)Â
- Philippines DE, operated by VICTO National.Â
- United States DE, operated by the National Credit Union Foundation.
 Applicants must also earn a DE designation from their home DE program, complete at least one independent study project, earn a second DE designation by completing a DE program outside of their home country/region, and attend a significant credit union/co-op education and engagement event outside of their home country/region. Once an application is received, it will be reviewed by the applicant’s national or regional CUDE program director to confirm that it meets ICUDE requirements.
The application will then be forwarded to the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, whose staff will review, select, and notify those chosen for ICUDE designation in coordination with CUDE program directors.
The ICUDE Class of 2024 will be recognized at the 2024 World Credit Union Conference, which will be co-hosted by World Council of Credit Unions and America’s Credit Unions from July 21-24 in Boston, USA.
According to Mike Reuter, Executive Director of WFCU, this is an excellent opportunity for credit union development educators who want to take the next step into the international arena and engage with peers from around the world who are working to solve problems for their credit unions and communities in new and innovative ways.
