Since a 2010 act of the General Assembly founding it, the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission has been a leader in the state’s financial literacy education space, helping coordinate education programs across the state.
And since a 1923 act of the General Assembly establishing state-chartered credit unions in Tennessee, credit unions have been on the front lines helping families improve their lives through the cooperative spirit of people helping people, better access to credit and financial services and financial education.
It is through these lines that, after months of conversations, a natural collaboration has come together between the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission and the Tennessee Credit Union League centered around a phrase that credit unions from Memphis to Mountain City know so well, “How can we help?”
Today, we have an opportunity to go above and beyond our usual call to service and to transform and expand financial literacy all across the state. The reasons to do so are plentiful. From cultivating new relationships and future memberships at a formative age with young consumers, to strengthening long and historic bonds with teachers and school systems, to recruiting the next generation of future credit union employees and executives, we have an opportunity to change both the lives of Tennesseans and also shape the future of our industry in this state.
By committing time and resources, credit unions can forge partnerships that significantly enhance legislative relationships in Nashville and D.C. This collaboration would elevate our profile and influence among elected officials at all levels of government, opening doors and fostering greater awareness of credit union issues. It would also highlight how credit unions drive local economies and serve as an ideal support system for individuals pursuing financial well-being.
So, be on the lookout for more information about how your credit union can contribute dollars and time and how, together, we can make life-changing financial education happen for millions of young Tennesseeans for years to come.
In the meantime, check out the Tennessee Financial Wellness Scorecard [PDF] and reach out to the Advocacy Team to learn more.
