ABCUL Attend Milestone Community Development Credit Union Conference in New York

Friday 10 May 2024

This week in New York, ABCUL was in attendance for the 50^th anniversary of the national trade body for community developed credit unions in the US, Inclusiv for its annual conference.

The conference brings together thought leaders, policymakers, researchers and practitioners in the fields of financial empowerment and community development to address the tough economic and social justice issues affecting credit unions and communities today.

The theme for this year was ‘Sustainability in Action: credit unions building an inclusive, equitable and green future’ set upon the backdrop of the recent $1.87bn funding provided to the organisation.

Head of Projects at ABCUL, Jake Hatch travelled to the States for the event, and described the conference as: “an action-paked agenda full of inciteful and useful discussions and presentations, many of which aligned with projects that ABCUL are currently undertaking.”

Sessions focussed on lending focus with green loans pivotal to conversations as well making the business case, marketing green lending and building climate resilience into lending.

Inclusiv are an organisation closely tied to Community Development Credit Unions, and there were many invaluable insights into the impact CDCU’s have within its communities.

“Inclusiv have built a thriving and diverse credit union community that is creating an equitable and inclusive financial system,” Jake said.  “We were delighted to visit the local Neighbourhood Trust FCU based in Washington Heights. The inspiring work done in the New York area was clear to see, and their dedicated staff team were happy to share their insights in dealing with financially underserved members of the community.”

“The annual conference always inspires and this year was no different. 850 members gathered to celebrate 50 years of championing financial inclusion that Inclusiv have achieved.”