The 12 Development Issues
The Development Issues Framework
The National Credit Union Foundation has identified 12 Development Issues that are interconnected and act as barriers to the well-being and prosperity of members and communities served by credit unions. Many ALICE households encounter these barriers.
Once we understand these issues and their impact on members’ lives, we can begin to solve for them. This process reveals a holistic approach to member and community service that can help credit unions live their difference and be more than just “another financial institution”. This approach also invites us to consider solutions that are not strictly financial in nature.
Delivering Solutions
As financial service providers, credit unions are best positioned to assist ALICE members and communities struggling to meet basic needs for themselves and their families. Credit unions can share financial knowledge through coaching, evaluate opportunities for members to maximize their paychecks through loan refinancing and other strategies, and connect members to opportunities to reach new levels of financial success.
Community Partnerships
Another key element to assisting ALICE households is for credit unions to look for community partners invested in solving a Development Issue(s) that will make life better. These strategic, larger scale projects can enhance life for individuals and communities that are struggling to access resources. Additionally, these partnerships and programs need not be financial in nature to have a positive effect on community and member financial health.
Some partnership examples and the Development Issues impacted include:
My Ride Rock Hill
Family Trust FCU in Rock Hill is an original and continuing sponsor of MyRide Rock Hill, a free downtown bus service that connects the community. The bus fleet is all-electric. (Transportation, Environment)
Mobile Food Market
Coastal Credit Union partnered with Ripe for Revival to connect vulnerable communities with healthy sources of food. Ripe for Revival works to address common factors that contribute to food insecurity, such as transportation, proximity to grocery stores, and income. The mobile market program features a fleet of transit buses and trailers that have been retrofitted with produce shelving, refrigeration, freezers, and mobile cooking carts (Hunger, Income, Transportation, Health, Inclusion).
SRP FCU’s Affinity Debit Card
The SRP High School Affinity Debit Card Program was designed to help provide funding to local high schools. Every time a purchase is made using one of SRP’s High School Debit Cards, the credit union donates money to that particular school. Schools can then use these funds to purchase books, equipment, materials, fund school programs, or whatever the school may need. (Education)