1 Operating a School Credit Union Hazel Walsh Naas Credit Union

2 Agenda 1.Why set up a School Credit Union? 2.Benefits of a School Credit Union 3.Getting Started 4.Set up 5.Operating the School Credit Union 6.Points to note 7.Suggestions/Ideas?

3 Why set up a School Credit Union? 1. Increase Membership Figures

4 Why set up a School Credit Union? 2. To increase transaction volumes

5 Why set up a School Credit Union? If these are the main reasons for setting up a School Credit Union, then you will be disappointed!

6 Why set up a School Credit Union? Our strategy is a long term one

7 Why set up a School Credit Union? Develop a relationship with students now For potential future business and growth

8 Why set up a School Credit Union? Added Benefit: Raise your Credit Unions profile in the local community

Benefits of a School Credit Union 9 Benefits for the Credit Union Helps promote positive message of the Credit Union among students and their families Builds foundations for long lasting relationships with members Benefits for the Student Helps to form long term saving habits, and build a good savings record. Encourages students to save for upcoming expenses, college, school trips etc Excellent opportunity for students to be involved in the running of the school Credit Union and to develop skills such as organisation, communication and teamwork. Education in money management Can qualify as a mini company or Gaisce Project

Getting Started 1.Meet with the teacher(s) who will be involved 2.Arrange to present to the TY class who will run the School CU 3.Invite applications for positions  Manager  Assistant Manager  Tellers (x2)  Promotional Team (x2) 10

Getting Started 4. Hold interviews for the various positions. 5. Select candidates with input from the teacher. 6.Begin training with the students and teacher(s) 11

Set Up  The School should be willing to provide  A suitable room for the School CU to operate from  Photocopying facilities  Stationery  Notice board space  Announcements re. School CU 12

Set Up  The Credit Union will provide the following to the students:  Procedure manuals & training  Log sheets to record transactions  Receipt books  Lodgement slips  Cash box and a small float  Personnel who will sit in on the School Credit Union each week to guide and advise. 13

Operating the School CU  A small float is provided by the Credit Union and brought to the school at the beginning of each session. (€100 in small notes and coins should be sufficient) 14

Operating the School CU  A reconciliation sheet along with all cash, lodgement slips, and duplicate receipts will be collected by Credit Union staff at end of each school credit union session. 15

Operating the School CU  Credit Union personnel will electronically update all accounts with details of the lodgements made, on the same day. 16

Operating the School CU  School Credit Union is open for 30 minutes each Monday lunchtime. 17 PRO’s No disruption to classes CON’s Students tend to leave the building

Operating the School CU  Manual receipts are provided to students on the day of the lodgement.  Electronic receipts are brought to the school each week and can be collected by the students. 18

Operating the School CU  Only lodgements can be made at the school. Withdrawals can be made at the Credit Union offices only. 19

Operating the School CU  Membership applications can be taken at the school. (Membership will be activated in time for the next session of the School CU). 20

How Students can become members These requirements apply to students of x school:  Complete the membership form  Present student ID  Provide your Social Services card or an official letter with your PPS number A note is put on the account asking tellers to take a copy of the ID etc. the first time the student transacts on the account in our main office. This is then added to the membership file. 21

Promotion within the School 1.Promotional items, e.g. yoyo’s, wallets, etc. handed out on launch day. 2.Posters etc. placed around the school and announcements made regularly by the principal. 3.Regular competitions to encourage membership & Regular saving, e.g. draw for an IPOD, draw to win €50, etc. 22

Other Promotion 23 Invited local press along to our launch day – pictures featured in local paper.

Points to note… The involvement of the teacher is crucial! They must be willing to provide - time - support - guidance - facilitation 24

Points to note… In our experience, there is a very low joining rate. However, we feel it is still worthwhile to have a presence in the school on an ongoing basis, as this creates awareness of the credit union among students for the future. 25

Points to note… A budget will need to be approved for : - Materials - Competition Prizes 26

Questions Or Suggestions! 27