April 24, 2009 Coinciding with National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), the Maine Credit Union movement's unique volunteer program called Credit Unions Share for ME revealed that an impressive 21,508.25 hours had been volunteered by credit union staff and directors from January 1 - December 31, 2008. As a result, the program has now surpassed 125,000 hours volunteered since it began back in 2002. This program began during National Volunteer Week seven years ago so the previous year's figures are always announced at this time each year. It highlights and recognizes the hundreds of individuals who volunteer and are involved with causes and activities in their communities throughout the year.
Based on figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which calculates the value of one hour volunteered in Maine at $15.74, the value of the time volunteered by Maine's credit unions equaled $338,000 in 2008. According to the Maine Credit Union League, which coordinates the Program, nearly 2,000 individuals, including credit union staff and board members, spent time volunteering in their communities this past year.
In 2008, the top five credit unions contributing the most volunteer hours were (location of main office and total hours listed in parentheses): Rainbow FCU in Lewiston (2,560); Five County CU in Bath (2,260); Saco Valley CU in Saco (2,245.50); Ocean Communities FCU in Biddeford (1,654.75); and Midcoast FCU in Bath (1,472.50). The top five credit unions with the most total volunteers were: Rainbow FCU in Lewiston (207); Five County CU in Bath (197); Saco Valley CU in Saco (169); (tie) Midcoast FCU in Bath and Ocean Communities FCU in Biddeford, both at 127; and PeoplesChoice CU in Biddeford at 103.
"This year's theme of National Volunteer Week 'people in action', ties in closely to the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people'. Credit unions were started by volunteers and are still governed by a democratically-elected, volunteer board of directors so volunteering and giving back is part of who and what credit unions are," explained John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League.
Jon Paradise, Governmental and Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League, provided some examples of the types of volunteer activities credit unions do throughout the year. "Community-service initiatives range from delivering meals to seniors and donating blood to youth athletics and serving as flag bearers at military funerals."
In 2008, the Program averaged 1,792.35 hours volunteered per month with an average of 167 volunteers participating. Credit Unions Share for ME tracks and updates the volunteer efforts of credit unions on a monthly basis. It has received several state and national awards for its creativity in capturing the spirit of volunteerism, not only within credit unions but in communities across Maine.
"Credit unions are not just about being located in the communities they serve but truly being a part of them through involvement for the simple reason of 'it's the right thing to do'," added Paradise. He also said that these figures are only the documented figures provided by participating credit unions so the actual number is likely higher but we are pleased with the level of participation reflected in these results.
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