DE Training Day Three

Day Three… Happy Birthday, Bill Myers (not yet 60)!

It feels like the mornings are arriving earlier and earlier, but it was another beautiful and sunny day in Madison. A few intrepid souls made it to the Farmer’s Market, where the early spring produce was featured. As nice as the morning was, everyone arrived on time and ready to start a long day.
Brian Branch, COO and EVP of WOCCU kicked off the morning session on Microfinance and International Credit Union Development. Everyone was all ears as Brian explained the amazing work WOCCU and international credit unions are doing across the globe. Some of the most moving moments were the photographs of the devastation in Haiti. It was truly a miracle that the WOCCU staff made it through the earthquake without being harmed.

Following Brian’s session and a timely segue, the participants were ready to take on the “Spotlight on Projects” activity. The class worked with two international projects and three domestic projects. They are really starting to find their groove in terms of understanding and then integrating the development issues into the presentations. The presentations are also becoming more sophisticated as well as being more complex. They are thinking critically!!

As you may recall, Marlene Shiels was in town attending WOCCU's board meeting. Before her scheduled return flight, she and Bruce Wheeler joined us for lunch. But Marlene would be transportation-challenged on this day… First, her flight was canceled as airports all over Europe continued shut down. Then she’d be stranded on the highway after Bruce’s car ran out of petrol! At least she managed to get new outfits for the unexpected 5 additional days in the States.

The CU Impact on Development Exercise was a tearjerker. The scenarios pulled at our hearts’ strings, but the groups aptly illustrated how credit unions can play a role in positive development.

The highlight of the Wisconsin picnic was agreeing to auction the future of Anthony’s Peeps. Quickly, the group divided in two groups: those advocating to “Save the Peeps” versus those with evil plans to “Nuke the Peeps”. Once that process was complete, the group settled into a classroom in the Pyle Center on the UW campus and the DE Projects and CU Stories began. Our participants from Malawi, Joseph and Grace, described the credit union system in their country. Most shocking, only the household earner is eligible for CU membership – leaving out children and spouses. Our petite participant, Ana Maria, chronicled her immigration from Bolivia to the U.S. and her work at ACCESO serving Latinos in Washington, DC. Marlene described the U.K. credit union system and the role DE has had in shaping her professional life. The staff closed up the session piping in with their own DE projects.

The participants have proven to be a mature group. Despite the Lowell Center’s proximity to State St. they stayed put Saturday night, listening to music and relaxing. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the staff and Tom Decker barely escaped a speeding ticket! Yes, Marlene was on board.