Bellco FCU here has formed a "Youth Advisory Board" in order to open the "lines of communication between generations at Bellco Federal Credit Union and determine new products and services the credit union's young members need and want."
The new YAB is a group of eight to 12 members, from age nine to 19 years old. VP-Operations Robin Shappell is the organizer and mediator of the advisory board, and Marketing Director Tara McQuillen also attends the meetings. "We not only wanted to make today's youth feel welcome at the credit union," said Shappell, "but we want to help the youth and teens of the credit union become financially savvy and make informed decisions on how to manage their finances."
During meetings, the youth advisory board members discuss their personal financial needs and how the credit union can meet them. They further suggest ways to attract young members and encourage them to save. The board plans to meet bi-monthly. Future meetings will include educational seminars on topics such as balancing a check book, credit reports, saving for the future and making a personal budget.
YAB members are also being encouraged to contribute articles for the credit union's youth newsletter and teen newsletter, and will be active participants with the credit union's two youth groups, Bellco's Busy Bees for members ages 0-12, and the Main Stream for members ages 13-18. Youth Advisory Board members will also participate in the community through various community service organizations including Habitat for Humanity.
