With the pandemic transforming daily life as we know it, a re-imagining of how young credit union professionals can still engage, network, and develop their skills is crucial. The Wisconsin Credit Union League’s solution? An interactive, social learning app that combines conference elements, on-demand resources, and casual networking opportunities that are structured by monthly themes with fresh content rolled out weekly through the end of 2020.
Wisconsin’s YP “Be U” app includes live keynote presentations, live webinars, on-demand articles, podcasts, and videos, and opportunities to reconnect with other young professionals through regular meetups, a social feed, and a virtual community service project. All live sessions are also recorded, giving greater accessibility to those who are juggling childcare and other changes to their schedule amidst the “new normal.”
From September through December, participants will focus on The Credit Union Movement, DEI & social justice, credit union operations, and where young professionals stand in 2021.
“While we could not have predicted the challenges 2020 would bring, we are grateful for the opportunity to think outside the box and use the various technologies that are at our disposal,” states Jennifer Esser, The League’s VP of Professional Development. “We believe this may very well change how we approach some of our events post-pandemic as well, allowing us to reach a larger audience in a new way—there’s a lot of exciting possibilities here.”
In addition, young professionals from neighboring leagues have also been invited to take part in the YP “Be U” virtual conference app. The app was made possible through the support of CUNA Mutual Group, Corporate Central Credit Union, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and LaMacchia Group.