The REAL Deal

1. The REAL Deal An Outreach Framework for Credit Unions

2. What is Outreach Outreach can encompass but is not limited to: • Access to services – promoted and encouraged to all • Education – fostering good financial choices/decisions • Programs and products – affordable and beneficial • Results-oriented approaches – produces measurable outcomes in terms of personal growth • Active participation in communities and in charitable activities.

3. Why Outreach, Why Now? • Most credit unions are already doing outreach, but few measure results or tell the story. • Previous data on outreach efforts have been largely anecdotal. This needs to change for two reasons: • An increased emphasis on outreach will translate to successful future member growth; and, • The current environment in Washington, D.C. and at the statehouse warrants attention to outreach efforts as well as the expansion of these efforts.

4. The REAL Deal • The use of the “REAL” Deal brand was created as an identifier for the national outreach framework.

5. In Georgia, we have the REAL Deal Outreach Campaign

6. Areas of Focus The REAL Deal outreach framework includes four areas of focus:

7. REAL Sources Information resources to improve consumer financial knowledge to empower individuals to make good choices that affect their personal financial circumstances. Examples: • GettingAhead Association • NEFE • Financial seminars • One-on-one counseling

8. REAL Programs Tangible products and services provided by credit unions to assist individuals of modest and moderate means to achieve their personal financial goals. Examples: • Youth savings account • Second chance financing • ID theft protection

9. GettingAhead Association Programs targeting modest means members offer the opportunity to include the GettingAhead Association into a CU’s field of membership. • Currently over 2,000 GAA members • GAA membership cost: $5 • Added value to members

10. REAL Community Help Credit union participation in community activities and charitable programs that are targeted to assist individuals of modest and moderate means. Examples: • Children’s Miracle Network • Care packages to soldiers • Donations and disaster assistance • Teacher recognition

11. REAL Partnerships Formal relationships between credit unions and other organizations that provide outreach services to individuals of modest and moderate means. Examples: • GettingAhead Association • Economic development organizations • Partners in Education

12. ‘REAL Deal’ Credit Union ‘REAL Deal’ Credit Unions are actively and consistently engaged in at least three areas of focus.

13. Priority REAL Programs Implementation teams will assist credit unions execute these products. All offer the opportunity to include the GettingAhead Association into a CU’s field of membership. • Short-Term Loan Program • Special Auto Loan Program • Systematic Savings Account • Second Chance Access Account • First-Time Home Buyer Program

14. Web site The REAL Deal Web site houses information about the REAL Deal Outreach Campaign. This information is accessible to • Credit unions • Media • REAL Deal Liaisons

15. Web site Uses: • Recording credit union information on REAL Deal activities • Education and interaction of REAL Liaisons • Provide information for the REAL Story

16. REAL Deal Liaisons • Each CU names a liaison • Shares progress, results with GCUA • Data and information sharing among liaisons • Tell REAL Stories on Web site • REAL Deal Reunion at Fall Symposium

17. Next Steps September – December 2008 • Measurement - Data collection: Lives touched, financial impact • REAL Story - Best practices: CUs with results • Media mentions • Register for Reunion

18. GCUA Contacts (770) 476-9625 • Brandee Bickle, ext. 3461 • Dan Denning, ext. 3425 • Anita Paul, ext. 3415

19. Thank You This PowerPoint presentation will be available online at gcua.org