Credit Union Day Message from Aero’s president

 

Aero Services Credit Union President Ms. Jacqueline O’Neil Lewis

 

Celebrating Credit Union Month

Local Service. Global Reach

Dear Fellow Aero Members

Let us join with the rest of the Credit Union family, both locally and internationally, in celebrating World Credit Union Day on Thursday 17th October, 2019, paying special attention to this year’s theme “Local Service. Global Reach”.

These four words – “Local Service. Global Reach”- on paper, very little space exists between them, but regarding perspective, to envisioning, they may at first glance, appear to be worlds apart. However, a closer examination may reveal important linkages.

Local and global: what might they have in common? While they are indeed different, each with its own perspective and focus, they are not mutually exclusive. As with any endeavor, regardless of its magnitude and scope, there is always a starting point, but where that beginning leads is subject to change.

Some of you may be familiar with the following quote, attributed to Lao-tzu, Chinese Philosopher, 604BC – 531BC: “ A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. However, it has been said that a more correct translation would be, “The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.”

As your first female President, I am following in the footsteps of many strong and dedicated men, who have led Aero Services Credit Union over the past sixty nine (69) years to what it is today…. a forerunner of medium-sized credit unions in Trinidad and Tobago.

What is beneath your credit union feet? As a member, as an aspiring Committee or Board member or even as an employee of Aero Services. Where you and I are standing has something to say about where you and I are going – but it is only a part of the story.

Whether your vision is local or global, it is possible to think of the concept of “Service” and “Reach” as building blocks, capable of uniting and of challenging. What are you seeking to accomplish? What is your end game? Where does your impact lie? Could it be contained in those four words? “Local Service. Global Reach” is an invitation for all of us to consider how that which is separate can be drawn together, connected, perhaps even becoming a continuum.

The foregoing cannot be attained without co-operation among Co-operatives. Working with ALL our fellow credit unions to unite us and to recognize that there is greater success with a united front, more so, with new regulations on the cusp of being introduced, thus putting additional pressure on the survival of credit unions in Trinidad and Tobago.

Know what you have in mind but also be willing to change your mind. Not indecisively or because challenges arise or you are confronted by unexpected roadblocks, but on the basis of how your vision unfolds. It may be that you envisioned something that would take place on the international stage, only to realize that what stirs your passion, what has created your deepest sense of meaning and purpose, is something that lies much closer to home ….. your credit union…. Aero Services Credit Union.

Happy Credit Union Day and continued blessings to you and your family.