BALLINA, County Mayo, Ireland–It isn’t just credit unions in the U.S. appealing for new volunteer board members.

Ballina Credit Union here used its recent annual general meeting to call for more people to give of their time with the CU.

“Regulatory changes over the last few years have made it more difficult to attract volunteers and Ballina Credit Union believes that this changing fitness and probity regime may be having an impact on its ability to recruit new board and committee members to the organization, which has 18,000 members across North Mayo and West Sligo,” Western People reported. 

“However, being a board member, or sitting on one of the many important committees that form a key part of the governance infrastructure of a credit union, can be very rewarding,” Chairperson David Dwane was quoted as saying. “The role offers the opportunity for volunteers to receive training, develop leadership skills and give something back to their community. All training is free and can, where applicable and when available, include courses up to NFQ Level 7.

‘Tireless Work’

“The credit union movement started with volunteers. When Ballina Credit Union was established in 1968, members volunteered their own time to set up and manage this not-for-profit financial institution within their community,” Dwane continued. “Without the tireless work of its volunteers, Ballina Credit Union would not have been able to grow to where it is today, with assets now of over €110 million.”

Western People reported that Ballina Credit Union recently announced it has purchased the former Ulster Bank premises on Pearse Street in Ballina, a significant move that will allow it to provide a base from which to offer a growing range of services and maintain the important face-to-face engagement with its members that other financial institutions lack, according to the report.

The report concluded with contact information for those willing to serve as volunteers.