The Member Story Project
Real Stories. Real Impact.
The Member Story Project is all about celebrating the real, human moments that define the credit union experience. We’re looking for authentic stories — big or small — that show how your team made a meaningful impact in a member’s life. These stories should reflect the personal side of service, not formal press releases or announcements about donations or community sponsorships (those matter, just not for this).
This is focused on the everyday interactions that reveal the heart of your mission: improving the financial lives of your members. We hope you’ll help us showcase the good happening all around us and create a ripple effect across the industry. By sharing these moments, we can highlight the good happening across our communities. Every story has the power to inspire others and strengthen the collective impact of our industry.
Examples Of Member Stories
Read examples of member stories that were submitted to us here.
Submit Your Story Below
We encourage first-person submissions when possible. If you’re submitting on behalf of someone else, please indicate who the storyteller is (name and title) within the story text so we can properly credit their voice and perspective.
Submission Guidelines
Length: Stories should be 250 words or less.
Tone: Keep it personal, honest, and member-focused.
Editing: A Callahan writer may refine the headline and copy for publication, so don’t worry about perfecting your submission — just share the story.
How to Submit: Use the submission form above or email your story directly to thememberstoryproject@callahan.com.
The Member Story Project – FAQ
What is The Member Story Project?
The Member Story Project is a storytelling initiative that highlights authentic, personal moments when credit unions made a meaningful impact in the lives of their members. These stories celebrate the heart of credit union service — real people helping real people.
What kind of stories are you looking for?
We’re looking for genuine member interactions where staff went above and beyond. These can be big, life-changing moments or small acts of kindness that made a difference. If it mattered to the member, it matters to us.
What should I include in a story submission?
Each story should include:
- A brief description of the situation
- What the staff member did
- How it impacted the member
- Optional: a quote from the member or staff, if available
We’re happy to help shape the story if you just want to send the basics! Just check the box that indicates you want help on the submission form.
Can we submit more than one story?
Absolutely! We encourage multiple submissions. Every story adds to the richness of the project and helps showcase the incredible work your team does. The more stories we have as an industry to more we can shout from the rooftops just how amazing we are.
Will our credit union be credited?
Yes! But only if you want to. Each story can include your credit union’s name. We want to celebrate your team and the values you represent. You can also choose to keep your credit union anonymous. Just indicate so in the submission form.
How will the stories be used?
Stories will be featured on CreditUnions.com website and shared through social media, newsletters, and other channels to spread positivity and inspire others in the credit union industry. We believe storytelling can truly help the industry differentiate.
Can I see an example of a member story?
Sure! Here’s an example of a member story that was submitted to us by Affinity Federal Credit Union:
Headline: It’s More Than Just A Pizza Delivery
Body:
I was at grand opening of a new branch, and a member approached me and told me that she had some medical problems a few years back and while she was in hospital her son got into a car accident and ended up in the same hospital. On top of all that, her husband had health issues and ended up in the same hospital at the same time. That’s three family members. As you can imagine, none were able to work during that time. Loans were due so she called the credit union. Our team was able to work with her on modifications and skip-a-pay to help them get by.
The best part was though that same night she called us because a Pizza Hut delivery guy walked into her hospital room with pizza and coca cola for the family. When asked who sent it, they said her credit union.
We do loans, we do modifications, we take deposits, but what I always tell our employees – banking is what we do, but people is who we are.
This story was submitted by Dave Larson, President/CEO, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union.
Questions?
Contact our team to learn more about this exciting initiative.