Did you know that 186 million people worldwide choose credit unions? There are currently about 53,000 credit unions in 97 countries.

Credit union members around the world join together to celebrate International Credit Union Day on October 15, 2009 with this year's theme of "Your Money. Your Choice. Your Credit Union." Do you remember why you chose your credit union to be your financial services provider? It may be among many reasons shared by others who have joined credit unions, like you. Most likely your credit union membership has something to do with the common philosophy of people helping people.

What makes credit unions so different? Credit unions are not-for-profit, democratically controlled, volunteer-run, member-owned cooperative financial institutions. Credit unions exist to serve their owner/members, and that keeps the service members experience high even during the toughest times. Credit unions don't issue stock or pay dividends to outside shareholders, instead credit unions provide value to their owner/members by returning earnings in the form of better loan and savings rates, as well as low or no transaction fees.

The theme for International Credit Union Day in 2009 celebrates the positive effects of credit union membership. Value, trust, and service are just some of the many benefits of being a credit union member. You are in charge of your money and your credit union.

On October 15, we’ll join credit unions and their members around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day in recognition of the benefits those institutions bring to their members.

Pass along your experiences of being a credit union member in the comments section below!