Q: Who was Dora Maxwell?

A: Dora Maxwell was an early credit union pioneer. One of the original signers of CUNA's constitution at Estes Park, Colorado, she worked as an organizer for the movement's trade association (then called the Credit Union National Extension Bureau) and held numerous volunteer positions at the local and national level. In addition to organizing hundreds of credit unions, she developed volunteer organizer clubs and worked with organizations on behalf of the poor.

Q: What time period do the award entries cover?

A:  In general, entries should cover the previous year's activities, but there are no exact deadlines prescribed.

Q: What's the difference between the Louise Herring Award and the Dora Maxwell Award?

A: The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award is given to a credit union or chapter/multiple credit union group for its social responsibility projects within the community. The award is given for external activities. The Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award is given to a credit union for its practical application of credit union philosophy within the actual operation of the credit union. It is awarded for internal programs and services that benefit membership.

Q: Can a credit union enter both competitions?

A: Yes. Just be sure to clearly define which program the credit union is entering and how the activities submitted meet the program guidelines.

Q: Can a credit union enter the same entry in both competitions?

A: No. Because each program has different objectives and requirements, entries should be tailored to match the defined goals of the particular competition.

Q: How do the Dora and Louise programs differ from the Desjardins program?

A: Training teachers or lobbying on behalf of state personal finance curriculum requirements are considered community service activities and would be eligible for the Dora Maxwell award. Operating an in-school branch is considered a member service activity and would be eligible for the Louise Herring award. All activities to teach personal finance to people of any age are consider financial education and would be eligible for the Desjardins award.

Q: Can a credit union submit the same entry to more than one league for state-level judging?

A: No. A credit union’s entry may only be submitted to one league, even if the credit union pays dues in more than one state.

Q: Can a credit union submit more than one entry in either competition?

A: A credit union should submit only one entry per competition. Each entry can list the number of projects conducted in the timeframe established by the league, but the credit union must select one project that best exemplifies the criteria for each award. The questions on the entry form must be completed detailing the one project that was selected.