The world is now in the middle of a ten-day state funeral planned long ago with the name London Bridge. The British government’s royal pageantry is in full bloom honoring Queen Elizabeth’s life and reign.
In her Christmas Day broadcast years ago, there is wisdom that describes I believe, the motivation for the cooperative model. Credit unions were not the example for her commonwealth listening audience; rather she singles out the human capital that every coop needs to succeed.
These are a two excerpts from this annual holiday address (with English spellings).
I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours; unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special. They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year, Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She once said: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
The following observation is key for the cooperative mission.
But even with the inspiration of others, it’s understandable that we sometimes think the world’s problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.
Change Starts Small
These words echo the idea of subsidiarity —the belief that individuals, families, local communities, non-profits and churches (faiths) can change society for the better and that large organizations tend to make big problems even bigger.
Her words suggest that when change is needed, it can start locally, at the grassroots level, by individuals passionate about improving their communities.
Sounds like a credit union idea to me.