Changing Kids’ Lives Through Financial Education
SECOND QUARTER 2020
Welcome to the RMJ Foundation Newsletter
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2020 has been a challenging year for everyone so far. Here at the RMJ Foundation, we have been focusing on expanding our financial education programs and finding new ways to bring financial education to credit unions nationwide during the pandemic.
Financial Education Updates
Bite of Reality: With the current pandemic we needed to come up with a new way for credit unions to deliver the Bite of Reality program in their communities. In April, we were able to modify our Bite of Reality program and app to create a remote version. With the remote version, there is no need to look for volunteers or a location to hold your event. For the remote version you will only need the Bite of Reality PowerPoint and the Bite of Reality2 app. Participants will need access to a smart device to download the app and access to join a webinar-style meeting. The hosting credit union provides the webinar information and a facilitator to host the event. This remote version is being offered by the RMJ Foundation free of charge to take the place of the typical in-person reality fairs.
RMJ has made the remote version available nationwide for all credit unions to use during this time. Once in-person events are back to normal operations, the remote version will be phased out. Here is what some the credit unions using the remote version are saying… |
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“Our foundation, the foundation board and our member credit unions are grateful to have a financial education solution during this public health crisis. When the pandemic hit, we had to cancel 11 events that would have served 4,000 students—our most ever. Thanks to the RMJ Foundation, who built the app and spearheaded the development, we are able to continue to reach our students even if distance learning continues this fall. The teachers and schools who participated were grateful that we had a solution for them—a one-hour turn-key simulation that touches many key points in their curriculum. Looking back, the decision to invest in mobile technology for the fairs has saved us time and provided us a way to continue our financial education efforts in a safe and healthy manner.”
David Hinchey, CUDE - Director of Community Impact - Credit Union League of Connecticut
David Hinchey, CUDE - Director of Community Impact - Credit Union League of Connecticut
“We were able to conduct a virtual Bite of Reality with some local high school students. It was very successful, and the participation was great! This is so awesome that we can reach this demographic during the pandemic! Looking forward to many more. “
Gena Stanley – Uncle Credit Union
Gena Stanley – Uncle Credit Union
“Greater Nevada has always had a Greater relationship with the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation and presenting the Bite of Reality simulations. When we found out that we would not be able to have in-person simulations, we were so upset. The simulations are always our best way to collaborate with our local schools and organizations. We knew that we still needed to do something for our students. As we were trying to figure a way to create a virtual event, the RMJ Foundation was creating their remote version, too. We have had four simulations so far since the pandemic and we have scheduled several more for the year. Our organizations and volunteers have been so excited to continue to provide this amazingly interactive program. Logistically, we like the simplicity of having a virtual event and have decided to hold one event at least once a month for the general public. As much as we like having this virtual platform, we are looking forward to being with the students again in the future and helping more people live greater.”
Michelle Hale – Community Outreach Supervisor- Greater Nevada Credit Union
Michelle Hale – Community Outreach Supervisor- Greater Nevada Credit Union
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Bite of Reality2 APP
In August we will be launching upgrades to our Bite of Reality2 app. This new version will include changes to the return flow, new occupations and Fickle Finger of Fate events, and a credit score for each participant that will affect their purchase at certain tables when making a purchase. A training session will be held in July to walk through all the new changes coming in August. During the update period from August 1st to August 10th there will be no access to the Bite of Reality2 app to allow for a smooth transition. |
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BizKid$
Biz Kid$ is an educational television show that teaches financial education and entrepreneurship to junior high and high school ages students. It uses sketch comedy, musical guests, and special guest appearances, to explain basic economic concepts. It is where kids teach kids about money and business. The six-season box set covers Saving and Investing, Personal Finance, Financial Planning, and other areas of financial education. Each episode comes with a lesson plan, and there are 12 episodes that have been translated into Spanish. The RMJ Foundation has the complete six-season box set available for credit unions use, and the lesson plans are available at https://bizkids.com In January, the RMJ Foundation was pleased to add Biz Kid$ as a resource for credit unions in California and Nevada to deliver financial education in their communities. We will provide five grants of $420 for credit unions to purchase their own complete box set BizKid$ from the National Credit Union Foundation. To apply for a BizKid$ grant or for more information email [email protected] |
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RMJ Golf Tournament
Join us for our annual RMJ / Origence Golf Classic on August 10, 2020 in Dana Point, CA. The day will be filled with golfing by the ocean, food and drinks, raffles, and fun games at designated holes, all while upholding social distancing standards. As of today, we are planning to move forward with our event. We know that travel may not be possible at this time. If you are unable to attend, we ask that you consider sponsoring the event anyway and allow us to continue our mission. Your sponsorship dollars will be put to good use, and we will be sure to provide prominent recognition to our sponsors on the course, and through social media and other channels. Please know that if conditions continue to worsen, we may have to make the difficult decision to cancel the event. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the RMJ Foundation and our Bite of Reality program. Click here to register now! |
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Credit Union Train
We are sad to announce that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 LA County Fair has been cancelled and we will not be running the Credit Union Train at the Fair plex Garden Railroad this year. This year to showcase our participating credit unions, we will be spotlighting one credit union each day on our social media outlets and on our website. We will show images of their train cars with a segment about all the great work they have done and continue to do in their communities. Visit our website or check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in September to see the 2020 Credit Union Train |
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