Doconomy Explores Member Engagement at World Credit Union Conference

The Power of Shared Dreams.

Peter Hedlund, Director at Doconomy, led the session "The Power of Shared Dreams: Financial Tools That Unite Families, Friends, and Futures," exploring how shared financial goals can bridge generational gaps and transform passive savers into engaged members. The session featured guest speaker Neville Billimoria, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations at Mission Fed Credit Union, for a closing fireside chat.

Live polling during the session revealed that over 85% of credit union leaders who participated in the poll don't know what their members are saving for. Despite this knowledge gap, over 70% of poll participants agreed that engaging younger members requires blending learning, fun, savings, and social connection.

The findings align with behavioral science research showing that emotions drive most financial decisions. When saving becomes connected to meaningful goals rather than abstract targets, members develop stronger habits and deeper institutional loyalty. The session highlighted how dream-based saving creates emotional investment that makes financial progress feel achievable rather than burdensome.

Credit union attendees identified leveraging family and community-centric values as their strongest differentiator in a crowded financial market, with 75% selecting this strategy over competing on rates or expanding product offerings.

Word-of-mouth remains their most trusted growth strategy, chosen by 56% of participants.

Doconomy shared practical examples including their Impact Finance solution, which helps financial institutions create engaging, gamified experiences that motivate sustainable choices aligned with member values.