The 2027 Member Story Project Awards
Nominate a real moment that demonstrates the credit union difference or recognize the person whose actions made that moment possible.

Nominations close Nov. 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

+ Frequently Asked Questions
+Who may submit a nomination?
Anyone who knows of a qualifying credit union member story or Changemaker may submit a nomination. The award recipient will be the credit union recognized through Story of the Year or the individual recognized through The Changemaker Award, not necessarily the person who completes the form.
+Can a credit union member submit a nomination?
Yes. A member may nominate a credit union story or the person whose actions made the member impact possible. 
+Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome.
+Can I nominate a story already shared through the Member Story Project?
Yes. Previously submitted or published stories and new stories are eligible.
+Does The Changemaker Have To Work On The Front Line?
No. The Changemaker may work in any area of the credit union. The award recognizes the person whose actions made the member impact possible.
+Can one story be considered for both awards?
Yes.
+Can I submit multiple nominations?
Yes. After submitting one nomination, you may return to submit another.
+Can I edit my nomination after I submit it?
Submitted nominations cannot be edited directly. To correct or add information, email marketing@callahan.com and include your name, credit union, and award category.
+Does the story need to describe something that happened in 2026?
The story must describe an experience that occurred during the award eligibility period of November 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Stories outside of this timeframe are not eligible.
+Can more than one person be associated with a story?
A story may describe the work of several people. However, each Changemaker nomination should identify one primary individual whose actions were central to the member outcome.
+What criteria will the judges use?

For Story of the Year, judges will consider authenticity, specificity, member impact, evidence of the credit union difference, clarity, and the strength of the story.

For The Changemaker Award, judges will consider the nominee's actions, initiative, care, member impact, lasting difference, and connection to credit union values.

+How many winners will be selected?
The inaugural awards are expected to recognize one Story of the Year and one Changemaker. A single member story may support both honors.
+What if the winner cannot attend Purpose Symposium?
A winner's inability to attend will not automatically prevent the nomination from being considered. If a winner has an attendance conflict, the credit union should nominate another representative to accept the award in person.
+Can vendors, partners, or board members submit a nomination?
Yes. Vendors, partners, and board members may submit a qualifying credit union story or Changemaker nomination. The nominator does not receive the award or winner package unless that person is also an eligible nominee.
+When do nominations close?
Nov. 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
+When will winners be announced?
Winners are scheduled to be notified Dec. 10, 2026, and recognized at Purpose Symposium on Feb. 10, 2027.
+Is there a fee to submit a nomination?
No. There is no fee to submit a nomination.
+How long will the nomination take?
The application includes contact information and focused questions about the story or Changemaker and can take up to 5 to 25 minutes to complete. Applicants may submit a story of up to 500 words.
+Questions?
Contact the Callahan team at marketing@callahan.com.

Help Us Recognize The Moments That Show The Credit Union Impact 

The Member Story Project was created to celebrate the real stories that define the credit union experience. The inaugural Member Story Project Awards will take that work one step further by honoring a powerful member story and the person behind meaningful impact.

Every nomination helps show how credit unions turn purpose into action and make a meaningful difference in members’ lives.

Winners will be recognized Feb. 10, 2027, at Purpose Symposium in San Diego, where credit union leaders will explore how purpose moves from intention to action.
 
Winner Recognition  

Winners will be honored live at Purpose Symposium 2027 in San Diego on Feb. 10. The winner package includes complimentary symposium attendance, hotel accommodation, and a $500 travel gift card. More importantly, the awards will celebrate the credit union’s work and the meaningful impact it made in a member’s life.

 

 

What Makes A Strong Nomination? 
    • Keep the member at the center. 
    • Be specific about what happened. 
    • Explain what the credit union or individual did differently. 
    • Show the outcome and why the moment mattered. 
    • Write plainly and clearly. The story should be authentic, not polished marketing copy.
 
How It Works
Member Story
Story Of The Year Award 

Nominate a true, specific, and member-focused story that shows what your credit union did differently and the difference it made in a member’s life.

Individual Impact
The Changemaker Award

Nominate the employee, advisor, or team member whose initiative, judgment, or care created a meaningful member outcome. The nominee may work in any area of the credit union.

Ready To Share Your Impact?

 Submit your nomination and help showcase the stories, people, and achievements shaping the credit union movement.