By Josh Lane, Vice President/ Knoxville Market Executive, The First National Bank of Oneida, Oneida
Banks work hard to ensure that our financial education programs are available and easy to understand so that consumers can get the tools needed to lay a strong financial foundation. The Young Bankers Division has been the catalyst to promoting Tennessee banks’ efforts in financial literacy since the 1980s.
The financial literacy efforts were concentrated in the Personal Economics Program (PEP), a consumer education program developed by the American Bankers Association in 1977. Over the decades, the ways that banks engage their communities in financial education have evolved, and this year the Tennessee Bankers Association is restructuring PEP into a new program—Tennessee Financial Literacy Week.
What is Tennessee Financial Literacy Week?
During the week of April 8-12, 2019, we encourage every bank across the state to host a financial literacy event for their community, which we will promote in the press and social media using #TNFinLit, and engage elected officials. Going forward, the first full week of April each year will be officially designated as Tennessee Financial Literacy Week.
What kinds of financial literacy events qualify?
Tennessee Financial Literacy Week events are not limited to any age group or setting; we just ask that the presentation or event is focused on financial literacy. Topics include: how school-aged children can save or use credit wisely; how seniors can safeguard funds or avoid scams; a Rotary Club presentation on banking; or a promotional event in-bank with customers to highlight a certain product or service.
How will I know what to talk about at a presentation?
At TNBankers.org/finlitweek, there are several tool-kit presentations, worksheets, promotional flyers, and resources that bankers can access regardless of how long the presentation is or the kind of audience. If you don’t see something that fits your activity, please reach out to TBA, and they’ll help develop or find a resource that works with your event.
Do I need to register my bank’s participation?
Yes, TBA asks that every member bank register their plans by submitting a simple registration form at TNBankers.org/finlitweek. This way we can quantify the impact to promote the collective good by Tennessee’s banks and know which counties and legislative districts have banks that are engaged in the week.
How do I promote my bank’s activities?
Using the social media hashtag, #TNFinLit, banks across the state can promote their financial literacy efforts in the community during Tennessee Financial Literacy Week and throughout the year. The hashtag can also be used when banks promote financial literacy tips and tools for their customers and followers. If all banks use the same hashtag, the collective good and impact from all banks’ efforts in Tennessee can be easily recognized.
