| Date post: | 11-May-2017 |
| Category: |
Documents |
| Upload: | dustin-tyler-joyce |
| View: | 218 times |
| Download: | 1 times |
Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign
FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR AMERICA
theguide200809
THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
tools, tips, and techniques for building a financial literacy campaign in your city
how the Mayors’ NationalDollar Wi$e Campaign can help
2
3 welcomeA letter of welcome from the leadership of The United States Conference of Mayors and the Council for the New American City
4 benefits & calendarWhat membership in the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign offers to your city
5 publicationsDollar Wi$e offers an array of high-quality publications to help cities build their financial education efforts
6-7 dollar wi$e weekPromote your local campaign through this yearly celebration
inside8 steps of the campaignJoin Dollar Wi$e and build a financial education campaign in your city
National Dollar Wi$e CampaignThe U.S. Conference of Mayors1620 Eye Street NW, 4th FloorWashington, D.C. 20006
M A I L I N G A D D R E S S
E - M A I L
202.861.6759
T E L E P H O N E
202.429.0422
F A C S I M I L E
www.dollarwiseonline.org
W E B S I T E
The Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaignis the official financial education and literacy effort of The United
States Conference of Mayors and its Council for the New American City.
Since its inception in 2004, over 150 cities across America have made a
commitment to increasing their residents’ financial literacy by joining
Dollar Wi$e.
The Dollar Wi$e Campaign focuses on the core areas of savings
and banking, credit, education, and homeownership. It invites mayors
and city staffs to examine their communities’ financial education needs;
create an action plan; and forge partnerships with financial institutions,
faith-based groups, nonprofits, local businesses, and others in the
community to address this important issue. The National Dollar Wi$e
Campaign offers support through technical assistance, partnerships
with national organizations ranging from Countrywide Financial
Corporation to the Federal Reserve System, and the Capacity Grants
Program.
We invite you to review this brochure where you can learn all
about Dollar Wi$e and find out what it takes to tackle financial illiteracy
in your city. Most importantly, we invite your city to make a commitment
to financial education and join the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e
Campaign. Together, we are building strong foundations for the future
of our communities and those who call them home.
introduction
contactingthe campaign
200809 theguide �
MANUEL A. DIAZMAYOR OF MIAMIPRESIDENT, THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS
TOM COCHRANCEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORTHE UNITED STATESCONFERENCE OF MAYORS
Dear Mayor,
We are pleased to present to you the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign: Financial
Education for America, an initiative of The United States Conference of Mayors’ Council
for the New American City. Dollar Wi$e is a growing effort across the country—now over
150 mayors strong—to bring awareness to the need for better financial literacy in our nation’s cities.
Working together with Dollar Wi$e local campaigns and our national partners, we are combating
this issue and building stronger communities with residents who are financially-stable, contributing
members of society.
The annual Dollar Wi$e Capacity Grants Program awards three cities grants ranging from
$15,000 to $25,000 to expand and enhance their local financial education efforts. Cities chosen each
year to receive a grant have shown a commitment to financial literacy and a desire to increase the
reach of their local campaigns.
Each September, the Dollar Wi$e Campaign invites cities to celebrate Dollar Wi$e Week
the last week of the month. This annual event provides mayors the opportunity to focus their
communities’ attention on the need for greater financial literacy and to highlight local efforts.
Throughout the week, Dollar Wi$e cities organize press conferences, seminars, workshops, fairs, and
other community events. Most cities also issue a mayoral proclamation for the week.
Dollar Wi$e Week 2008, September 20–27, will focus on the theme “Savings for Kids and
Families”. In addition to its array of high-quality publications, the National Dollar Wi$e Campaign
will provide curriculum items, promotional materials, and technical support for this theme. Dollar
Wi$e is also coordinating efforts with its national partners, which include the members of the
Council for the New American City; federal agencies, including the Federal Reserve System and the
U.S. Department of the Treasury; and national organizations such as the Consumer Federation of
America and the National EITC Outreach Partnership.
We invite you to learn more about these aspects of the Dollar Wi$e Campaign and others
in this guide. In the end, we invite you to register your city for the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e
Campaign and to make a commitment to increasing financial literacy in your community. Together,
we can make a difference in the lives of all Americans. Thank you for your participation in this
important effort.
Sincerely,
Manuel A. DiazMayor of MiamiPresident, The United StatesConference of Mayors
welcome
Tom CochranCEO and Executive DirectorThe United StatesConference of Mayors
4
MEMBERSHIP IN THE
MAYORS’ NATIONAL
DOLLAR WI$E CAMPAIGN
OFFERS A LOT TO YOUR
CITY
Capacity Grants ProgramRegistered member cities of the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign are eligible to apply for our Capacity Grants Program. Each year the program awards grants of $15,000 to $25,000 each to three cities to expand and enhance their financial literacy efforts. The application period takes place in the fall, with grants announced at the winter meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. Previous Capacity Grants recipients (see map above) have been a variety of communities across the country working on a range of creative and innovative financial education programs.
Curriculum materialsOur national partners offer many of their curriculum materials for free or at reduced cost to registered members of the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign.
Connections with national partnersThe National Dollar Wi$e Campaign works to build relationships with national organizations. These partners include national nonprofits such as the Consumer Federation of America; federal agencies, including the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. Department of the Treasury; and the members of the Conference of Mayors’ Council for the New American City (at right). Dollar Wi$e acts as a connection between our local campaigns and these national organizations to provide support and resources for local efforts. Each of our partners has a wealth of knowledge and resources that can help build successful local financial education campaigns.
Connections with other local campaignsDollar Wi$e helps put you in touch with other local campaigns in cities like yours to share ideas, support, and resources.
benefits & calendar
SEPTEMBER 20–27, 2008
Dollar Wi$e Week 2008“Savings for Kids and Families”
NOVEMBER 1, 2008
Applications for the 2009 Dollar Wi$e Capacity Grants Program available
DECEMBER 5, 2008
Applications for the 2009 Dollar Wi$e Capacity Grants Program due
DECEMBER 20, 2008
2009 Dollar Wi$e Capacity Grants Program recipients notified
JANUARY 21–23, 2008WASHINGTON, D.C.
77th Winter Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors; 2009 Dollar Wi$e Capacity Grants Program recipients announced
JUNE 26–30, 2008PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
77th Annual Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors
Pleasanton, California$15,000
Savannah, Georgia$15,000
Avondale, Arizona$15,000
Santa Fe, New Mexico$25,000
Quincy, Illinois$15,000
Quad Cities, Illinois-Iowa$15,000
Miami, Florida$20,000
Detroit, Michigan$25,000
Bowling Green,Kentucky$15,000
Louisville,Kentucky$25,000
Jackson, Mississippi$15,000
Caguas,Puerto Rico$15,000
COUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY2008 MEMBERS
American Management Services, Inc.Cherokee Investment Partners, LLCCountrywide FinancialDuPont Fannie MaeInitiative for a Competitive Inner CityInternational Council of Shopping CentersMortgage Bankers AssociationNational Association of Home BuildersNational Association of REALTORS®National Urban LeagueNationwide Retirement SolutionsSafeguard PropertiesWells Fargo
Model ProgramEach publication in the series features a single local campaign. Through this, those establishing new local campaigns can look at what similar cities have done
and use these ideas as a starting point for developing their own campaigns. Publications on initiatives in Miami and San Francisco are currently available.
33 34
The Areas Covered by the 12 Regional Banks of the Federal Reserve System
The numbers on this map correspond tothose for the regions listed on pages 31 and 32.
ii
contentsHOMEBUYERS
page 3
STUDENTSpage 10
CREDITpage 13
GENERAL CONSUMERSpage 15
OTHER TARGET AUDIENCESpage 20
RESOURCES ORGANIZED BY
TARGET AUDIENCES E C T I O N 1 | page 1
RESOURCES ORGANIZED BY
PROVIDERS E C T I O N 2 | page 23
i
Countrywide Financial Corporation page 26
Federal Reserve System page 31
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation page 28
Mortgage Bankers Association page 40
National Association of REALTORS® page 42
National Urban League page 44
Nationwide Retirement Solutions page 45
Citi page 25
United States Department of the Treasury page 46
Index OF ITEMS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH page 50
5
THE MAYORS’ NATIONAL
DOLLAR WI$E CAMPAIGN
PRODUCES AN ARRAY
OF HIGH-QUALITY
PUBLICATIONS TO HELP
CITIES BUILD THEIR
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
EFFORTS
Copies of all publications are available for free with registration in the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign. For information on registering in the Campaign, please see page 8.
Profi les of local Dollar Wi$ecampaigns across AmericaFounding Sponsor
THE UNITED STATESCONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THENEW AMERICAN CITY
17 2008 P A R T N E R S H I P S 18
C O N T A C T
Mayor Kevin A. Burns
Stephanie Thomas 305.893.6511x12105 sthomas@northmiamifl .gov
Community educational-outreach componentFinancial seminars. The City partnered with Johnson & Wales University, fi nancial institutions, and North Miami Senior High School to educate high-school and college students on the benefi ts of personal and college savings. Investor Education @ Your Library. The North Miami Public Library (NMPL) was chosen as one of 15 library systems in the state to participate in this program sponsored by the Florida Offi ce for Financial Regulation, the American Library Association, and the Investor Protection Trust. The seminar was developed and
North Miami
conducted by the Evelyn Brust Financial Research and Education Foundation and provided fi nancial-wellness workshops. Prosperity Essentials Campaign. Coordinated by NMPL and the Florida Prosperity Campaign, this campaign provides a one-stop resource guide listing fi nancial resources for residents to build fi nancial security. The 4-H Financial Program. Coordinated by NMPL and the 4-H Club, the program engaged a facilitator to teach members basic fundraising and suffi ciency programs. Bank Atlantic sponsored a workshop on checking and saving accounts.
Free Income Tax Assistance Program. Coordinated by NMPL and AARP, this program provided free tax assistance from February 6 to April 10, 2007, through the Internal Revenue Service’s VITA Program at the Sunkist Grove Community Center.
Community-development componentFirst-time–homebuyer assistance. Assistance is available to fi rst-time homebuyers. Funds can be used for down payment or closing costs. Deferred loans between $15,000 and $25,000 are awarded to eligible persons who have not previously owned a home. Owner-occupied–homes rehabilitation. Homeowners with income in specifi ed ranges may be eligible for assistance to make prescribed home repairs.
PartnershipsNational and state partners
Evelyn Brust Financial Research and Education FoundationFlorida Prosperity Campaign4-H ClubAARPIRS VITA ProgramState of Florida Housing Initiative Partnership programHOME Investment Partnership program
Local partnersBanco PopularBank of AmericaBank United FSBCity National Bank of FloridaPeople’s Credit UnionTransAtlantic BankWashington MutualJohnson & Wales UniversityNorth Miami Senior High School
In its fi rst year of implementing a comprehensive Dollar Wi$e campaign, the City of North Miami bridged meaningful relationships between major fi nancial organizations, local fi nancial institutions, universities, high schools, and residents through personal contacts between city staff and community resources.
•••••••
•••••••••
In its fi rst year of implementing a comprehensive Dollar Wi$e campaign, the City of North
Miami bridged meaningful relationships between major fi nancial organizations, local fi nancial
institutions, universities, high schools, and residents through personal contacts between city
staff and community resources.
C O N T I N U E D F R O M P R E V I O U S P A G E
R I G H T �A Bank United staff person offers Johnson & Wales University student Katie Hernandez, right, information on fi nancial literacy.
F A R R I G H T �North Miami Senior High School students listen as Mayor Kevin Burns speaks on the importance of wise personal money management.
� A B O V E
Washington Mutual representatives speak to a local student at a fi nancial literacy fair during Dollar Wi$e 2007.
� L E F T
Local offi cials and fi nancial education experts joined the mayor for a fi nancial literacy fair organized to celebrate Dollar Wi$e Week 2007.
� P R E V I O U S P A G E
Mayor Kevin Burns, center, spoke to North Miami Senior High School students about the importance of being fi nancially literate.
ALL
PHO
TOS
ON
PAG
ES 1
6-18
CO
URT
ESY
OF
CITY
OF
NO
RTH
MIA
MI
FOUNDING SPONSORTHE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
M a y o r s ’ N a t i o n a l D o l l a r W i $ e C a m p a i g n
PROFILES OF LOCAL DOLLAR WI$ECAMPAIGNS ACROSS AMERICA
2008
PartnershipsPartnerships is a yearly publication that profiles various local Dollar Wi$e campaigns across America. With photos, text, and contact information for directors of the local programs featured, it’s a great resource for connecting with other campaigns and for generating new ideas for your own.
Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign
FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR AMERICA
RESOURCE BOOK2008 � 09
FOUNDING SPONSORTHE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
Resource BookThe Resource Book is a comprehensive listing of financial education curriculum materials and tools available through the Dollar Wi$e Campaign’s national partners. Items are arranged by target audience and provider, and listings provide a description of each item and information on obtaining the item for use in your local efforts.
Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign
FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR AMERICA
FINANCIAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM MATRIX2008 � 09
FOUNDING SPONSORTHE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
Financial Education Curriculum MatrixThe Matrix lists twelve financial education curriculum items chosen by a panel of experts for their quality, availability, and low cost. The innovative matrix format makes it easy to find items by target audience and curriculum area. The Matrix also includes listings of national financial literacy resources, clearinghouses, and other aids.
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
CreditSmart2
TARGETAUDIENCE
CURRICULUMAREA
Low- to moderate-income
General consumers
Minorities
Adults
Students
Banking/budgeting/savings
Credit management
Homeownership
Retirement planning
Train-the-trainer
Low
- to m
od
erate-inco
me
Gen
eral con
sum
ers
Min
orities
Ad
ults
Stud
ents
Ban
king
/bu
dg
eting
/saving
s
Cred
it man
agem
ent
Ho
meo
wn
ership
Retirem
ent p
lann
ing
Train-th
e-trainer
Credit Booster1
INCHARGE EDUCATION FOUNDATION | Designed to lead the consumer through a step-by-step process to enhance usage of credit and management of debt.
Chapters include:
1 Basics of Improving Your Credit2 Where Do You Stand?3 Where Does All the Money Go?4 Making Sense of Your Financial Situation5 Understanding Your Credit Report & Credit History6 Understanding Your Credit Score7 Setting Your Financial Goals8 Budgeting
09 Removing Mistakes from Your Credit Report10 Improving Your Credit Score11 Resolving Severe Credit Problems on Your Own12 Getting Help for Resolving Severe Debt Problems13 Building Credit When You Do Not Have Any14 Building Credit After Divorce15 Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy
Money Smart
FDIC | Teaches low- to moderate-income adults about fi nances. It is available in a teacher-based format, and directly to consumers in CD-ROM and Web-based format on the FDIC’s homepage. Available in 5 other languages including Spanish and includes a train-the-trainer component.
Modules include:
Bank on It: an introduction to bank servicesBorrowing Basics: an introduction to creditCheck it Out: how to choose and keep a checking accountMoney Matters: how to keep track of your moneyPay Yourself First: why you should save, save, saveKeep It Safe: your rights as a consumer
••••••
To Your Credit: how your credit history will affect yourcredit futureCharge It Right: how to make a credit card work for youLoan to Own: know what you’re borrowing before you buyYour Own Home: what homeownership is all about
•••••
FREDDIE MAC | Designed to help users obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their fi nances and positively impact their credit.
CreditSmart is being distributed through organizations committed to helping underserved communities, including the National Urban League and the Rainbow/PUSH “1000 Churches Connected” initiative.
CreditSmart is available in English and Spanish and includes eleven different modules, including:
1 Your Credit & Why It Is Important2 Managing Your Money3 Goal Setting4 Banking Services, An Important Step
5 Establishing and Maintaining Credit6 Understanding Credit Scoring7 Thinking Like a Lender8 Avoiding Credit Traps
09 Restoring Your Credit10 Planning for Your Future11 Becoming a Homeowner
Mind Your Finances Classroom Edition
INCHARGE EDUCATION FOUNDATION | Mind Your Finances (CD-ROM and Web versions) is divided into seven major topics:
Clarifying GoalsOrganizing Financial RecordsMonitoring Debt-to-Income Ratio and Credit UsePreparing a Spending Plan
••••
Asking for Credit ReportsSaving MoneyStudying and Learning About Consumer Credit Issues
•••
These learning activities are tailored into a teacher’s guide and a student workbook to fi t both these seven major topics and the specifi c needs and interests of students in grades 6-10, so they can better understand and learn the skills they need to become responsible, savvy consumers.
Freddie Mac Homebuyer Resources
FREDDIE MAC | These credit, mortgage fi nance, and home-buying resources are designed to assist prospective homebuyers and existing homeowners. Online only.
High School Financial Planning Program
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION | Created in partnership with InCharge, the HSFPP uses contemporary materials to teach the basics of personal fi nance to young people while they are developing habits and attitudes about money that will infl uence them for the rest of their lives. It is based on the philosophy that learning about money is as important as earning it—and that effective money management results from disciplined behavior, which is most easily mastered if learned early in life.
Has train-the-trainer and train-the-teacher components as well as teacher in-classroom instruction.
Also provides Web-based training as a course aimed at teachers and others who work with young people in an informal setting. It provides information on personal fi nance and features a myriad of suggestions and examples that can be applied to classroom exercises and discussions.
Homeownership Basics Online
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT | Provides prospective homeowners with modules that explain the basics of buying a home, and what is expected of a buyer. Online only.
Investing for Success
INVESTMENT COMPANY INSTITUTE | This Web course is an educational program jointly sponsored by the Hispanic College Fund, Inc. (HCF) and the Investment Company Institute Education Foundation (ICIEF).
This program responds to research showing that, compared to other groups with similar incomes, Hispanics are the least likely to invest. HCF, ICIEF, and the mutual fund industry have joined forces to help Latinos become knowledgeable about opportunities to build wealth and to encourage long-term fi nancial planning to secure their children’s education and their own retirement.
Late Savers Guidebook
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION | A guide to help late savers prepare for retirement.
Mind Your Finances:Saving, Increasing Your Spending Power, Banking
INCHARGE EDUCATION FOUNDATION | These modules are designed to serve as resources that the general consumer can use to learn about the basic fi nancial principles involved in these areas and to identify steps that can be taken to ensure that the consumer can direct some control over his/her economic activities.
Preparing to Buy a Home—Your Personal Workbook
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS | Offered in English and Spanish, this workbook was created to work in conjunction with the FDIC Money Smart training materials. Topics covered include money management, the importance of credit, qualifying for a loan, and a glossary. Worksheets include a daily spending diary, income and expense worksheet, budgeting tool, mortgage shopping worksheet and more. Up to 50 complimentary copies provided upon request. Contact Countrywide Corporate Giving,[email protected].
Young Money | Grab Todd’s Cash
INCHARGE EDUCATION FOUNDATION | “Grab Todd’s Cash” is a high-tech game designed to test a player’s money skills, a fun way to test how much one knows how to handle his/her dough.
In each chosen topic round, the player teams up with one of the “Mo’ Money Gamers.” This team challenges Todd, the “fi nancial genius.” One can play from “Dead Broke” to “Big Wheel” by teaming up with all 8 Mo’ Money Gamers and winning Bonus Rounds!
High scores are displayed on the Web site, so people are encouraged to come back, test Todd again and again, score more points, and even learn a little bit more about managing one’s fi nances.
www.youngmoney.com/money_game
www.mindyourfi nances.com/products/credit-booster
www.freddiemac.com/creditsmart
www.freddiemac.com/homeownership
hsfpp.nefe.org
www.hud.gov/webcasts/archives/homeforall.cfm
www.icief.org | SPANISH www.invertirconexito.org
www.smartaboutmoney.org/nefe/uploadfi les/Late%20Savers.pdf
elearning.mindyourfi nances.com
www.mindyourfi nances.com
www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart
CD-ROM
booklet/workbook
online available in Spanish
Best PracticesBest Practices is a series of publications focusing on different aspects of the Dollar Wi$e Campaign. Each publication provides short descriptions of how various
Dollar Wi$e cities are tackling a specific issue. The first two in the series, on the Earned Income Tax Credit and savings and banking, are currently available.
practicesbestD O L L A R W I $ E
Earned Income Tax Credit
Founding Sponsor
U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
practicesbestD O L L A R W I $ E
Savings& Banking
Founding Sponsor
U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
moreonlineAll Dollar Wi$e publications are available online in downloadable PDF format. Just go to our Web site at www.dollarwiseonline.org and click on “Publications”.
200809 theguide
publications
Bank onSan Francisco
MODEL PROGRAM SAN FRANCISCO, CA
FOUNDING SPONSOR
U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
F I N A N C I A L E D U C A T I O N F O R A M E R I C A
M A Y O R S ’ N A T I O N A L D O L L A R W I $ E C A M P A I G N
ACCESSMiami
MODEL PROGRAM MIAMI, FLORIDA
FOUNDING SPONSOR
F I N A N C I A L E D U C A T I O N F O R A M E R I C A
M A Y O R S ’ N A T I O N A L D O L L A R W I $ E C A M P A I G N
THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORSCOUNCIL FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CITY
DOLLAR WI$E WEEK
IS AN OPPORTUNITY
TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR
ONGOING, YEAR-ROUND
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
EFFORTS AND TO FOCUS
THE COMMUNITY’S
ATTENTION ON YOUR
LOCAL PROGRAM DOLLAR WI$E WEEK 2008 THEME
Savings for Kids and FamiliesDollar Wi$e Week, now in its fifth year, is celebrated the last week of September each year. Communities across America mark Dollar Wi$e Week to highlight and focus the community’s and the media’s attention on the need for greater financial literacy. The theme for Dollar Wi$e Week 2008 is “Savings for Kids and Families”. Dollar Wi$e invites cities to work with financial institutions and others to reach out to the unbanked and to invite parents to bring their children to open savings accounts. Dollar Wi$e also encourages cities to organize events and press releases around this theme. The goal is to help as many children as possible open savings accounts. To achieve this goal, local campaigns can focus their efforts in a number of areas:• Parents and grandparents can help
children open accounts.• Families can establish a “savings goal”
for the coming year.• Citizens of all ages can learn about
savings as a way to secure and invest in the future—college, homeownership, retirement, and emergencies.
For more information about Dollar Wi$e Week, including ideas and suggestions for how you can mark Dollar Wi$e Week in your city and updates as the date approaches, visit www.dollarwiseonline.org and click on the links for Dollar Wi$e Week 2008.
WHAT YOURCITY CAN DO
Cities organize a variety of events to mark Dollar Wi$e Week. In past years, events have ranged from large community breakfasts involving mayors and special guests to a series of workshops and classes throughout the week. Other cities have held housing fairs where attendees learn how to prepare for homeownership. Yet others have organized community forums to discuss financial literacy. Dollar Wi$e Week is flexible and cities can adapt it to meet their needs.
WHAT THE MAYORS’ NATIONALDOLLAR WI$E CAMPAIGN PROVIDES
Information and updates on Dollar Wi$e Week, including background on the annual theme and how our national partners can help.Technical support, such as ideas and suggestions on ways you can celebrate Dollar Wi$e Week in your community.A sample mayoral proclamation, a sample press release, and a list of suggested activities to help you organize your efforts.Promotional materials related to each year’s Dollar Wi$e Week theme that you can use in your activities.
•
•
•
•
mayoral proclamationS A M P L E
Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e CampaignThe United States Conference of Mayors1620 Eye Street NW, 4th FloorWashington, D.C. 20006
Whereas, in the year 2008, the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign has declared September 20–27 Dollar Wi$e Week, with the theme “Savings for Kids and Families”; and
Whereas, The United States Conference of Mayors’ Council for the New American City recognizes that fi nancial illiteracy is a signifi cant threat to national economic security and has established the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign to help mayors and cities educate citizens on personal and household fi nances; and
Whereas, the United States Congress has established the Financial Literacy and Education Commission and the White House has appointed the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy to improve Americans’ fi nancial literacy through the implementation of a national strategy for fi nancial education; and
Whereas, 43 percent of American households spend more than they earn each year, 52 percent live paycheck-to-paycheck, and 42 percent do not have enough in liquid fi nancial assets to support themselves for three months, putting millions of families at risk for foreclosure and other fi nancial struggles in addition to harm to family life and other negative affects on children, educational attainment, and physical, mental, and emotional health; and
Whereas, every three months a quarter of a million American families enter foreclosure, with signifi cant economic, social, and cultural impacts on children, neighborhoods, and cities; and
Whereas, the affects of the current economic crisis and the precarious state of personal and family fi nances will be felt most acutely at the local level in America’s cities; and
Whereas, our nation’s cities and municipal governments, with the support of federal and state governments and national and local organizations, are uniquely qualifi ed in their position to help Americans become more fi nancially literate.
Now, therefore, I, __________, Mayor of the City of __________, do hereby proclaim the week of September 20–27, 2008, Dollar Wi$e Week—Savings for Kids and Families in the City of __________, and urge all citizens in our community and throughout the country to participate in Dollar Wi$e Week.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Offi ce of Mayor to be affi xed this __________ day of __________, 2008.
_________________________ Mayor
Please send an original of your proclamation to the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign.
DOLLAR WI$E WEEK 2008
press releaseS A M P L E
NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Name (xxx) xxx-xxxx[Month, Date, Year] Name (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Mayor [NAME] Promotes the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign in [CITY, STATE] — Mayors across the country will celebrate Dollar Wi$e Week, September 20–27, 2008, to promote the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign: Financial Education for America. The theme of this year’s Dollar Wi$e Week is “Savings for Kids and Families”. Mayor [NAME] emphasized the importance of this theme: “Savings are an important building block of the foundation for the American Dream.” During Dollar Wi$e Week, Mayor [NAME] and [CITY]’s local community coalition will work with local banks to encourage local families to help their children open savings accounts and learn from an early age the importance of saving money and making wise fi nancial choices. “Unbanked” parents (those without bank accounts) will also be invited to begin saving money in an account. As Mayor [NAME] stated, “Savings are essential to making many people’s hopes and dreams possible—owning a home, educating our children, and having stable families.” [Expand on your local plans for Dollar Wi$e Week.] The United States Conference of Mayors’ Council for the New American City established the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign. Mayor [NAME] and [his/her] fellow mayors recognize that fi nancial illiteracy is a national problem that needs to be addressed and are working together through Dollar Wi$e to educate citizens on personal and household fi nances. Mayor [NAME] and the local [CITY] community coalition are committed to providing a variety of personal fi nance seminars and events during Dollar Wi$e Week and throughout the year, with the goal of providing education aimed primarily at [homebuyers/homeowners, the unbanked community, students, the elderly, retirees, and/or immigrants]. [Expand on the specifi cs of your local campaign.] According to statistics provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), many American families and homeowners are at the fi nancial edge. Upwards of 43 percent of households spend more than they earn each year. Among the employed, 52 percent live paycheck-to-paycheck, while nearly 42 percent of all American families do not have enough in liquid fi nancial assets to support themselves for at least three months. The precarious state of personal and family fi nances takes its toll, leading a quarter of a million American families into foreclosure every three months, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Experts attribute a range of social ills, from low educational attainment among children to physical, mental, and emotional health issues, at least in part on the poor condition of personal fi nances. The local impact of personal fi nances on [CITY] is not lost on Mayor [NAME]. “The most important investors in American cities are families and individuals. There is no better time than now for [CITY] citizens to take advantage of programs and activities geared toward fi nancial management and prosperity” said Mayor [NAME]. “Improved fi nancial literacy will result in a higher standard of living and more stable communities in [CITY].”
�
DOLLAR WI$E WEEK 2008
suggested activitiesCOLLABORATE with advocacy and professional groups on fi nancial education, its impact on the lives of your citizens, and its effect on your city.These groups can include:
Banks, credit unions, and other fi nancial and lending institutionsGovernment agencies
•
•
Schools, universities, and community collegesParent/teacher associationsSenior-citizens associations
•
••
Chambers of commerceLocal business leadersReal-estate companiesFaith-based organizations
••••
DEVELOP ongoing activities with your community coalition.Identify existing fi nancial-education programs in your communityDetermine the target groups for your campaignWork with Dollar Wi$e partners to get materials
•
••
Communicate with The United States Conference of Mayors about your project and activitiesSubmit best practices to USCM for presentation at the winter and annual (summer) meetings
•
•
CELEBRATE Dollar Wi$e Week in your city.Hold a press conference announcing the city’s involvement in the Dollar Wi$e Campaign.Hold a community forum on fi nancial education.Hold seminars.Make presentations on city cable stations and radio.Hold classes and luncheons for city employees.Hold community-wide classes and luncheons.Write an op-ed piece or letter to the editor.
•
•••
•••
Distribute educational materials atCity hallSchoolsBusinessesBanks
••••
Faith-based organizationsLibrariesCommunity centers
•
••
Issue a proclamation and release it at a press conference or televised council meeting.Issue a press release.
•
•
•
�
DOLLAR WI$E WEEK 2008
The Dollar Wi$e Campaign isn’t limited to just Dollar Wi$e Week. Dollar Wi$e Week is designed to enhance an ongoing, year-round financial education program.
dollar wi$e week
moreonline
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 –2 7 , 2 0 0 8
6
ONE OF THE SIMPLEST
WAYS TO RECOGNIZE
DOLLAR WI$E WEEK IN
YOUR CITY IS TO ISSUE A
MAYORAL PROCLAMATION.
YOU ARE FREE TO USE THIS
SAMPLE TEXT AT LEFT, OR
WRITE YOUR OWN
Whereas, in the year 2008, the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign has declared September 20–27 Dollar Wi$e Week, with the theme
“Savings for Kids and Families”; and
Whereas, The United States Conference of Mayors’ Council for the New American City recognizes that financial illiteracy is a significant threat to national economic security and has established the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign to help mayors and cities educate citizens on personal and household finances; and
Whereas, the Congress of the United States has established the Financial Literacy and Education Commission and the White House has appointed the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy to improve Americans’ financial literacy through the development of a national strategy for financial education; and
Whereas, 4� percent of American households spend more than they earn each year, 52 percent live paycheck-to-paycheck, and 42 percent do not have enough in liquid financial assets to support themselves for three months, putting millions of families at risk for foreclosure and other financial struggles in addition to harm to family life and other negative affects on children, educational attainment, and physical, mental, and emotional health; and
Whereas, every three months a quarter of a million American families enter foreclosure, with significant economic, social, and cultural impacts on children, neighborhoods, and cities; and
Whereas, the affects of the current economic crisis and the precarious state of personal and family finances will be felt most acutely at the local level in America’s cities; and
Whereas, our nation’s cities and municipal governments, with the support of federal and state governments and national and local organizations, are uniquely qualified in their position to help Americans become more financially literate.
Now, therefore, I, __________, Mayor of the City of __________, do hereby proclaim the week of September 20–27, 2008, Dollar Wi$e Week—Savings for Kids and Families in the City of __________, and urge all citizens in our community and throughout the country to participate in Dollar Wi$e Week.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Office of Mayor to be affixed this __________ day of __________, 2008.
_________________________ Mayor
National Dollar Wi$e CampaignThe U.S. Conference of Mayors1620 Eye Street NW, 4th FloorWashington, D.C. 20006
proclamationDOLLAR WI$E WEEK
moreonlineYou can download a version of this proclamation in PDF and Word format at our Web site, www.dollarwiseonline.org.
send us an originalPlease send an original of your proclamation to the Mayors’ National Dollar Wi$e Campaign.
7200809 theguide
8
HOW DO I SET UP A
FINANCIAL LITERACY
CAMPAIGN IN MY CITY?
Setting up a local financial literacy campaign may sound overwhelming, but it’s easier than you might think. Sure, it will take some work and a little bit of effort, but by following a few simple steps you’ll be up and running in no time.
step 1Register for the
Dollar Wi$e Campaign
Registration can easily be completed online at www.dollarwiseonline.org. If you would like more information about the Campaign before you register, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. (Our contact information is on page 2 of this booklet.) Dollar Wi$e is a continuing effort, so mayors can register their cities at any time. When you register, you will be asked to provide the name of a contact person on city staff. Dollar Wi$e can work with this person on setting up your campaign.
step 2Analyze your city’s
financial education needs
Different cities scope out their financial literacy needs in different ways. Some bring together groups of city and community leaders and residents to discuss their needs; others take a statistical approach based on sources such as census and IRS data; yet others use some combination of the two. In the end, chances are you’ll be able to identify many different groups to help. But that can be overwhelming. Focus your efforts on one segment of your community and then expand from there as your capacity grows.
step 3Find out who’s already
addressing those needs
Most likely, one or more organizations are working on financial literacy in your city. There’s no need to “reinvent the wheel,” as the saying goes. Learn what those groups are, how and where they do their work, and the segments of your community they work with. Groups that are probably addressing financial literacy may include faith-based groups, financial institutions, public and private schools, nonprofits, the local housing authority and/or housing-assistance programs, local employers, and other community-based groups.
step 4Develop partnerships
with those groups
step 5Take advantage of all
Dollar Wi$e has to offer
register your city
online
dollarwiseonline.orgRegistration is
Under the direction of the mayor or an authorized representativeOpen to any city in the United States and its possessionsFree
•••
Apply for Capacity Grants.Participate in Dollar Wi$e Week.Work with your local partners to organize financial education classes and events.Work with our national partners and
•••
•
learn from other Dollar Wi$e cities.Make a commitment to an ongoing, year-round financial literacy effort.After a while, take a step back and evaluate your local campaign. Identify areas in which you can improve.
•
•
Establish partnerships with those organizations that are working to improve financial literacy. Help them to reinforce and enhance their work and to build a coordinated, citywide effort. You can work with them on organizing classes, workshops, and community programs. These groups can participate in events during Dollar Wi$e Week and throughout the year. Your work with them will build your application for a Capacity Grant and create a foundation for even greater expansion of your local financial literacy efforts in the future.
PLEASE RECYCLE
steps of the campaign
