The first credit union in the United States was founded in 1909. by the group of Franco-American Catholics in Manchester, New Hampshire, and was called "Cooperative Credit Association of St. Mary. " All the members of the credit union, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, as well as the size of the monetary share have equal rights. Income derived from the provision of services to its members, does not become the profit of credit union and is distributed among its members in proportion to their savings. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.). Credit Union - one of the most attractive financial institutions for the public being a non-profit alternative to banks. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations. A potential new member of a credit union must submit a recommendation of shareholders in which the referee becomes a warrant of a future member of the credit union.