“PIVOT!”: Adapting Our Advocacy Strategy
With the election behind us and new faces stepping into office, the political landscape has shifted, bringing both fresh opportunities and new challenges. It’s the perfect moment for us to pivot (and yes, we’re channeling the famous Friends scene here—no yelling “Pivot!” at each other, I promise!). Instead, let’s smoothly adjust our strategies, build strong connections, and ensure our message is heard by both new and veteran legislators. By engaging early and actively, we can steer the conversation toward policies that protect our member-owned model and foster a supportive regulatory environment. Together, we’ll make sure this pivot leads us in the right direction—no heavy lifting required!
Why Your Advocacy Is Critical:
- Protecting the Credit Union Difference: Credit unions are built on a not-for-profit, member-first philosophy that sets us apart from other financial institutions. However, this unique model is often threatened by legislative and regulatory changes driven by larger banking interests. By advocating for credit unions, we ensure that lawmakers understand the importance of preserving our tax-exempt status and regulatory flexibility, which allow us to return more value to our members through lower fees, better rates, and community-focused services.
- Promoting Financial Inclusion and Access: Credit unions play a vital role in advancing financial inclusion, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. Advocacy is the bridge that connects our mission to the policymakers shaping financial regulations. We need to continue championing policies that support equitable access to financial services and resist measures that could create barriers for the most vulnerable members of our communities.
- Shaping the Future of Financial Services: The financial services industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies, digital banking solutions, and changing consumer expectations. Our advocacy efforts allow us to influence policy decisions that will impact the future of our industry, ensuring that credit unions remain well-positioned to innovate and meet the needs of a modern membership base.
What We Need from You:
- Engage Proactively with Lawmakers: Establish relationships with both returning and newly elected representatives. They need to hear the stories of your credit union’s positive impact, especially as they prepare to set legislative priorities for the coming term. Personal connections and stories about the tangible benefits you provide to your members can be instrumental in shaping their understanding of our industry. Please send us your stories so we can start a bank of testimonials detailing all of your fantastic work! Not sure what to write, but have a good story? Reach out to us and we will help you find a way to capture your stories. Please reach out to Kat kdorvilliers@culct.coop today!
- Mobilize Grassroots Support: The strength of our movement lies in our members and employees. Encourage them to get involved by responding to action alerts, participating in campaigns, and sharing their experiences as credit union members. A strong, united front can influence critical votes and legislative outcomes.
- Participate in Advocacy Events and Legislative Meetings: Your presence at events such as the nation Government Affairs Conference, state-level advocacy events, and in-district meetings and fundraisers makes a significant difference. These face-to-face interactions help us build relationships with lawmakers and demonstrate the collective power of the credit union community. Don’t miss these exciting upcoming events:
- February 21, 2025-Wine Gala - Join us for "Toast to Tomorrow: A Journey of Advocacy!" Experience an enchanting evening filled with exquisite wine, delectable food, and the camaraderie of friends and colleagues. Put on your snazziest outfit and get ready to dance the night away—all in support of the vital credit union cause! Together, let's raise our glasses to raise awareness!
- March 2, 2025-March 6, 2025-Governmental Affairs Conference - Join thousands of credit union professionals in Washington, D.C., where you’ll engage with lawmakers and make a lasting impact on the credit union industry. Governmental Affairs Conference is the perfect opportunity to highlight the meaningful work credit unions are doing to improve the financial well-being of members and communities. As the premier event for credit union advocates, GAC empowers you to connect with industry leaders, influence policy, and drive positive change.
- Support the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC): Contributing to CULAC, the political action committee of the credit union movement, is one of the most impactful ways you can support advocacy efforts. CULAC contributions help elect credit union-friendly candidates who understand and champion our issues. By donating to CULAC, you are directly investing in the future of credit unions and ensuring our voice is represented in legislative discussions.
- Attend Wine Gala and make your donation directly to CULAC
- Join the Capitol Club by making a $500 donation or more!
- Create payroll deduction opportunities or donation incentives for your staff. Contact Jen jmorfea@culct.coop today for more information.
As we navigate this new landscape, we’ll keep you informed on the latest legislative updates and provide resources to support your advocacy efforts. Your engagement with elected officials and rallying of your teams are vital in protecting the core values of the credit union movement.
Together, we can make a strong impact, keeping credit unions as the trusted, member-first choice in financial services. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. Now, let’s pivot—just like Ross in Friends, but without the yelling (or the awkward staircase moment). With a smooth turn and the right strategy, we’ll land exactly where we need to be!
In partnership,
Melissa
