ARVADA, Colo. - Banks may have the big bucks, but credit unions have a secret weapon in the political advocacy battle: members.
The advocacy program developed by the Credit Union Associations of Colorado and Wyoming, which has been cited as a model by other state leagues, is based on the premise that when members are engaged, involved and organized, they are a force to be reckoned with, according to John Dill, CEO of the Colorado and Wyoming leagues.
Credit Union Journal recently interviewed Dill, along with three of the point people in the two CU Associations’ advocacy efforts: Chris Kemm, the grassroots advocacy manager, Tim Dore, SVP of government affairs, and Courtney Staatz, manager of political programs. The four enthusiastically spoke about the important steps in the maturation of the advocacy program, as well as its current and future goals.
CU Journal: Please outline the advocacy program, and tell us what is everyone’s background?
Dill: Advocacy has always been important to credit unions in Colorado and nationally. When I was hired by the board, the board wanted to enhance and expand our advocacy program. I worked for 10 years in Congress, so I know something about effective advocacy. I’ve also been a lobbyist.
One thing we did immediately was we beefed up our advocacy staff with experts, such as Chris, Tim and Courtney.
Dore: I’ve been here for six weeks. My previous job was government affairs grassroots advocacy for Catholics. Also, I have worked on numerous political campaigns.
Dill: We know we are not going to write a bigger check than the bankers. Our strength is our members. We are going to endorse and speak out on behalf of candidates who speak out for credit unions.
We found out who does it best and hired that expertise. Organized labor traditionally sets the gold standard, so we hired Chris Kemm from organized labor.
Kemm: I was hired in 2006 from the American Federation of Government Employees. I ran political affairs for a 13-state region. I brought my passion with me.
The plan was to unite the movement by educating, communicating and mobilizing our membership. We base a lot of our efforts around our major goals. We want to see one-half of 1% of the membership being active, not because they have to, but because they believe in it. Fundraising is another major goal.
