ALABAMA
BIRMINGHAM–The Alabama Credit Union League works very hard to lobby lawmakers, provide financial support for credit union-friendly candidates, organize and participate in Hike-the-Hill visits for Congress and the State Legislature. We are constantly working to strengthen our grassroots and key contact program, called “Credit Union Ambassadors” and to show the strength of our numbers through Project Zip Code. These important programs all have a valuable role to play in our overall advocacy efforts.
One unique program of the Alabama Credit Union League is CU-Vote. The mission of CU-Vote is to educate the general public, credit union members, and lawmakers and candidates about the credit union difference. This is not a substitute for traditional lobbying and political activity, but rather a way to strengthen those activities, as well as provide increased visibility for credit unions in the financial marketplace.
Each component of our advocacy effort is very important, and each serves a distinct function. But without a doubt, the most important tool we have is the commitment of the men and women of the credit unions of Alabama to support these programs. Without the effort of the people who make up the credit union movement, no program, no matter how well designed, can possibly work. It is imperative that we constantly strengthen our efforts in implementing advocacy programs, and it is critical that the people who make up the credit union movement strengthen their commitment to support credit union advocacy.
ALASKA
ANCHORAGE–The education of tomorrow’s leaders and consumers, including CU members, continues to be an important pitch for the Alaska Credit Union League (ACUL). For the past few years, ACUL has sponsored the National Theater of Youth programs in a series of middle (intermediate) schools across Alaska. Hundreds of students have attended these informative, high-energy shows which help prepare them to become better savers and financial planners.
Alaska’s credit unions are getting into the schools–from elementary schools up to colleges–to spread the word about financial education and responsibility. Several ACUL-member institutions have won awards from their local school districts for school-business partnerships and efforts to encourage financial education among young Alaskans.
Some national studies have shown Americans receive, by the time they graduate from college, an average of eight hours of financial education.
That’s right–we’ve spent a total of eight hours preparing our members and consumers for a lifetime of financial activity!
ACUL encourages its members to maintain this push for financial knowledge–all of us, as financial institutions and as corporate citizens interested in the best for our communities–recognize the best way to build success for our members starts at an early age, and we will continue to show that Alaska’s credit unions are making a difference.
Just as important to us is the fact that as we show tomorrow’s consumers and members that credit unions are willing to take the extra step to show we care for their financial futures, we are building a constituency which will support credit unions in the legislative forums of the future.
ARIZONA
PHOENIX–Over the last 10 years, our member credit unions and board of directors made advocacy the number one priority at the Arizona Credit Union League. Because of the commitment of our credit unions, our most successful advocacy effort has been credit union involvement in political efforts. The Arizona league created a program called “Political Captains,” which is designed to assist the league in reaching volunteers and employees of each credit union.
The Political Captain program has allowed us to recruit new credit union advocates to the point where we are able host credit union specific political events such as: phone banking, petition walks and fundraisers. In addition, credit unions are now seeking out more opportunities to become credit union advocates. Our participation in the State GAC continues to grow each year and credit unions are beginning to invite lawmakers to their credit unions for tours and grand openings.
Although there has been initial success with the program, we do recognize the need to improve the program. One area, is recruiting new members to our political network. Oftentimes we see the same advocates attending political function. We need to grow and expand our network to get new people as enthusiastic and effective as our current advocates.
ARKANSAS
LITTLE ROCK–One of Arkansas’ most effective advocacy efforts is our mid-year CU House reception we hold for our legislators and their staff. This began several years ago as a way to visit informally with our representatives and senators. It has evolved into the event that our legislators contact us about to ensure they get the dates on their calendars. Every year, we hear how much they appreciate us traveling to Washington to visit with them with no other agenda attached. They are amazed we come only to have the reception for them.
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA
RANCHO CUCAMONGA–The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues identified that current campaign finance laws make Independent Expenditures (I.E.) a great way to help elect candidates. An I.E. is a political contribution that can come in various forms, such as TV ads, mailers, or a phone campaign.
These campaigns are done on a larger scale than standard Political Advocacy Campaign (PAC) donations, and can make the difference between winning and losing an election.
The leagues have been on the forefront of Independent Expenditures and have effectively elevated credit union advocacy to the same level as some of the most politically powerful associations in our states.
Being active in I.E.’s has been vital to the success of California and Nevada credit union advocacy efforts. But participating in I.E.’s does not supplant the need to develop relationships and educate candidates about credit unions before they run for state office. The leagues will continue to identify future credit union leaders at the local government level, often supporting their first run for public office. We also maintain close ties with and provide campaign support for local community leaders who understand financial services and know the great work credit unions do in their communities.
Indeed, credit unions in the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues understand the importance of providing financial support to candidates and PAC funding helps to ensure credit union supporters are elected in today’s increasingly competitive campaigns.
COLORADO/WYOMING
ARVADA–The Credit Union Associations of Colorado and Wyoming continue to emphasize political advocacy as a tool to spur credit union growth and strengthen our state movements, which represents over one in three citizens in Colorado and Wyoming.
Lobbying is an important tool in our arsenal, but the key to our success will revolve around grassroots organizing, political fund raising and endorsing credit-union friendly candidates. Using all these tools, in 2007 we:
* Doubled the number of Colorado CURIA co-sponsors, including the Deputy House Democratic Whip;
* Increased our grassroots advocates under the leadership of Chris Kemm in both states by 2,100 which is pacing the nation;
* Expanded our fund raising potential with the hiring of a new coordinator; Courtney Staatz; and
* Created a deeper advocacy “bench” with the hiring of Timothy Dore as new Sr. Vice-President for Government Affairs and expansion of outside lobbying capabilities.
In our statehouse lobbying, our grassroots efforts have already paid off in the passage of legislation, which drives directly to the bottom line of our credit unions.
CONNECTICUT
WALLINGFORD–The Credit Union League of Connecticut has been successful with our “Hike the Hill” advocacy efforts in both Washington and in Connecticut. Although we continue to invite legislators to credit union events, which can be successful in showing the cooperative nature of our movement, our most successful advocacy efforts are when we make a special effort to meet with our legislators in Washington and at our state Capitol. Over the years our legislative program has evolved to include periodic meetings throughout the year with our state and federal regulators, which has fostered an open dialogue with them as well. This open dialogue is most important when issues arise that need immediate attention.
Making an impression on a legislator is not easy; they have numerous meetings scheduled each day with competing interest groups. Our challenge for the future to improve our advocacy efforts is to increase our attendance at both our state and federal “Hike the Hill” events throughout the year. We make lasting impressions on legislators each time we tell them stories about how we have made a difference for our members in ways that fulfill our credit union mission. Our stories inspire and encourage them to support us in our legislative endeavors, which allow us to continue to serve our members in this competitive financial services marketplace.
DELAWARE
NEW CASTLE–The initiative to pass H.R. 1151, the Credit Union Membership Access Act, was actually the beginning of Delaware’s ongoing political advocacy efforts. The Delaware League and its Governmental Affairs Committee are intent on defending credit unions’ interests in Congress. Since all Delaware CUs are federally chartered, we join with the Credit Union National Association in this effort.
Delaware credit unions became very involved in state legislation in 2006 when we led a coalition – Delawareans for a Security Freeze – to help promote passage of a bill that allows consumers to “freeze” access their credit files, thereby cutting down on identity theft. The coalition was made up of 94 organizations and elected officials, including 21 Delaware credit unions. On July 10, 2006, Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner signed the security freeze bill into law.
The Delaware league hopes to get even more credit union members involved in political advocacy through contributions to the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), utilization of the Project Zip Code database, and fostering relationships between elected and appointed officials and credit union professionals and members.
FLORIDA
TALLAHASSEE–Over the past decade, our most effective advocacy effort has been in encouraging the involvement of credit union managers and volunteers in the political process. No one can tell the story of how a credit union has “been there” for its members better than a CU volunteer. At the same time, no one can relate how a statute/policy change will affect a credit union’s operations than a CU manager.
For the future, we’d like us to grow that advocacy effort by bringing CU members into the political process on behalf of their credit unions. Survey after survey has proved credit union members will act on behalf of their credit union–if they are asked. If we get them active in the political process on behalf of their CU, then it’s likely they’ll get active on other issues. Such increased involvement will only serve Democracy well.
HAWAII
HONOLULU–The relationship between credit unions and banks in Hawaii is extremely cordial. However, advocacy efforts of Hawaii Credit Union League (HCUL) and Hawaii Bankers Association (HBA) have occasionally been divergent on a few major bills such as the Credit Union Membership Access Act of 1998 (CUMAA) and proposed Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act (CURIA).
Despite concerted efforts by HBA and banks to derail CUMAA and CURIA, credit unions have been able to garner support of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation. Primary reasons were effective grassroots programs to direct attention of elected officials to the importance of those bills, and clear communication of how the bills would positively impact constituents in Hawaii. Successful advocacy is evidenced by affirmative votes for CUMAA by Hawaii’s entire Congressional delegation, as well as unanimous cosponsoring of CURIA by Hawaii’s members of the House of Representatives in both the previous 109th and current 110th Congress.
HCUL has a three-pronged approach to further improve advocacy. First is to boost PAC contributions from officials of Hawaii credit unions. Second is to enlist more manpower assistance for reelection of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation. Third is to increase political involvement by encouraging more participation in CUNA’s governmental affairs conference, in addition to fund-raisers and town hall meetings of elected officials.
IDAHO
BOISE–The most effective advocacy comes from the grassroots. The focus of the Idaho Credit Union League has been to increase the involvement of credit union professionals and volunteers by creating more opportunities for them to meet with elected officials. We have done this primarily through expansion of our state-level GAC and Hike-the-Hill events and chapter-level networking.
Such events make it easier for Idaho credit union supporters to visit with their state and federal legislators and give us a basis for recognizing their effort to spread the credit union message. With the support of our business partners and member credit unions we have created scholarships that help smaller credit unions participate in these events so that all of our members have an equal opportunity to be involved.
As a consequence of the increased participation by credit unions, we have seen participation at local credit union-sponsored political events increase as well. This in turn has increased our overall level of exposure to legislators and has enhanced our position as a force to be reckoned with.
We hope to expand this impact by repeating the message that if credit unions are not at the table when decisions are made about our future, those decisions will be made without us.
ILLINOIS
NAPERVILLE–The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) focuses on legislative/issue advocacy as one of our core services to its more than 400 member credit unions. Over the last several years, ICUL’s focus has been to develop, strengthen and enhance its grassroots advocacy system through its 26 chapters. Specifically, each chapter elects a key legislative contact who is, in turn, responsible for assisting ICUL staff in communicating legislative issues to credit unions within each chapter and the elected officials from each chapter’s area. Further, chapter officials augment ICUL’s advocacy efforts by serving as the key link to their local elected officials and ICUL’s professional lobbying staff. The chapters also serve as the venue for legislator appreciation nights and similar events. ICUL’s success in its advocacy system during 2007 resulted in several amendments made to the Illinois Credit Union Act (e.g., HB 352, HB 623, HB 1288), as well as other pertinent laws, to enhance the ability of credit unions to compete in a highly competitive financial services marketplace in Illinois. Probably the biggest challenge to address in the area of advocacy is the utilization of technology. As a solution, ICUL implemented its Weekly Government News e-mail publication as the primary tool to help keep members informed during the rapidly changing legislative environment. On-going efforts to develop and implement the usage of technology will be critical to the success of ICUL’s legislative efforts.
INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS–Credit union advocacy has always been our top priority. Its importance means that every year we strive to build further on what has been accomplished before. During the past few years, our most effective advocacy effort has been increased political involvement activities and expanded participation by more CU representatives. One example of how those increased activities have evolved, has been hosting more credit union campaign fundraisers for congressional candidates. This included helping a challenger defeat an incumbent who had voted against H.R. 1151. The expanded participation has included taking steps to recruit more credit union representatives to join us in our advocacy activities. This has included offering financial assistance, which totaled more than $50,000 this year, to help individuals attend the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference–especially those from smaller-sized credit unions and those who had never attended before. Building on past successes is a process of always striving to continually improve every aspect of advocacy, with PAC fundraising receiving a lot of attention this year.
IOWA
DES MOINES–In Iowa, our most effective advocacy effort has been a renewed focus on proactively working to help elect credit union supporters and defeat those legislators that have been harmful to us. Utilizing credit unions’ grassroots power to help elect supporters isn’t new. Possibly our greatest success story came in the 1996 campaign for a state senate seat in central Iowa. A former school teacher named JoAnn Johnson was running against a banker. Credit unions helped JoAnn doorknock and raise money. Eventually, JoAnn won that race, became chairman of the tax-writing and financial services committees in the Senate, and onto chair of the NCUA. In 2003, the Iowa Bankers Association introduced a bill to tax credit unions over $150 million in assets. The legislation was championed in the statehouse by two practicing bankers. While we did defeat the bill, the prolonged fight reinforced the need to have credit union professionals/champions in the statehouse.
Since 2003, we’ve increased our political action fundraising and utilized both PAC and corporate dollars in targeted state legislative races. Through innovative fundraising efforts in a state that only permits individual contributions, that we have become the third largest PAC in the state and will have nearly $350,000 on hand for statehouse races in next year’s election cycle. We’ve been able to make a difference in some statehouse races–the most notable being the victory of Veridian Credit Union Chairman Bob Kressig in 2004. Rep. Kressig now serves as vice-chair of the Commerce Committee in the Iowa House. Room for improvement certainly exists–largely with identifying and recruiting credit union professionals to run for office.
KENTUCKY
LOUISVILLE–One of our most affective advocacy efforts is our involvement with the National Conference of State Legislators. We have attended their annual meeting since 2000, worked CUNA’s booth and have held a separate event just for our legislators in attendance. We have fostered really great relationships by participating in this event. The legislators are more relaxed and open for discussion during this time. We take a lot of pictures and highlight them in our statewide newsletter. This one event has paid us a ton of dividends.
LOUISIANA
HARAHAN–Louisiana has made the greatest advocacy progress in the last decade by establishing relationships with our elected officials that are based in a deep understanding of the credit union movement and the priorities of the CU members that comprise it. It took time, and more importantly, the activism and commitment of our CU leaders, to build and maintain these relationships.
We set goals for continual contact with elected officials and other community leaders with the first step being the education of CU professionals and volunteers. These groups can best share what they do everyday to enhance the lives of their members and potential members when it comes to financial education, new products and services that can make their lives and their families lives better. Following the hurricanes of 2005, our efforts took on new priorities as CU professionals and volunteers became more important than ever to their members.
The Louisiana League and the leaders in our state’s movement increased their commitment and reached out to important leaders to ensure that the point of view of CUs in Louisiana were accounted for in the aftermath of the storms and the rebuilding efforts that have followed in the last two years. In addition, the Louisiana League has taken on a new advocacy effort that puts the lessons of 2005 to work–disaster planning for CUs.
Looking ahead, the league will work to continue to excite our volunteers and professionals on the importance of traveling to Washington and Baton Rouge, meeting with our elected officials, sharing our personal stories and demonstrating to our officials that CUs make a difference for Louisiana citizens.
MAINE
PORTLAND–The Maine Credit Union League actively advocates for credit unions in both Augusta and Washington on a regular basis. In Augusta, our most effective advocacy effort, in conjunction with having a presence at the State House every day during the legislative session, is our annual Credit Union Day at the State House. Started in the mid-90s, Credit Union Day has become a well-attended event by credit union officials and staff as well as strong participation on the part of legislators. For the past four years, the governor has stopped by to visit and, in the case of several years ago, invited the nearly 100 credit union representatives into his office for a personal dialogue. A key component in the growth of attendance by both credit unions and legislators at Credit Union Day at the State House has been an increased focus on communicating with legislators and following-up with personal invitations, as well as reinforcing and educating the value of attending this event with our member credit unions. We are always looking for ways to increase attendance and participation even more from all stakeholders. However, overall feedback from credit unions and legislators has been very positive about the event and the opportunities for interaction it provides.
MARYLAND/D.C.
COLUMBIA–The Association has ratcheted up its advocacy program within the past two years by being more proactive legislatively. MDDCCUA leads in CURIA sponsorship with the highest percentage of its Members of Congress signed on to the bill.
MDDCCUA also took a strong stand and was instrumental in getting legislation passed that requires payday lenders in Washington to abide by the city’s 24% usury cap. This was our first legislative undertaking since the Maryland and DC associations merged.
Financial literacy is a burning issue in Maryland and the District and each jurisdiction has legislation to strengthen financial education in the schools. The Maryland General Assembly has introduced credit-union proposed legislation to create a task force that will examine how to make financial literacy a required part of the school curriculum. We participated in DC City Council’s Financial Literacy Roundtables and are actively supporting the DC Financial Literacy Council Establishment Act.
Our goals include raising credit union participation in Project Zip Code and increasing our state PAC and CULAC contributions.
MASSACHUSETTS
MARLBOROUGH–Credit unions cannot provide their members with the type of service that they deserve without being able to evolve. The fact that credit unions are highly regulated means that credit unions have to work with both lawmakers and regulators to fashion an environment which reflects the real needs and interests of their members. Success in this endeavor relies on an effective advocacy program.
There is no single avenue to success in legislative or regulatory advocacy. It requires the effort of many people working together in multiple channels. Grassroots relationship building; formal legislative programs including chapter legislator nights and an annual Governmental Affairs Day in Boston, the careful drafting of legislative initiatives; regular visits to Congress and the Statehouse all work to create the synergy necessary to produce and maintain effective advocacy for credit unions.
In Massachusetts over the past 10 years these advocacy tools were particularly effective during 1998 when the local credit unions and the Massachusetts Credit Union League were working together with the national credit union movement to achieve the passage of HR 1151 and locally with the effort to pass the Massachusetts credit union parity law.
MICHIGAN
PLYMOUTH–The Michigan Credit Union League takes a three-tiered approach to advocacy with Legislative Lobbying, Community Reinvestment Initiative (CRI) and Cooperative Brand Advertising. These three areas help protect credit union interests in Michigan and Washington.
Michigan grassroots lobbying efforts are second to none. From 2001-2004, Michigan credit unions were looking to modernize a state statute that had become outdated. Utilizing a strong grassroots lobbying effort that featured letter writing campaigns, local meetings with lawmakers and rallies in Lansing with credit union supporters; Michigan’s credit unions were able to not only rewrite the Michigan Credit Union Act (MCUA), but in fact, put into statute arguably the most progressive state charter in the country. In 2007, Michigan credit unions held 23 regional legislative events, featuring over 500 credit union attendees, 70 Michigan lawmakers and members of Congress.
Seventy-one-percent of Michigan credit unions participate in CRI programs. Michigan leads the way with 296 student-run branches. The Student Credit Union Branch handbook on the CRI Web site is sought after across the country. The CRI Aggregate Report is handed out to state and national lawmakers every year. The information shows lawmakers how credit unions are living up to the phrase, “Not for profit, Not for Charity, but for Service.” In 2007, credit unions and their partners returned $2.7 million dollars back to Michigan residents through the Just File It! tax program. The Career Transition Program helps credit union members get re-trained after they’ve been laid off. Credit unions have distributed 164 loans, while the state kicked in another $500 per semester for books and counseling.
In Cooperative Advertising, credit unions can blitz their DMA with money pooled in the chapter and then matched by MCUL. The mass media campaign drives home the difference between banks and credit unions, local expertise and how anyone can join a credit union. With larger media buys, the money goes further and every dollar raised in a chapter stays in that DMA. In 2007, the media buy was $1.9 million. Surveys have shown credit union awareness is raised significantly following the media campaign.
MCUL is always looking at ways to improve credit union participation. Getting credit unions involved at every level improves each area of advocacy; which in turn protects credit union interests in Michigan.
MINNESOTA
ST. PAUL–Advocacy in credit unions is a critical component to the success of the movement today. In 2008, the Minnesota Credit Union Network will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of its GREAT program, the GrassRoots Education & Action Team. GREAT was created in 2003 in an effort to build a permanent grassroots structure across the state to quickly and effectively advocate on behalf of Minnesota’s credit unions. To be successful, credit unions must shift from solely issue-based advocacy and build a sustained, consistent network to recruit and engage participants. Much like building relationships with elected officials, permanent grassroots programs help to create advocates before relying on them for support.
MnCUN’s GREAT program has continued to grow and evolve throughout the years. Beginning with a website, action alerts and quarterly newsletters, GREAT recently added features like vote tracking, bill searching, and other online advocacy tools. We are aware of the need to continue improving and refreshing the program to keep participants interested and engaged, which is a constant effort. Considering the credit unions’ natural grassroots structure and the need for political action–both offensively and defensively–in today’s credit union environment, it’s important and necessary to use this tool to our advantage.
MISSOURI
ST. LOUIS–Missouri considers advocacy efforts extremely important for all member credit unions. The question we hear most often is “where do we start?” That’s why the Missouri Credit Union Association Board-appointed Advocacy Task Force created the “You Make the Difference” Advocacy Program. It is designed to help credit unions focus their activities and track advocacy efforts, by dividing advocacy efforts into five sections: political advocacy, contributions, financial education, philosophy in action and community action. “You Make the Difference” demonstrates how a wide range of activities contribute to the overall success of credit unions AND have a political impact. Each credit union, no matter the size, can achieve the highest level of advocacy achievement and be rewarded for those efforts. Rewards range from dress-down days and charitable contributions to a paid registration to CUNA’s GAC. Our goal is to have all Missouri credit unions participate in “You Make the Difference” and keep Missouri credit unions’ political momentum going, even when there isn’t a legislative issue to discuss. Helping every credit union employee, volunteer and member recognize that “you make a difference” when it comes to the future of Missouri’s credit unions is the key to our advocacy efforts and continued success.
MONTANA
HELENA–The Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD) has done much to lay the groundwork for effective advocacy efforts in Montana. From modest beginnings in 2002, MCUCD has evolved into a dynamic nonprofit subsidiary of the Montana Credit Union Network. Because it has both Community Development Financial Institution and 501(c)3 status, MCUCD can work directly with credit unions, non-profit organizations, and policy makers in local county, and state government. This has led to the ability to develop a strong base of financial and programmatic support for a variety of programs that improve the social and financial well-being of their members by addressing the real needs in their community.
MCUCD’s work aids credit union advocacy in a number of ways. First, the grant programs and partnerships that MCUCD has developed allow credit unions to implement projects that reflect the credit union mission. It is also a way to activate and energize credit union staff and volunteers, who have opportunity to provide services that directly benefit their members and communities. And, finally, Montana’s credit unions have become strong, well-respected partners for non-profits and policy makers.
This work is a source of many great “credit union stories.” In the future, we hope to find ways to open up avenues and organize ways for local credit union staff, members, and volunteers to share those credit union stories with key policy makers, the press, and the general public.
NEBRASKA
OMAHA–The Nebraska Credit Union League’s strongest tool when it comes to advocacy is its dedicated volunteers. Each year, dozens of volunteers make the trip to Washington for CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference. Their selfless efforts on behalf of Nebraska’s credit unions underscores the strength and vitality of the credit union industry. Along with league and credit union staff, Nebraska’s volunteers visit their congressional delegation to advocate for positive changes in federal law and regulation that will help credit unions better serve their members. The league continues to work with member credit unions to get more political involvement from volunteers at both the state and federal levels via legislative liasons, participation in political conferences like the GAC and Hike the Hill, and legislative activities within the state. There is no doubt that when volunteers’ speak...lawmakers’ listen. They are truly the face of credit unions’ and our greatest asset.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
MANCHESTER–New Hampshire has a long and proud history of political involvement. The residents of the Granite State have demonstrated that they are not willing to accept a passive role in the government of their state or their country, be that by virtue of having the largest citizen legislature in the country or the fact that they continue to have the nation’s first presidential primary. Politics are personal in New Hampshire.
Each year the New Hampshire Credit Union League sponsors a legislative breakfast at the State Capitol in Concord N.H. The packed event draws large crowds of lawmakers and credit union officials. Another of this type of event was a reception for the credit union community at the Governor’s Ceremonial Residence held shortly after his election.
These events, together with the work credit union leaders do in their individual communities, clearly reinforce the credit union commitment to the personal and individual nature of politics in the Granite State.
NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE–One of the Credit Union Association of New Mexico’s most effective advocacy efforts has been making credit union representatives visible and readily available to every lawmaker during our state’s annual legislative session. To facilitate this goal, we spearhead weekly visits to all 112 lawmakers’ offices while the legislature is in session. During the visits, credit union volunteers and association staff deliver bags of candy.
The candy deliveries began as a way to meet and talk to lawmakers and their staffs. We started tying CU “factoids” to each bag delivered and also, this year, inserted our governmental affairs contact’s business card. Also, the first year we arrived unannounced but now send letters before the session to let them know we are coming and what the credit union mission is. The candy deliveries have been amazingly effective in raising awareness and goodwill and also raise our credit unions’ awareness of the legislative process.
These visits are one piece of our ambitious plan to improve grassroots efforts and expand advocacy efforts through networking and fund-raising. So far we’ve moved toward these goals by strengthening our PACs and meeting regularly with local and national legislators to discuss concerns and show them the credit union difference. As a result of these meetings, Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM) has signed on to the CURIA bill.
NEW YORK
LATHAM–We believe our most successful advocacy effort is the ability to provide leadership to our credit unions when action is necessary. For example, in 2007, league-led CU advocacy defeated state legislation to tax credit unions. NYSCUL communicated the “call to action” via our publications and through our Political Action Network of credit union advocates. We made it as easy as possible for credit unions to work to defeat the bill by providing sample letters, petitions, and organizing meetings. A great sense of satisfaction was felt by all when the bill was withdrawn, and we used it as a lesson to all credit unions that the bankers can win over a lawmaker at any time, so relationships with lawmakers and staff must be created and then continually maintained. NYSCUL always strives to facilitate and increase the number of “touch points” credit unions have with their lawmakers–from chapter-wide legislative networking events, to credit union visits to district offices and legislator visits to credit unions, to increased support for political efforts and campaign involvement.
NORTH CAROLINA
GREENSBORO–The North Carolina Credit Union League has supported Hike the Hill since CUNA introduced it 10 years ago. In addition, we also implemented a similar state-level initiative called State Capital Connections.
North Carolina credit unions are likewise engaged in all facets of the political process, but of all the things we do in North Carolina, the most important aspect is local credit union participation.
North Carolina credit unions have elevated their level of participation in the election process–endorsing candidates, volunteering on campaigns, raising money, and using partisan communications to help elect and re-elect our credit union friends.
These individual efforts reached new heights during the 2007 August Congressional recess. Mel Watt, North Carolina’s ranking House Financial Services Committee member, worked behind the teller line at Charlotte Metro Credit Union. Our newest member of the House, Heath Shuler, headlined Champion Credit Union’s member appreciation day that drew nearly 1,000 members. All told, credit unions found ways to meet with 11 of our 15 Congressional members during the recess.
Each year we add new layers of participation and grow our collective involvement. The net result is that our elected officials see a constant and consistent level of participation in the political process from credit unions in North Carolina.
NORTH DAKOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA
BISMARCK–Given the unique political environment in which Mid-America and our affiliated credit unions operate, a very important component of our advocacy effort is directly linked to each of our Governmental Affairs Committees. Both North and South Dakota have their own distinct committee, focused primarily on their respective issues.
With that being said, each committee is devoted to a grassroots approach. This includes periodic phone calls and e-mails to every credit union, giving each an update on legislative and political issues.
Furthermore, each committee is active in promoting a yearly legislative night at chapter meetings, setting up personal visits with state legislators, organizing an annual legislative social, and attending CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference.
Even though each state house is made up of “non-professional” legislators, and our sessions are rather miniscule in comparison to other, larger states, our grassroots effort has evolved into a year-round program. Every GAC member is enthusiastic about promoting credit union issues and furthering the overall credit union movement in both Bismarck, N.D. and Pierre, S.D.
OHIO
DUBLIN–The Ohio Credit Union League’s advocacy philosophy stresses the importance of “visibility” through consistency and diversity. Ohio policymakers vary economically and philosophically; it takes more than a single effort to ensure community leaders hear our message.
Traditional grassroots measures such as face-to-face meetings with legislators and credit union leaders are highly important. In addition to hikes and CU tours, the league hosts an annual Public Affairs Forum highlighted by a state legislative reception.
Public advocacy materials are also important to the league’s efforts. A Creditorial – which are one-page issue papers to inform public officials about financial issues of importance to Ohioans–and informational postcards are distributed regularly to state and federal legislators. They help decision-makers better understand the CU “difference.”
Involving legislators in CU community outreach programs is also effective. The league invites policymakers to state conferences and media events. Our latest initiative is the MoneyAndStuff financial education campaign. Legislators have enthusiastically attended our media events to endorse this effort. Witnessing the CU movement firsthand proves to be invaluable.
The Ohio League is constantly improving and refining its advocacy efforts, and seeking new ways to share the message of credit unions through traditional or non-traditional means. Consistency and sustainability is critical.
OREGON
BEAVERTON–Oregon has a very strong Credit Union Advocacy program. We have encouraged each credit union to designate at least one person to be responsible for governmental and legislative activities. We have over 200 CU Advocates who are ready to respond to our Calls To Action, “Hike the Hill,” attend CU Day at the Capitol, attend the CUNA GAC, participate in town hall meetings with our members of Congress, and provide information to their board and staff. For the past two years we have held very successful CU Advocate trainings around the state. These are free trainings for current and new CU Advocates.
One of our most effective advocacy efforts is Project Participation–CULAC Month. Each July, designated to raise money for CULAC, we create a new theme that ties into what is happening legislatively at the state or national level.
We send out a packet with our theme, event calendar and posters to hang in the credit union lunchroom. We strive for 100% participation from credit union staff and volunteers. We give examples of the dollar amount that should be raised based on salary.
This program gets all levels of staff involved from the tellers to management as well as volunteers. Every year we have increased the number of individuals contributing and the dollars raised. We wouldn’t be successful without our CU Advocates getting everyone involved at their credit union.
Project Differentiation is an area that we would like to improve. It is challenging to try to get new credit unions to devote the time to create their Statement of Commitment. For the ones that have completed one, it is challenging to get them to keep it updated.
PENNSYLVANIA
HARRISBURG–In Pennsylvania, as in many other states, advocacy is the No. 1 priority of our Association.
In addition to our world-class advocacy efforts in the state legislature, with the state Banking Department, in state and federal courts, and with government agencies at all levels, 2007 saw the implementation of the most aggressive public advocacy effort in the history of Pennsylvania’s credit union movement, the iBelong campaign.
Using a series of statewide television spots, radio spots, Internet marketing opportunities, and our newly-created ibelong.org website, Pennsylvania’s credit unions have pooled their resources to improve credit union awareness and increase growth.
This statewide public advocacy effort has been embraced by our member credit unions so much so that many are using it to co-brand their individual credit unions and fully integrating it into their own marketing efforts.
While we are early in this 18-month process, there are a number of signs our iBelong campaign is working as envisioned, including extremely strong web traffic, positive strides towards increased credit union awareness, and the beginnings of improved credit union membership and asset growth. It is our hope that the iBelong campaign will continue to show positive results throughout 2008 and beyond.
For interested Credit Union Journal readers, please visit ibelong.org to view the spots and other components of the campaign.
RHODE ISLAND
WARWICK–A successful credit union legislative advocacy effort results from harnessing the energy of many committed organizations and individuals. Formal legislative programs, together with the informal relationships nurtured on a local level, come together to create a powerful position from which a clear message can be voiced.
Recently, the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island has initiated an annual legislative program. On a day that the Governor of the Ocean State recognizes as Credit Union Day in Rhode Island, credit union officials and lawmakers meet together for a program and networking at the Rhode Island State Capital in Providence.
This program provides the opportunity to combine the extensive local networks that Rhode Island credit union officials have built through their own commitments to political activism together with a focused event that demonstrates the strength and size of the credit union community in Rhode Island.
SOUTH CAROLINA
COLUMBIA–During the HR 1151 battle in 1997, the South Carolina Credit Union League asked member credit unions to provide a breakdown of their membership by ZIP Code. We matched that information to the ZIP Codes associated with South Carolina’s six Congressional Districts, resulting in estimated numbers of constituents who were credit union members.
This data–especially when coupled with CUNA–commissioned survey data indicating that credit union members registered to vote and voted at higher percentages than the general population–gave us a strong position from which to request support for pertinent legislation.
Our unnamed concept was the very basic forerunner of CUNA’s Project ZIP Code, which we proudly promote today. While current figures account for approximately 80% of South Carolina’s credit union membership, our ideal vision is to have all Palmetto State credit unions process their Project ZIP Code data, update it multiple times per year, and use the results at every opportunity.
TEXAS
DALLAS–The 2005 Legislative Session in Texas centered on a bruising tax fight. While the state wrestled with providing property tax relief, there was no question that everything was on the table–including our tax exemption.
The House committee was given the bill by leadership, who insisted on no exemptions/changes to their plan.
When the proposal hit the House floor, our tax exemption was gone. In one week we activated every aspect of our grassroots machine. We supported a coalition concerned about protecting the tax exemption of all not for profits–like hospitals and, of course, credit unions. In just a one-week period, we had 5,000 e-mails and 1,000 phone calls flooding key lawmakers from key contacts in their districts. We were getting calls from lawmakers saying “turn it off!”
The bill failed. The bill died, and our message was received. In 2006, a different plan passed that protected the worthy exemption, and credit unions that owned property ended up with a net tax cut rather than a new tax.
Even with that success, we are still looking for ways to improve. Our goal now is to build a larger grassroots army we can mobilize as needed. We are exploring the “1/2 of 1%” grassroots model from Colorado. Because there is no question that if we can get our members activated, it makes a difference.
UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY–Clearly the strongest element of advocacy for Utah’s credit unions over the recent past has been their willingness to expressly advocate for the election or defeat of a given political candidate. Having a credit union or a group of credit unions run ads on what makes them special is one thing. Telling your members who should or should not hold public office is quite another. It takes some institutional fortitude to stand up in the electoral process and Utah credit unions have done and are doing it at every level.
Initially crossing the barrier to express political advocacy is the real challenge. Utah credit union members now expect their credit union to endorse candidates for office.
VERMONT
BURLINGTON–When the association began its effort to modernize Vermont’s state credit union statutes in 2003, we instituted a long-term plan to encourage increased advocacy involvement on the part of credit union leaders. To demonstrate our commitment to that plan, we hired a lobbying firm that understood credit union values, increased our daily presence in the statehouse, and introduced credit union leaders to key legislators serving on important committees.
Four years later, this long-term strategy is paying huge dividends for our credit unions, both at home in Vermont and in Washington. Our leaders are very involved in annual events like CUs in the Statehouse, Hike the Hill, and the GAC. They know their involvement is critical, because as consumers increase their awareness of the benefits credit unions offer, so too do our detractors increase their efforts to prevent us from serving more people. Going forward, we plan to do even more to connect key legislators with our credit union leaders. Our goal is to encourage an ongoing dialogue between the leaders of our movement and our elected officials that will allow credit unions to help all consumers achieve financial success and well-being.
WASHINGTON
FEDERAL WAY–Overall, the most effective advocacy effort we’ve seen is the quantum shift in how credit union executives perceive their own roles. Credit union executives are now seeing themselves as “advocate in chief” on behalf of their credit union–responsible for conveying the credit union message to lawmakers, regulators, the press and their communities. We’re also seeing tomorrow’s leadership coached on the importance of legislative and regulatory advocacy and their roles as stewards of the credit union movement. We’ll need to build on this momentum in the future in order to grow, serve our members, keep up with our competitors in the financial services industry, and gradually take control of the universe.
WEST VIRGINIA
PARKERSBURG–Our most effective advocacy effort has been the commitment demonstrated by our credit unions to make regular, meaningful visits to our Congressional lawmakers at least twice per year. The league-sponsored visits are usually in the heat of the D.C. summer or during the winter chill of February and require budgeting time and money. We can specifically point to bankruptcy reform legislation which seemed to languish in the Congress for many years. Our unified message to pass the bill seemed redundant after numerous visits and was often overshadowed by other more pressing matters in the Congress. There were a few occasions where a congressional staffer moved on so we had to educate the new contact on the urgency of bankruptcy reform.
To their credit, our [West Virginia] credit union folks stuck to their guns, did not become discouraged, and were able to persuade our delegation to support this legislation when it came up for a vote. Moving forward, we intend to expand our key contact list by identifying credit union representatives willing and able to join us in our lobbying efforts.
WISCONSIN
PENAUKEE–Wisconsin’s most effective advocacy effort has been the empowerment of CU Activists. To date, the league has recruited more than 740 Activists–more than tripling our ranks within two years. We have organized activist training sessions across the state that educate credit union staff, board members and volunteers. The sessions focus on strategies and tactics for delivering thoughtful and compelling stories of member service to Wisconsin’s public officials, local leaders and the public in general.
Drawing on their deep commitment to the movement, activists themselves have raised the profile of CUs in Wisconsin by utilizing information and strategies from the trainings. As activists grow stronger and more independent in their actions, the league’s role transforms into one of support rather than instruction.
We are in the process of creating an online resource center that will help activists share their experiences, and provide them with new and relevant advocacy tools that enhance their efforts.
