The recent NAFCU Congressional Caucus provided a parade of senators and congressman up to the microphone to address the hundreds of conference attendees. The elected officials spoke of all the good things credit unions do and praised the excellent financial services they provide along with pledging their strong support of the industry.
Along with all the compliments bestowed on credit unions by representatives of both sides of the political aisle, another aspect of many of the speeches was the same. The blame game was in full play as each party pointed the finger at the other as to why nothing is getting done.
Repeatedly, the Democrats blamed the Republicans for not moving legislation that would help benefit unions. In turn, the Republicans blamed the Democrats for not supporting financial reform. Neither party appeared to be ready to accept responsibility for the inaction.
Those in attendance at the NAFCU conference were able to experience first-hand why citizens across this country are fed up with the individuals they have sent to Washington to right the wrongs. It seems clear that regardless of which party controls Congress, there is no progress, no substance, no forward progression, no relief and no change in sight. Most agree, our federal government is dysfunctional and void of leadership.
Congress is unable to agree on simple financial reform that would help the credit union industry. How can anyone believe that they are capable of fixing the Social Security problem or passing meaningful immigration reform? Are both parties incapable of agreeing on what is best for this country? Based on the reports of the remarks made to NAFCU, many Congressmen made it clear that any possibility of agreement is a long way off.
If credit unions are serious about moving any of their legislation forward, they need to become aggressive and relentless. Going to the Hill to visit members of Congress, shaking their hands, listening to the same story they hear year after year and leaving thinking they have accomplished something is no longer acceptable. The nice-guy approach hasn't worked. It's time to change strategy.
Forget the Washington visits. When you're there, you are on their turf. They accommodate your visit knowing that you won't be back for another year. Out of sight, out of mind.
Get them on your turf. Get them where you work and live. Get them back in the district before the people they have been elected to represent. And then become aggressive and relentless. Coordinate visits to their district office very Saturday and every time they are in town. One credit union a week should be scheduled to make a visit. During the week, have board members and employees call and leave a message asking the Congressman to support a specific bill and ask they be called back on that bill's progress. If the Congressman schedules a town hall meeting, send representatives and ask questions. And make sure on Election Day you encourage every employee and member to vote for that person who will not only talk about credit unions but actually get something done.
Aggressive and relentless: one way to stop the blame game.
