MAXX Session: Advocacy is Not Optional

Today’s Advocacy Engagement Workshop at MAXX was an opportunity for attendees to hear a high-level overview of the numerous advocacy touchpoints available to member credit unions.

Pam Leavitt, GoWest’s SVP of Regional Grassroots and Political Programs/Legislative Affairs for Oregon told the group, “We want advocacy and your engagement to be accessible and we’re elevating the tools available to help facilitate bold advocacy.”

With an average expected 20-30% turnover in legislatures, there is always a need to educate candidates and newly elected officials about the credit union difference and how they serve their communities.

“We’re here to provide training and resources for all levels,” Leavitt noted. From a new employee to an experienced advocate, attendees were challenged to put their advocacy plan together so “you can engage when you leave.”

Brian Holst, General Counsel for Elevations Credit Union (CO) emphasized the critical importance of knowing your legislators. “The biggest way we can have an impact on behalf of credit unions is to know our legislators and prioritize going to their events.”

Dennis Paul, VP of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships for Elevations Credit Union, and Thomas Boucher, Controller/Community Development Officer for North Coast CU (WA), offered wisdom and advice from their many years of advocating for credit unions.

Paul noted that, “Advocacy is not an option – if we don’t do it, we will be told what to do.” He added that “financial services is more challenging than ever – the headwinds our charter faces are stronger than ever. Advocacy is a team sport – the GoWest team helps introduce credit union friendly legislation. Our job is to come in behind legislation and talk about why it’s important. It’s also critical to know both the bank and credit union charters so that you can educate legislators about the difference.”

Kara Kirschner, Director of Organizational Development for First Credit Union (AZ) said the biggest takeaway for her was Paul’s statement that “advocacy is not an option.” She emphasized that “in order to remain viable and competitive it’s imperative that credit unions engage in robust advocacy efforts.”

Boucher emphasized leveraging community relationships “beyond the credit union – serve on boards, join chambers, join community groups that share your passions so that you’re aware of what’s happening in the community. Those engagements often help bring light to ways your credit union can get involved with community issues, such as workforce housing.”

He added, “Relationships with people who start on school boards, city councils, and, more, often are the building blocks to relationships in state legislatures as those people take on new roles in public service.”

The session also included a tabletop exercise for state-specific issues and strategy discussions. Credit union attendees around the room talked about the key issues they expect to see in the 2025 legislative sessions, as well as ways to work together.

Kamden Huntsman, Indirect Lending Rep/Loan Officer at Westmark Credit Union (ID), said his biggest takeaway, “is finding ways to break down the barriers of credit union competition – especially in the area of advocacy, I’m looking to find ways to work together to collaborate to advance our collective credit union agenda.”

Nelea Lem, Sales Manager for IQ Credit Union (WA), echoed the same sentiment. “It’s exciting soaking up all the resources available to us. I feel equipped to foster collaboration with other peers in the community to work together and partner with others that have the same last name of Credit Union to engage in bold advocacy.”

 

 

Posted in Advocacy on the Move.