PAC the House, Power the Movement: Why Now is the Time to Engage in Advocacy

Posted by Chris Kemm on July 25, 2025

As we look ahead to the 2026 elections, it’s more important than ever for credit union professionals to lean into the role we play in advocacy—not just as employees, but as protectors of our movement. With new legislative battles and political dynamics unfolding at every level, our Political Action Committee (PAC) work isn’t just timely—it’s essential. The upcoming PAC the House event at MAXX—taking place this year in Portland, Oregon—gives us a powerful opportunity to amplify our voice, engage new advocates, and raise critical funds to support candidates who understand and champion the credit union difference. Mark your calendars for the event, being held on Thursday, October 16th from 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.

PAC the House is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a high-energy, movement-building experience. It’s where advocates, young professionals, political leaders, and credit union champions gather to celebrate our wins and gear up for the road ahead. The dollars raised at this event directly support the candidates—on both sides of the aisle—who prioritize our members, our mission, and our ability to serve. With multiple federal and state races on the horizon, the 2026 election cycle will set the tone for our movement for years to come.

But we don’t need to wait until election season or MAXX to get involved. Advocacy starts in-house—at team meetings, in staff briefings, and through honest conversations about why PAC fundraising matters. Every credit union team should consider hosting a “PAC 101” session before the end of the year. It’s a chance to break down what a PAC actually does, how payroll deduction works, and why consistent contributions are our best long-term strategy. Start small: bring it up in a department meeting, post PAC facts in internal newsletters, or recognize team members who are already contributing.

As you prepare your teams for what’s next, here are a few to-dos:

• Host an internal PAC conversation. Make space at your next team meeting or training to talk about PAC and how advocacy directly supports your credit union’s mission. Bring the conversation to life by showing your team where your credit union currently ranks in political engagement compared to others in the movement—it’s a great motivator and conversation starter. You can also use the Advocacy Toolkit to guide the discussion and provide ready-made resources to support your efforts.
• Promote the MAXX experience. Encourage staff, especially young professionals or first-time attendees, to join us in Portland and attend PAC the House—it’s a great entry point to advocacy. Discover and register for MAXX 2025 – Portland, OR
• Share the why. Use real stories to show how policy impacts members. A personal connection often does more to inspire than a policy briefing.
• Make it easy to participate. If your credit union offers payroll deduction for PAC contributions, take time to walk team members through how to enroll or increase their commitment. Consider inviting GoWest’s advocacy team to help facilitate the conversation and introduce your staff to the long-term strategy behind sustained PAC giving. They can also share creative ideas on how to build internal momentum and recognize participation—turning political engagement into part of your culture.
• Celebrate engagement. Whether someone gives $5 or steps up as a PAC Champion, every voice matters—acknowledge it.

PAC work is not about politics—it’s about protecting our ability to serve. Every contribution helps ensure credit unions remain strong, member-focused, and free to innovate. So, whether you’re headed to Portland or cheering us on from home, now is the time to lean in. Let’s PAC the House, rally our teams, and fuel a fundraising effort that powers our political strength well into 2026. Every conversation, every contribution, and every new advocate brings us closer to a stronger, more unified movement. Even if you can’t attend MAXX in person, you can still be part of the impact—by planning, promoting, and supporting PAC the House from wherever you are. This is our moment. Let’s rise to it—together.

Contributions to ACU PAC are not tax deductible. Contributions are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move.