Sharpen Your Advocacy Skills — Join GoWest’s Free Virtual Advocacy Training, Aug. 13–14

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on July 16, 2025

Oregon State Rep. Tawna Sanchez with Oregon Credit Unions

Ready to amplify your credit union’s impact? Join GoWest Credit Union Association for a free, two-part virtual Advocacy 101 Training workshop on Aug. 13–14 — designed to empower professionals at every level with the tools, insights, and strategies to become confident and effective advocates.

This interactive series will show how the powerful, everyday stories from your credit union connect directly to influencing policy and advancing the Credit Union Movement. You’ll leave with a personal engagement plan tailored to your role and goals.

Led by GoWest’s advocacy leaders Chris Kemm, VP of Political Affairs, and Jordan Beyer, AVP of Grassroots Advocacy, the sessions will cover:

• What it means to be a credit union advocate today
• How to craft compelling messages around the Credit Union Difference
• Practical tips for engaging policymakers and communities
• Myths and realities of lobbying and grassroots advocacy

Special guest speakers will also join to share real-world advice and proven strategies that help your voice resonate with the right audiences.

“Effectively advocating for credit unions and communicating the Credit Union Difference is key to protecting and advancing our ability to serve members for generations to come,” said Beyer. “Advocacy 101 lays the foundation by helping you tap into the power of your credit union’s story while gaining a deeper understanding of GoWest’s unique approach to advocacy.”

Why attend?

This is an opportunity to learn new advocacy techniques directly from GoWest legislative affairs experts. Participants will sharpen their credit union advocacy message and develop an even deeper advocacy network by connecting with other passionate credit union advocates.

Skills you will enhance:

• Develop a greater understanding of the ways to engage in credit union advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels
• Create a personal and credit union advocacy
• Learn the basics of how to communicate with elected officials and articulate the Credit Union Difference to move the needle on credit union legislation

Colorado State Rep. Matthew Martinez with Southern Colorado Credit Unions

Who Should Attend?

This free program is intended for anyone who has an interest in honing their advocacy skills. From member service representatives to CEOs, if you have a passion for advocacy — talking with elected officials and others about the Credit Union Movement — then this program is a great fit for you.

Schedule

Wednesday, Aug. 13 – There are three time slots to choose from on Day 1.

Choose one only:

• Option 1: 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m. PT | 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. MT
• Option 2: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT | 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m. MT
• Option 3: 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. PT | 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m. MT

Thursday, Aug. 14 – Participants will come together for a single session on Day 2:

• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. MT

Advocacy participation and engagement across credit union roles are key to helping credit unions make a positive impact in their communities. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this training is a must-attend event.

Click HERE to learn more and register.

Advocacy 201

“Advocacy 201 takes us into the details of the several programs and strategies GoWest uses to move the needle on issues important to credit unions,” Beyer further explained. “These trainings are for anyone but especially helpful for folks just getting started in their advocacy journey.”

If you have already attended or plan on attending Advocacy 101 in August, click HERE for details on GoWest’s Advocacy 201 Session coming on Sept. 3.

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