Recess Time is Perfect for Advocate Constituent Engagement

Posted by Pam Leavitt on July 30, 2025

Credit Union Advocates and Key Contacts can maximize their impact during elected officials’ summer district visits by strategically planning engagement that is personal, visible, and action-focused. The Summer recess, particularly in August for Members of Congress, offers rare opportunities to influence policy as lawmakers return to their home districts and are generally more accessible.  State Legislators are also home from their legislative session, and now through the end of the year is a great time for a “coffee meeting” to discuss the credit union difference.

Key strategies to maximize impact include:

• Organize Site Visits: Invite elected officials to tour your credit union or participate in a volunteer activity so they can directly observe your impact and hear personal stories from their credit unions and constituents.
• Leverage Town Halls and Community Events: Attend town halls and encourage your staff, board or other key contacts to participate. These public forums allow you to engage with elected officials in their communities.
• Prepare and Delegate Effectively: Assign clear roles to group members (such as lead facilitator, story sharer, and data presenter) and rehearse your core messages ahead of the visit. Know the elected official’s background to find common ground and tailor your message to resonate with their interests and legislative priorities.
• Coordinate with Coalitions when appropriate.  We can expand our impact by collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders who share your goals. Coordinated appearances at events and joint messaging increase visibility and demonstrate broad community support.
• Follow Up Promptly: Within 24 hours, thank officials and their staff for their participation, reiterate key points, and include supplemental materials. Consistent follow-up builds lasting relationships and keeps your issues on their agenda.
• Make a Direct Ask: Always have a concrete, actionable request (support for the credit union structure or specific regulatory support) tailored to our advocacy goal. This ensures meetings are not just informative but also drive toward clear, policy-related outcomes.  Please make sure to work with the GoWest team prior to any visits!
• Document and Share Successes: Take photos and capture testimonials during visits or events. Share these on social media and in follow-up communications to reinforce your message and celebrate engagement milestones.

By combining these tactics—visits to the credit union, visible public engagement, and disciplined follow-up— credit union advocates can maximize the effectiveness of summer engagement and leave a lasting impression on policymakers before they return to legislative sessions.

GoWest is planning several in-person events, If you are interested in attending any of these, please contact Evan Brandaw, GoWest’s Director, Federal Affairs.

• Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3): Wednesday August 13, Vancouver
• Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-6): Friday August 15, Wilsonville
• Rep. Maxine Dexter (OR-3): Monday, August 18, Portland
• Sen. Ron Wyden (OR): Thursday, August 21, Portland

The GoWest Grassroots and Political Advocacy team is willing and able to assist with coordinating visits, helping to strategize engagement, and preparing advocates for meetings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them, or any member of the advocacy team:

Pam Leavitt, Sr. Vice President of Regional Grassroots and Political Programs/Legislative Affairs for Oregon

Jordan Beyer, AVP, Grassroots Advocacy

Chris Kemm, AVP, Political Engagement

Don’t forget about Credit Union Conversations, too. It’s a great place to engage with your peers, as well as the GoWest team. Through this tool, you have access to a peer network that can help support you and your team. You can use Conversations to ask questions, solicit advice and resources, share hot topics and intelligence with other credit unions, and grow your network. You can access it here. 

Make sure you reach out to your state lobbyist before you engage with lawmakers. They can help and we want to know all the great connections you’re making!

Posted in Advocacy on the Move.