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Advocacy Season Kicks Off: Why Your Voice Matters at the Capitol 

Posted by on January 14, 2026

Washington Credit Union Day at the Capitol 2025

As the new year unfolds, legislative sessions across the GoWest region are already underway — or will be soon. Throughout these sessions, policymakers debate and decide on issues affecting communities, families, businesses, and local economies. For credit unions and their members, this is more than just another season on the political calendar — it’s a call to show up, speak out, and be counted. 

Whether or not a credit union-specific piece of legislation is on the docket, states will shape policy that impacts financial services, small business development, the economic climate, and consumer protections, so engagement is necessary. From budgets and regulatory discussions to housing policy and community investment priorities, the actions taken in these chambers influence how credit unions can grow, innovate, and continue serving the people and places that need them most. 

With the direction and input of each state’s Government Affairs Committee and State Issues Working Group, a legislative agenda has been set to position credit unions as proactive and influential participants in this critical season.

 

Why Now Matters: Credit Union Day at the Capitol

 

Oregon Credit Union Day at the Capitol 2025

For credit union advocates, there couldn’t be a more important time than when the legislature is in session. That’s why Credit Union Day at the Capitol (DAC) in each state is crucial. This is an opportunity to elevate the voice of credit unions directly in the halls of power. 

This day isn’t just symbolic. It’s where relationships are nurtured, stories are shared, and understanding is fostered between legislators and the credit union community. It’s where the real impact of credit union service — to families, small businesses, and underserved populations — can be heard firsthand.

 

A Unified, Strong Voice Matters

Credit unions don’t just serve members — they serve communities. They play a critical role in: 

  • Supporting local economies: Offering consumer and business lending that fuels Main Street, not just Wall Street. 
  • Listening to members: As member-owned financial co-ops, credit unions reflect the needs and priorities of real people and real neighborhoods. 
  • Serving the underserved: Providing fair, accessible financial services to people often overlooked by traditional banking. 
  • Representing voters: With millions of members across the region, credit unions represent large, engaged populations whose voices matter at the ballot box. 

When credit union advocates come together at the Capitol, they bring this reality into sharp focus. They help lawmakers understand the impact of their decisions and the value of policies that support community-based financial institutions.

 

Your Voice Has Power

Every credit union employee who participates strengthens the message that credit unions are essential. When you share your stories — about serving a small business owner, about helping a family buy their first home, about offering financial education to someone trying to build a better future — you’re reminding elected officials what matters most.

 

Register Today for Your State’s Credit Union Day at the Capitol

Credit Union Day at the Capitol events kick off next week in Idaho, followed by Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, and Arizona. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with policymakers and share your stories of impact. You can get more information and register here.

 

Keep up with Advocacy Season – Subscribe to On The Move

Advocacy remains job one at GoWest, and the first quarter of 2026 is focused on elevating credit union voices with state policymakers across the region. DACs help reinforce the power of a unified, credible presence at the Capitol, ensuring lawmakers understand who credit unions serve, the communities they strengthen, and the millions of voters they represent. As sessions kick off and advocacy season is underway, make sure you’re signed up for the Advocacy On The Move blog to stay up to date on important updates as they happen. 

Posted in Across the Region, Advocacy, Arizona, Colorado, Events, Idaho, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming, Young Professionals.

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