What’s Being Asked (and Answered) Across Credit Union Conversations

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on May 27, 2026

Credit Union Conversations make collaboration among credit unions easier than ever — and access to these valuable discussions is one of the many benefits of GoWest membership.

Available on the GoWest website, Credit Union Conversations are members-only online forums designed for credit union professionals to:

• Ask questions and get practical, real-world insights
• Share resources, best practices, and emerging trends
• Collaborate on common challenges and innovative solutions
• Expand professional networks across departments and states

Wondering what people are talking about?

Here’s a look at some of the most recent discussions in Conversations:

Compliance
I am reaching out to see if anyone has a vendor that they recommend for member verification. We are looking for someone who can help us verify members who call in.

Fraud and Risk Management
Are there CU’s here that use the IRS TIN Matching program directly with the IRS? If so, what has your experience been and are there pain points we should be aware of? If you’re using a third party provider I would also be interested in providers and a bit about your experience.

Grassroots and Political
I am reaching out to see if any of you that have internal advocacy committees would be willing to share how you have structured that committee within your organization.

HR and Trainers
We’re exploring ways to enhance our employee volunteer program and would love to learn from others. Does anyone have an established volunteer program at their credit union? If so, would you be willing to share an overview of what it includes?

Lenders
I am looking for recommendations on AVM reports that any of you are currently using right now for HELOCs and mortgage loans. For years, we have primarily used Freddie Mac’s Home Value Explorer (HVE) but that is going away at the end of July. If you know of any alternative reports that produce reliable values on real estate, please let me know.

Marketing
I am with a credit union in a small community. We have been working on pushing our name out to a further audience in our area. With some brainstorming we have thought to establish a digital presence on social media maybe something like a Facebook page. I am looking for any recommendations or advice on how to go about getting our credit union involved in Facebook or maybe if there is recommendations on other platforms similar.

There are additional Conversations for:

• Board Liaisons
• CDFI
• Chapter Board Leaders
• Collectors
• Executive Assistants
• Small Credit Unions
• Young Professionals

How to Join a Conversation

Your GoWest login credentials will grant you access to Credit Union Conversations. If you haven’t created those credentials, you can register here. Once logged in, click My Account and then Home to view all available conversations and to join in the discusssions.

Credit Union Conversations offers a welcoming space to connect with colleagues who understand your work and your challenges. It’s a simple way to stay informed, crowdsource solutions, and strengthen connections within the credit union movement.

If you have questions about Credit Union Conversations, please contact GoWest’s Training Team at [email protected].

Posted in Advocacy, Arizona, Board of Directors, Chapters, Colorado, Compliance Resources, Idaho, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Thought Leadership, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming, Young Professionals.