Get involved!

by. Dan Berger

This week, hundreds of credit union representatives from around the nation have joined in Washington for NAFCU’s Congressional Caucus. This is an annual event where credit union leaders can hear directly from their elected officials, regulators and policy experts on the issues that matter most to them.

But I think the most important part of this conference is the opportunity it provides to credit unions: the ability to talk face-to-face with their elected U.S. senators and representatives and tell their stories. At NAFCU, our No. 1 job is to represent credit union issues and concerns before Congress and regulatory agencies, but when these elected officials hear directly from credit unions – their constituents – the impact is far greater.

While we only have this event once a year, there are myriad opportunities for credit union leaders to get involved and have their voices heard in their communities: meeting with lawmakers while they are visiting their district offices, getting involved at the local chamber of commerce, contributing to another community organization or even volunteering on a credit union board or committee seat.

I cannot overstate the importance of political involvement. No one can tell your story better than you can, and no one knows the needs of your credit union members better than you do. This is why you must keep sharing your concerns and needs with those who lay the groundwork for the rules you must follow.

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