Over the past six months, it's clear all corners of our industry have shown unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the credit union difference. We've all stepped up—in force—through Hill meetings, comments and letters, grassroots alerts, emails, phone calls, op-eds, public testimony, and more. We’ve all been extremely driven through deliberate and continuous advocacy. And we’ve made a difference.
But there’s one critical piece still missing in how we tell our story: the voices behind the mission.
We’ve shared data. We’ve explained our structure. But the most powerful way to move policymakers, shift public opinion, and preserve the not-for-profit model that sets credit unions apart is through storytelling—by elevating the real-life experiences of the people and communities we serve.
I still carry with me a lesson from my time as an Active-Duty broadcaster in the Air Force: the power of storytelling.
Media training taught me the technical side—but it was out in the field, behind the camera, where I saw how transformative a well-told story could truly be.
Sure, I heard the playful digs from my Security Forces friends about my PA/Broadcaster AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) being “cushy” or “pencil-pushing”—and yes, I did have fun doing the job. But what I really took away from that experience was something far deeper: the privilege of sharing the mission behind every squadron, every command, and every individual wearing the uniform.
One of the most meaningful assignments I was given came directly from the base commander—a joint task mission video highlighting the many operations across the joint base/installation. From the Brig and Naval Weapons Station to NPTU, Deployable Logistics, Airdrop and Airlift, SPAWAR, and more, I was tasked with telling the story of how every contributor—every detachment, command, contractor, and service member—was critical to the total Air Mobility Mission.
That was the real honor: being entrusted to bring it all together and show how the pieces fit. To create understanding. To build support. To help others see the why behind the mission. And to see that aid my leadership, my commander, during his Total Air Force brief.
That same principle, I believe, applies now more than ever. Bringing frontline stories—real, lived experiences—to the people shaping policy and regulation is essential to both mission support and meaningful change. How often do we all jump to conclusions or operate on assumptions before hearing directly from the source?
This isn’t to diminish the incredible advocacy already being done across the credit union movement. But I think we must remember: data can drive decisions—but stories inspire action! And every level of our movement has a voice worth sharing!
DCUC has been strategizing both internally, and with fellow advocates during its joint industry meetings, to launch a coordinated, industry-wide communication plan, bringing our collective voice to the national stage. And we want you with us.
This is not one association’s campaign or a single sector’s moment. This is about all of us—every corner of the credit union movement. We’re calling on every trade association, state league, credit union CEOs, frontline credit union employee, and advocate to come together under a single, clear, and compelling message: Credit unions deliver purpose-driven financial services that change lives.
Together, we’ll aim to take this message where it needs to go, ensuring policymakers hear not just what credit unions do, but who we all serve and why it matters. We’re proposing a roundtable panel from our industry, a joint op-ed, and letter to Senate leadership representing the full diversity of the movement.
This isn’t a top-down push. It’s a call for collaboration.
We all know the genuine, personable, and critical value credit unions bring to America’s financial services industry. And we know the threats we face. Opponents continue to distort our mission, painting our tax-exempt status as a loophole rather than the purposeful, bipartisan-supported recognition it is. Not only should we continue to correct that narrative, we believe we must go on offense.
We’ve seen what happens when the credit union voice goes unheard—Australia lost 96% of its credit unions after taxation was introduced. That cannot be our future here in America.
So, we’re asking: will you join us?
Let’s unite around one message, one strategy, one voice—amplified by many. Let’s ensure every perspective in our movement is seen, heard, and represented. Let’s show the nation—and Congress—that we’re not just a financial alternative. We’re a financial necessity for more than 140 million Americans, including our service members, veterans, families, small businesses, and rural, underserved, or abandoned communities.
If you’re ready to stand with us—or want to learn more—please reach out. This effort belongs to all of us. Let’s tell the credit union story the way it was meant to be told: authentically, boldly, and together.
