CUNA GAC: The perfect opportunity to Unite for Good
CUNA Government Affairs Conference (GAC) is just a few weeks away. This “must attend” event offers exceptional opportunities to learn from industry and world leaders—including keynote addresses from Tony Blair and Madeleine Albright. It also offers the chance to connect with both credit union peers and Washington policymakers to learn how to work together to tackle some of the country’s biggest financial services challenges.
CUNA has been working with its board, league presidents, system partners, and credit unions to on an initiative — Unite for Good – to drive forward our shared vision: Americans choose credit unions as their best financial partner. Unite for Good focuses on three key tasks: removing barriers, creating awareness and fostering service excellence.
How can credit unions begin to tackle these objectives? There’s a complete checklist online, but here’s a sampling of places to start.
Removing barriers:
This step focuses on government-linked actions and what better place to kick things off than at CUNA GAC? Attendees can join in the Capitol Hill trip, add a visit to the NCUA and schedule a meeting with their members of Congress—being sure to bring up the topic of regulatory burdens and the direct impact they have on both credit unions and the Congress member’s constituents. Keep the momentum going after GAC by assigning a point person to stay on top of legislation and commit to making regular connections with elected officials. The entire system will benefit if each credit union commits to being an informed, involved participants in the political process.
Creating awareness:
The credit union difference is alive and well, but the average consumer—and the average member of the media—has little to no understanding of how credit unions benefit the overall financial services marketplace. Credit unions can identify and pitch stories that illustrate why credit unions are Americans’ best financial partner—and send them on to CUNA and the state league for enhanced exposure. Other ways to help include joining community groups, supporting local events, and working to make a difference for the underserved in the community.
Fostering service excellence:
It’s easy to say that a credit union is member-centric—now’s the time to prove it! Credit unions must be competitive on rates, offer reasonable fees and free checking, and make sure members are getting the services and access they’re looking for, whether that means more ATMs, online resources, or shared branching. Credit unions must connect with members to understand what they value most and work hard to deliver it.
Now’s the time to Unite for Good in Washington!
