League system steps up in huge way to support credit unions during pandemic
WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2020) — A recent American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) survey reveals the breadth and depth of support Leagues have provided to credit unions to help them effectively navigate the pandemic. All 35 AACUL members participated in the survey representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The results demonstrate the collective power of League advocacy and Leagues’ commitment to credit unions and their 123 million members.
Since mid-March, Leagues have held over 2,700 meetings with legislators, regulatory agencies, governors’ offices and leadership. In addition, leagues have hosted 1,475 different lawmakers and regulators – at both the state and federal level – to engage in dialogue with credit unions virtually.
“For years, the Credit Union League System has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support credit unions and their members – and they have continued to do so during this pandemic. The current crisis has brought some of these league efforts to the forefront,” explained Diana Dykstra, AACUL Chair and President and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. “I am very proud of the many and various ways leagues have supported credit unions during this crisis.”
“The League System leveraged well-established relationships with policymakers to advocate for credit unions, influencing 245 pandemic-related bills, governors’ orders and regulations. These ranged from
designating credit unions as essential services to remote notarization laws to making mortgage forbearance voluntary for credit unions.
Since travel was not required, the virtual environment boosted turnout for Hike the Hill events. 3,560 credit union employees and board members directly engaged with members of Congress, sharing priorities and articulating the credit union difference.
“The collaboration among leagues during this pandemic is a true testament to our movement – and credit unions nationwide have benefited greatly from this cooperation. It’s impressive how effectively and efficiently leagues have been operating on behalf of their credit unions. By openly sharing resources, expertise and key learnings, leagues have been able to provide the upmost value for their credit unions,” praised Brad Miller executive director of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues. “I’ve never been prouder to represent the League System as AACUL’s executive director.”
Just as collaboration among leagues has been key to supporting credit unions during these unprecedented times, so has league facilitation of collaboration among credit unions. Leagues hosted 1275 virtual meetings including town halls, forums, webinars, CEO calls, council calls, educational events, featuring almost 850 subject matter experts to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among credit unions and to inform credit unions about compliance, regulatory, HR and other pressing pandemic issues.
In addition, the League System also pivoted by adjusting 460 previously scheduled in-person events to be virtual. Over 4,300 resources were provided to credit unions through league COVID-19 microsites.
In addition to all the advocacy efforts and measures taken to support credit unions operationally, the Leagues System also donated almost $3.7 million to credit unions and community organizations in support of COVID relief.
About American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) is the national association for the state and regional credit union leagues/associations throughout the United States. AACUL’s mission is to leverage the collective power of Leagues to create advocacy wins for credit unions and build a strong network of credit union associations. We do this by providing advocacy support to yield impact, fostering collaboration and professional development for league staff, and representing the League System to the national association and other industry partners in order to protect and advance a vibrant credit union system.
