Seize the Day: Four Tips for Advancing Your Credit Union

Katie Marisic, Director of Political Affairs, NAFCUby: Katie Marisic, Director of Political Affairs, NAFCU

With the upcoming general election looming large, the timing is perfect to boost your advocacy efforts by establishing credibility in your community as the go-to expert on credit union issues.

You want to be the one that elected officials turn to when they have a question about credit union concerns.  These four simple tips will help position you as a trusted resource with your Congressman or Senator.

  • Be a Resource – Your institutional knowledge about credit unions can be a valuable resource to a candidate or Member of Congress.  There are a myriad of legislative issues that Congress deals with on a daily basis.  With everything on their plate, it is safe to say that they don’t have the knowledge about the credit union industry and the issues affecting member-owners like you.  Candidates, as well as journalists, are in the same boat.  Reach out to and visit with the candidate you support and offer your insight to help them better understand the issues and our industry’s perspective.  Be honest and offer clear-cut facts so they view you as a credible source of information.  Let them know they can call you any time with questions or for clarity on an issue and how it affects credit unions and their members.  Make it about them, not about you.
  • Be Ready – Collect salient data and keep it handy and current.  This way you can provide fact sheets and talking points on your credit union when asked.  Contact NAFCU’s Government Affairs staff to find out helpful information like: how many credit unions are in your Congressman’s district, their voting record on key credit union issues and whether or not they have an established relationship with a member in your district. Have a story, a good example of how your credit union has helped with a mortgage, car or business loan.  Be prepared to share your stories about the active roll your credit union plays in the community.
  • Be Active – Attend fundraisers and local town hall meetings, get to know your congressional representatives’ staff, as well as the journalists that cover them.  Check out their Facebook pages and follow them on Twitter to stay in touch and learn what is of interest to them.  Participate in advocacy campaigns and visit NAFCU’s Grassroots Action Center to send them emails.  Send them your latest credit union news, and let them know about the community events your credit union participates in.
  • Be Involved – One of the best ways to be involved is by attending NAFCU’s Congressional Caucus, Sept. 11-14 at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.  This meeting offers you a unique opportunity to have your voice heard.  Additionally, you can hone your skills at Caucus by attending the “Lobbying 101” and “Top Five Effective Strategies for Media Relations” sessions.  Congressional Caucus is a prime opportunity for you to engage with lawmakers and regulators!

As with all NAFCU events, NAFCU’s Congressional Caucus is open to all credit unions, not just NAFCU members.

Now, get busy.  You’ve got lots of work to do before you hit the voting booth.

Katie Marisic became NAFCU’s director of political affairs in July 2011. She is responsible for the development, implementation and execution of NAFCU’s political programs, including its PAC and grassroots outreach.

Marisic administers NAFCU’s Political Action Committee (NAFCU/PAC) and manages critical grassroots and coalition-building activities that impact credit union issues on Capitol Hill.

Marisic joined NAFCU in 2009 as associate director of political affairs. Prior to working at NAFCU, she gained experience at a private consulting firm, where she raised money for congressional candidates, state and local campaigns, and not-for-profit organizations. From 2004 to 2005, she served as director of public affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

A native of Pennsylvania, Marisic is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology.  www.nafcu.org

Katie Marisic

Katie Marisic

Katie Marisic became NAFCU’s director of political affairs in July 2011. She is responsible for the development, implementation and execution of NAFCU’s political programs, including its PAC and ... Web: www.nafcu.org Details