Elevating small credit unions’ voice to tackle advocacy challenges

With a goal of gathering direct input from small credit unions to better target advocacy efforts, America’s Credit Unions’ Small Credit Unions Advocacy Advisory Panel met for the first time Tuesday. Consisting of 33 leaders from across the country, the group was formed in response to strong interest from small credit unions seeking greater involvement in shaping policy priorities.

America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson, along with advocacy and membership/engagement leaders, provided an update on the latest advocacy efforts including NCUA’s Deregulation Project, efforts to raise the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act reporting threshold, and the many ways credit unions can provide America’s Credit Unions feedback to inform advocacy.

Members of the group shared their personal stories dealing with regulatory burdens, examinations, and the importance of raising the Currency Transaction Report threshold. They also shared operational challenges facing many small credit unions, and how America’s Credit Unions, leagues, and credit unions can work together on solutions, including coordinating state-level advocacy.

The group will meet every other month going forward.