Telling the credit union story to enhance advocacy

A panel discussion at the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) Winter Conference Tuesday focused on how advocacy messages are tailored to reflect the priorities of policymakers and their constituents. 

America's Credit Unions Board members Keith Sultemeier (President/CEO of Kinecta Federal Credit Union) and Patty Corkery (President/CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League) joined their fellow AACUL Board member and MD|DC Credit Union Association President/CEO John Bratsakis to share insights into how leagues, America's Credit Unions, and credit unions work cooperatively to enhance these conversations.

The group discussed how important clearly explaining the credit union difference is to ensuring policymakers understand the industry's impact on people and communities. Being able to tie community outreach to actual policies creates significant influence in their decisions and helps advance credit union-supported legislation.

Sultemeier shared how Kinecta engages lawmakers locally, hosting elected officials when they are in district. Corkery emphasized how the Michigan League utilizes its foundation to build financial education and awareness in the state, and to host events that reinforce impact with policymakers. Bratsakis detailed how leagues work together and with their credit unions to build collaboration across state lines.

The discussion was moderated by Wisconsin Credit Union League Vice President of System Collaboration Josh Roberts.

America's Credit Unions relies on direct feedback from member credit unions and leagues to identify policy opportunities and develop advocacy strategy. America's Credit Unions and AACUL intentionally have positions on their boards for each other's members to ensure System-wide representation. Working together and participating in advocacy events, such as Hill Hikes, brings the credit union difference directly to policymakers.