Advocacy in 2021

The year has only just started, and it’s very clear that Congress has a lot to focus on to help our country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s why it’s so important that we tell our credit union story early and often. With attention on Capitol Hill at a premium for policymakers, we must remind them how important our mission is for our members—their constituents.

Fortunately, the work we do resonates on Capitol Hill: we help people, especially when they need it the most.

Our advocacy agenda was crafted to help more Americans achieve financial well-being for all, to help folks achieve more than just living paycheck to paycheck.

But no one will tell our story for us. You know how your credit union has helped your members keep the lights on or keep food on the table, but we can’t assume anyone else knows that.

Our own Ryan Donovan said it very well in CUInsight this week: It will take strong, constant advocacy to remind lawmakers about the value credit unions provide, and that starts with each one of us telling our story to the people who need to hear it.

Learn how to chase your dreams with change-maker Kevin Carroll

A childhood red rubber ball created community and opportunity for author/speaker Kevin Carroll and now serves as a powerful metaphor for chasing one’s dreams. Learn how to tap into your own “red rubber ball” and see the difference it can make for you, your credit union, and your members. Don’t miss Carroll’s thought-provoking, life-affirming presentation at CUNA GAC, March 2-4.

Register for 2021 CUNA GAC today >

CUNA, AACUC partner for scholarships, community

This week, we announced a strategic alliance with the African-American Credit Union Coalition to further diversity, equity and inclusion within the credit union movement. Together with AACUC, we will develop a scholarship program and online community for Black credit union professionals. AACUC is a DEI leader in the credit union industry, and we look forward to working alongside them.

2021 National Credit Union Youth Month theme announced

This year’s theme for National Credit Union Month is “Be a credit union saver and your savings will never go extinct.” Each April, National Credit Union Month encourages kids to develop healthy savings habits by turning it into an adventure. Credit unions can engage with young members through contests, giveaways, special promotions, and a variety of other activities to encourage financial wellness.

learn more here >

Registration open for Spring 2021 DE trainings

The National Credit Union Foundation has opened registration for two virtual DE Training sessions this spring. The first will be March 15 to April 9, while the second runs from April 26 to May 21. The Foundation had great results last year transitioning the innovative DE Program into a mix of on-demand and live learning sessions.

Montana’s Credit Unions recognized by SBA

Congratulations to Montana’s Credit Unions, who were recognized by the Small Business Administration’s Montana District Office for helping facilitate more than $24.4 million in Paycheck Protection Program Loans! In addition to PPP funds, credit unions across the state provided over $745,500 in emergency loans, $61 million in payment extensions to members, and $30.4 million in commercial note forbearance throughout the year.

World Council President/CEO Brian Branch announces retirement

World Council of Credit Unions President/CEO Brian Branch announced this week he will retire in July. It’s hard to think of someone who has worked harder on behalf of the credit union movement around the world than Brian during his 30+ year tenure with the World Council. Brian’s leadership can be felt throughout the world, from using finance to strengthen food security in Ethiopia to extending economic democracy through credit union systems in post-Soviet Russia. I’m in awe of everything Brian has accomplished throughout the movement, and I hope you’ll join me in wishing him and his family the best going forward.

360-degree advocacy

• NCUA issued a proposal raising the asset threshold for a credit union to be defined as “complex” under its risk-based capital rule, among other things, at its Thursday meeting. 
• FinCEN extended the comment deadline for its CVC proposal, after we expressed concern that a 15-day comment period over the holidays was too short. 
• The CFPB’s Credit Union Advisory Council is accepting applications through February 24.