Maximize ‘Connect For The Cause’

Best Practices

To help your credit union maximize its impact, we’ve compiled a list of best practices from successful Connect For The Cause (CFTC) campaigns launched by your peers. This streamlined blueprint of proven strategies offers practical guidance to engage your members, staff, and volunteers. From digital outreach to direct advocacy, your members and employees can make a real impact on Capitol Hill.

Multi-Channel Member Communication

  • Targeted Emails: Send personalized emails to members, followed by follow-up messages to non-openers.
  • Online & Mobile Banking Platforms: Use pop-up messages and banners within online and mobile banking interfaces.
  • Branch Materials: Display materials like buck slips, flyers with QR codes, and digital signage in physical branches.
  • Website Visibility: Feature prominent banners and dedicated landing pages on your credit union’s main website. Please see an example from SchoolsFirst FCU here.
  • Newsletters: Include clear call-to-action messages in member newsletters. Please see an example from Mountain America CU’s 2025 Spring Newsletter here.
  • Informational Videos: Create an informational video highlighting the credit union difference to enhance engagement, raise awareness, and share across social media, your website and communications with your members. Please see an example from Desert Valleys FCU here.

Employee and Volunteer Engagement

  • Internal Communication: Send detailed emails to employees and volunteers with campaign information and talking points.
  • Training & Meetings: Host staff meetings and training sessions to ensure employees can confidently answer member questions.
  • Manager Engagement: Encourage managers to discuss the campaign with their teams to build momentum.

Social Media Outreach

  • Social Media Posts: Create compelling posts on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to raise awareness.
  • Executive Accounts: Leverage executive leadership social media accounts for a wider reach and added credibility.

Direct Advocacy

  • Executive Advocacy: Have credit union CEOs, executives, and board members send written, personalized letters to local members of Congress.
  • Appreciation Messages: Send “thank you” communications to congressional delegations acknowledging their support.

Performance Tracking & Follow-Up

  • Monitor Engagement: Track email open rates, click-through rates, and overall campaign engagement.
  • Internal Recaps: Host internal meetings to evaluate campaign effectiveness and determine next steps.
  • Member Updates: Share regular updates with members, expressing gratitude for their involvement and support.
  • Staff Recognition: Acknowledge staff efforts with updates and appreciation messages.

Language Accessibility

  • Multilingual Materials: Provide campaign materials and digital content in multiple languages, including Spanish, to ensure broader accessibility.