This week, local credit union leaders and California’s Credit Unions staff had the opportunity to engage with three important credit union “champions” in Congress: Rep. Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus; Rep. Brad Sherman, senior member of the House Financial Services Committee; and Rep. Young Kim, senior member of the House Financial Services Committee.

Each legislator has consistently supported credit unions through tough votes, legislative leadership, and by standing with the credit union movement when it mattered most. Regardless of district or hometown, all three should be recognized across the California credit union family as trusted allies and longstanding advocates.

Several key themes emerged from these conversations about credit union advocacy efforts:

• Even strong champions must pick their battles. Credit unions’ strongest allies may not support every issue, but their willingness to stand with credit unions the majority of the time matters, especially on the more difficult and nuanced issues. Every elected official, “champion” or not, has to pick their battles. Sometimes battles are fought publicly — other times it’s behind the scenes. Credit union champions keep the industry in the “know” to help advance the credit union mission of “people helping people.”
• Being present matters. Showing, not just telling, the credit union story is critical. Local engagement, community impact, and responsiveness to constituents are all noticed and valued by elected officials, and they are also expected. Credit union leaders should never assume elected officials all know the credit union story. Credit unions are a piece of the national narrative, not the epicenter. Whether it’s affordability, serving Main Street, or working toward better financial wellbeing, credit unions contribute.
• Relationships should go beyond policy asks. Invitations to branch openings, tours, and community events are appreciated, even when attendance is not possible by an elected official. Champions want to see the full circle impact of the movement they support and stay connected to the work happening in their legislative districts.

These conversations reinforce the importance of continuing to strengthen and expand credit union advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels. In the weeks and months ahead, the California and Nevada leagues’ team will continue building upon existing programs to help grow and support our network of champions.

California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions would like to thank credit union leaders and advocates for the work they continue to accomplish locally, and for staying engaged with their elected officials and communities.