California’s Credit Unions’ San Diego-Imperial Network hosted an advocacy update presentation on Wednesday, bringing together credit union professionals from multiple local Networks to discuss the important role of advocacy in preserving the not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative model.

Held at Elijah’s Restaurant in San Diego, “Advocacy in Action: The Power of Our Collective Voice” featured Robert Wilson, senior vice president of state advocacy for California’s Credit Unions. He touched on the importance of grassroots engagement and a unified front in the state and federal legislative and regulatory arenas.

Wilson emphasized that advocacy shouldn’t be an optional activity, but a core responsibility for anyone passionate about the credit union movement. He highlighted that credit unions, unlike traditional banks, are democratically run, volunteer-led, and exist to return earnings to members through better rates and lower fees. This structure is a key area to protect through legislative action.

Wilson detailed the “three pillars” of the California league’s success with elected officials: lobbying, grassroots efforts, and the state Political Action Committee (PAC). He discussed how these pillars work together to influence policy at the state and federal levels.

Attendees were introduced to a variety of ways to get involved, from simple actions to direct participation:

• Connect for the Cause: An action-alert platform that makes it easy for individuals to contact their legislators on key issues.
• Project Zip Code (PZC): A tool used to demonstrate the wide reach of credit union members across legislative districts.
• Community Engagement and District Events: Professionals were encouraged to meet with elected officials at local events and invite them to credit union-hosted activities, such as “Bite of Reality” financial literacy simulations.
• Lobby Days: Opportunities to participate in organized events in Sacramento and Washington D.C.
• Check Drops: An informal way to build relationships with elected officials by attending check presentation ceremonies.

“Everyone has a role to play in advocacy, regardless of their comfort level,” Wilson said. “Signing up for resources like the Advocacy Blog and Connect For The Cause is a great first step, with opportunities to grow into more direct involvement like attending check drops or participating in a lobby day. The strength of the credit union movement lies in the collective voice of its members and professionals.”

Wilson shared recent victories from Sacramento that demonstrate the impact of collective advocacy, including the successful defeat of potentially harmful pieces of legislation. He said the year was particularly challenging for banking-related bills.

He also celebrated past wins, such as the passage of Assembly Bill 2927, which brought financial education into classrooms. Additionally, Assembly Bill 2062 updated state chartering rules.

“It’s fantastic to see our credit union professionals come together from different areas to learn how they can get involved in advocating for credit unions,” said Elise Schexnayder, director of professional development for California’s Credit Unions. “As our Networks work collaboratively to bring impactful programming to professionals across California, I am proud of the work they have accomplished to strengthen our movement.”