Advocacy Is Personal: How Your Credit Union Can Lead Locally

At the heart of credit union advocacy is something timeless, genuine, and locally rooted: personal relationships.

Our state and federal lawmakers represent the very communities credit unions serve. They walk the same neighborhoods, care about the same families, and face many of the same questions about how to best support individuals, families, and businesses. That same spirit of service makes relationship-building with legislators not just an advocacy strategy, but a natural part of our mission.

Moments of connection, such as a branch tour, community event, or shared meal, offer lawmakers a window into the real-life impact of the policies they help shape. Advocacy works best when it’s more than just making requests—it’s also about showing gratitude, sharing information, and welcoming them to collaborate in our “People Helping People” mission.

So, what happens when lawmakers leave Capitol Hill or their statehouse chambers and return home? That’s when our most meaningful advocacy begins. Advocacy doesn’t live only in the halls of government. It should live in our communities, conversations, and everyday relationships.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Appoint Advocacy Champions and Key Contacts
  Choose a familiar face—like a CEO, branch manager, or passionate team member—to lead your credit union’s advocacy efforts and build lasting connections.
• Pair Grassroots with Data
  Use member stories alongside stats like job creation and lending totals to highlight your credit union’s local impact. League resources such as handouts and Project Zip Code data can help bring your footprint to life.
• Connect Consistently
  Engage with lawmakers regularly through events, meetings, and local visits. Support them personally through campaign engagement or by hosting fundraising events. Invite them into your credit union and community spaces to foster genuine relationships.

For more information on legislative events or engaging with lawmakers in your area, contact Ibby.Dickson@The-League.Coop or Josie.Ellis@The-League.Coop.