How Credit Unions Can Advocate During a Government Shutdown

Twenty-one days into the shutdown, credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia are doing what they do best: stepping up for their members — including federal employees, military members, and contractors — with fast, fair, mission-driven relief. Credit unions exist to serve people, so when paychecks pause, we move quickly to help families stay stable and communities strong.

How Credit Unions Are Helping Today

• Skip-a-Payment programs on existing auto and personal loans to ease short-term financial pressure.
• Emergency and furlough loans — often at 0% or low interest — to bridge the gap in missed paychecks.
• Payment deferrals and loan forbearance to prevent delinquency and provide breathing room.
• Waived fees and penalty-free certificate withdrawals to help members access funds without added costs.
• Free financial counseling and budgeting support to guide members through this period and plan ahead.

Make relief easy to find: create a simple relief webpage, feature it in your app, and train frontline staff to guide members quickly. For reference, see our running list of credit union shutdown assistance programs.

Don’t Keep the Credit Union Difference to Ourselves: Three Moves This Week

1. Share on Social Media
   • Post a clear summary (who qualifies, how to apply, how fast).
   • Include one link and a direct phone number; pin the post.
   • Share member stories that show real impact.
2. Partner with Local Media
   • Pitch a short segment: “Local credit union offers shutdown relief for federal workers and military families.”
   • Provide a spokesperson and anonymized examples (prevented missed rent, repossessions, utility shutoffs).
   • Offer a newsroom resource box with eligibility details and contact information.
3. Brief & Support Congressional District Offices
   • Be a resource for district offices. Send House and Senate in-district teams a one-page relief summary they can share with constituents through their websites, newsletters, or social channels.
   • Offer support directly. Reach out to district staff with your credit union’s relief options and provide a clear point of contact.

Credit unions are equipped and prepared for moments like this. Let’s amplify the relief we’re providing so every federal worker and military family in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia knows where to turn.

For sample social posts, press language, or help coordinating with district offices, please contact Ibby Dickson at Ibby.Dickson@the-league.coop.