Why Credit Union Advocacy Matters
When you think about a credit union, you may think about everyday banking such as checking and savings accounts, loans, transactions, digital banking, and friendly customer service. What you may not think about is the advocacy work happening behind the scenes to protect and strengthen those services.
On this episode of Making Sense of Money, we sat down with Jordan, the Assistant Vice President of Grassroots Engagement at GoWest. GoWest is a credit union association that represents credit unions across six western states. He gives us insight on how credit union advocacy works and why it matters.
What is Credit Union Advocacy?
Credit union advocacy, to put it simply, is storytelling.
“Advocacy is looking at the work that credit unions do and ensuring that we go out and tell that story,” Jordan explained.
In his role, Jordan focuses on advocating for credit unions by telling their stories to others. He speaks with legislators on behalf of credit unions and champions the value that they have. GoWest focuses on making sure that credit unions have a voice when laws and regulations are being discussed at both state and federal levels. With changes in legislation, and new lawmakers stepping in, education is vital.
“Many legislators are learning the job of being a legislator,” Jordan said. “Credit unions need to be at the table explaining who they are, who they serve, and how they’re different in the financial services marketplace.”
Why Advocacy is Important
Decisions made by lawmakers can directly impact how credit unions operate and how they are able to serve their members. Advocacy helps protect the not-for-profit, member-first model that allows credit unions to focus on the people.
From housing affordability to fraud prevention, cybersecurity to financial tools, credit unions are experiencing these real financial challenges on the front lines.
“Credit unions are solving real issues in their communities,” Jordan said. “But we can’t assume that story tells itself—we have to keep sharing it.”
What is Credit Union Advocacy?
Credit union advocacy, to put it simply, is storytelling.
“Advocacy is looking at the work that credit unions do and ensuring that we go out and tell that story,” Jordan explained.
In his role, Jordan focuses on advocating for credit unions by telling their stories to others. He speaks with legislators on behalf of credit unions and champions the value that they have. GoWest focuses on making sure that credit unions have a voice when laws and regulations are being discussed at both state and federal levels. With changes in legislation, and new lawmakers stepping in, education is vital.
“Many legislators are learning the job of being a legislator,” Jordan said. “Credit unions need to be at the table explaining who they are, who they serve, and how they’re different in the financial services marketplace.”
Why Advocacy is Important
Decisions made by lawmakers can directly impact how credit unions operate and how they are able to serve their members. Advocacy helps protect the not-for-profit, member-first model that allows credit unions to focus on the people.
From housing affordability to fraud prevention, cybersecurity to financial tools, credit unions are experiencing these real financial challenges on the front lines.
“Credit unions are solving real issues in their communities,” Jordan said. “But we can’t assume that story tells itself—we have to keep sharing it.”
What This Means for You
Advocacy may not be something you think of when you open an account or refinance a loan, but it helps ensure that credit unions can continue to offer those trusted and member-focused financial services. It protects the trust that members have in their credit union by allowing credit unions to stay active and responsive to those needs.
One way that members can support these efforts is by staying informed. This can be done by reading updates from your credit union and responding when they ask for support. These all help strengthen the credit union voice.
“When members engage, it reinforces why credit unions exist, to serve people,” Jordan shared. “We talk a lot about educating lawmakers, but we also need to educate ourselves. Understanding the issues helps us all show up better for our communities.”
Putting Members First
At the core of advocacy is a commitment to understanding and supporting all of the different financial needs and experiences of members. Jordan reminds us that every individual's financial journey is unique, and GoWest strives to represent credit unions well so that they may continue to provide guidance and resources that meet members' needs at every stage of life.
“Everyone is experiencing something financially, whether it’s hardship or success,” Jordan shared. “Credit unions are proud to walk alongside members, and work to meet people where they are.”
Advocacy helps ensure that the mission remains strong by protecting the ability of credit unions to serve members with integrity, compassion, and a focus on long-term financial well-being.
To stay connected and explore more ways of how P1FCU continues to support their members and communities, visit our website here.
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