Engaging and building relationships with legislators is a key component to Advocacy, and as such there is consistent effort to connect with elected leaders. When legislators know the industry personally, it places an in-district face on the issues and creates a level of context that wasn’t there previously … and this is created in a systematic manner. Here are some of the most recent grassroots connections made on behalf of the industry in the past few weeks (in addition the 50+ legislators connected at NCSL):
- On August 4th GCUA met with state Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) to gain insight into the recent changes in the House minority leadership elections, and the upcoming state session. Rep. Bruce is an active member of a key committee for credit unions: the House Judiciary Committee, which debates bills that impact lending operations, foreclosure processes, and business issues. On this committee Rep. Bruce has been helpful to credit unions in helping understand opposition to bills, creating dialogue and sharing privately how to successfully secure passage for challenging credit union issues.
- On August 9th GCUA engaged with U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-1) at his town hall meeting in Brunswick. Engaging with legislators at their town halls can provide a strong reminder that credit unions are engaged politically, and are seen as a “friendly face” among the crowd to help grow the personal relationship. Interested in attending a town hall? Federal and state legislators often announce these on very short notice; however, those that are shared in advance are logged on the GCUA website under the Governmental Affairs pages found here.
