CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » Grassroots advocacy: Embrace the Tweet
Directors Management

Grassroots advocacy: Embrace the Tweet

Digital platforms provide a visible way to deliver messages to lawmakers, says CUNA’s Adam Engelman.

July 18, 2018
No Comments
Adam Engelman

Just as the way credit unions connect with members is changing, so is how advocates share their messages with policymakers.

“Social media is playing a more critical role today,” Adam Engelman, CUNA’s director of federal grassroots and programs, tells CUNA Management School students in Madison, Wis.

So the next time you deliver a written message to your representatives, you might want to use @ or #.

Why is social media more effective today than a postcard, letter, or email?

“Social media is public,” Engelman says. “Everybody can see it and lawmakers know that.”

But social media is just one of many ways that CUNA engages in grassroots advocacy, Engelman says.

Credit unions interested in participating in advocacy should consider these CUNA programs:

  • Member Activation Program
  • Hike the Hill
  • Project Zip Code

Engelman notes that credit unions have tremendous grassroots advocacy potential by involving employees, directors, leaders, and members.

The National Rifle Association, with 4.5 million members, and AARP, with 37 million members, often are considered to be two of the most influential lobbying organizations in Washington, Engelman says. But credit unions have more than 100 million members.

“Just think about the grassroots powerhouse that we could become,” he says.

KEYWORDS advocacy CUNA Management School social media

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Summer 2023

Summer 2023

Credit Union Magazine’s Summer 2023 issue highlights the lending outlook for the rest of the year, how credit unions leverage fintech companies to boost digital lending, the power of lending partnerships, common Bank Secrecy Act violations, and the shift board members must make when becoming chair.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Debt ceiling deal has credit union implications

  • One week to nominate a 2023 Credit Union Rock Star

  • FOM proposal is ‘important step’ toward more inclusive CU membership

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

Does your credit union partner with any fintechs?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us