Credit union ‘ecosystem’ advances advocacy
Our movement is about collaboration between all of us.
If you’re reading this, you’re part of something big. You may work at a credit union, a CUSO, or one of the thousands of other organizations that provide products and services in support of or in partnership with credit unions.
Perhaps you work at an association, like I do, or you provide oversight in some fashion. Wherever you may be employed, if you’ve taken the time to peruse this article, you are a part of advancing credit unions and the communities they serve.
I’ve used the term “ecosystem” to describe our intricate network of credit unions, system providers, associations and other supporters for some time now. I heard my friend and colleague Gigi Hyland recently use this term to masterfully explain how our industry lives and interacts to advance financial health and well-being. Perhaps it’s why our ecosystem is on my mind as I look towards my upcoming attendance at Origence® Lending Tech Live ’23 this week.
Over the years I have attended a number of these types of events, including CO-OP Think and PSCU Member Forum. My Credit Union National Association colleagues and I also interact with professionals from TruStage, Trellance, Leagues and countless other organizations at their events throughout the year.
These opportunities to spend time together, to observe and participate in sessions, and to hear strategic insights from organizational leaders are important and impactful. They help our many parts work together to ensure the ongoing success of our ecosystem.
This ecosystem also works together to advance our collective advocacy agenda and CUNA Associate Business Members are a vital part of this work.
CUNA introduced the Associate Business Membership five years ago, and since then, 70 organizations have joined and raised $2.8 million to support credit union advocacy efforts nationwide.
Each of these 70 members serves as a vital connection to help CUNA advocate, advance and promote the credit union difference. Having our business members standing alongside credit unions and Leagues allows us to more fully advocate for policies that advance our entire movement, plain and simple.
They know the industry’s ins and outs, what its participants need, and how to meet those needs in efficient, effective ways. Most importantly, they recognize that when credit union members win, we all win. Beyond serving credit unions, they’ve made a commitment to the CUNA-League system as we champion our movement and position it for success in the future.
This symbiotic relationship continues to make a stronger credit union movement through combined advocacy efforts, deeper relationships and newfound knowledge of the details of the credit union system, while also providing benefits to all stakeholders.
Like everything else we do, the membership is continuously evolving. Its advisory committee serves to help bring our collective voices together and share valuable insights while ensuring we’re always looking ahead.
In addition, our specific system partnership with TruStage is especially noteworthy, as they have long provided financial support to help CUNA carry out its projects and initiatives, ultimately benefiting the advocacy work your national trade association engages in alongside you all.
Our movement is about collaboration between all of us: CUNA, Leagues, credit unions, and system providers. Associate Business Members realize how important that cooperation is, and we couldn’t do what we do without them.
GREG MICHLIG is EVP Chief Engagement Officer at Credit Union National Association.