Prepare ahead of time to make the most of your meetings with legislators.

It all comes down to building relationships with lawmakers and their staff.

GAC attendees meet with legislators to discuss pressing credit union issues.

“Volunteers can be a very important voice for us,” says Ryan Donovan, CUNA's chief advocacy officer.

Make a big impact on legislators during this year's Capitol Hill visits.

WASHINGTON (2/26/16)--The ever-increasing regulatory burden credit unions are subject to was chief among the topics of discussion with thousands of credit union leaders and their elected officials on Capitol Hill this week. As part of the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference, nearly 5,000 credit unions leaders lined up meetings with legislators to discuss credit union issues.

Regulatory burden has cost Maine CUs $43.4 million and led to another $5.8 million in costs—equating to $819,000 per CU and $75 per CU member.

Protecting members from data breaches and overdraft protection were top issues of discussion during the Missouri Credit Union Association’s Hike the Hill in Washington this week.

CU leaders descend on the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the movement.

Advocates plan Capitol Hill visits Wednesday and Thursday.