TIGARD, Ore.–The GoWest Credit Union Association is reporting it has seen results after more than two-dozen of its representatives participated in its fall Hike the Hill. According to the association, the Hike featured the unique component of being the first GoWest Hike experience for young professionals (YPs).
A group of 10 YPs representing credit unions from across the six-state region received on-site advocacy training, spent one-on-one time with Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) to learn about the legislative process, and participated in meetings with elected officials on the Hill, the GoWest association said.
The GWCUA represents credit unions in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming.
Comments Shared
Among the comments shared by the association:
- “I feel much more confident about how to engage in advocating for credit unions…and much more knowledgeable about the issues that are really important for us to stay on top of, so credit unions can continue for future generations.” –said Dawn Lepore, Vantage West Credit Union, Tucson
- “Bringing the group of young professionals to Capitol Hill was both invigorating and inspiring. The energy and enthusiasm of up-and-coming credit union leaders, along with their commitment to advocacy, helps fuel the vision for what credit unions can accomplish in the future.” –Jennifer Wagner, executive vice president and chief advocacy officer, GoWest CU Association
Nearly Three-Dozen Meetings
The GWCUA reported the larger group had 34 meetings in just two days. Following those meetings, two members of Congress, Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), signed on to co-sponsor legislation that, if passed, would modernize the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the number of board meetings required for credit unions. Their signatures brought the number of co-sponsors of this bipartisan legislation to 102 in the House and 18 in the Senate.
The Go West association further reported that advocates also asked their elected officials to oppose the Credit Card Competition legislation targeting interchange, which is pending in the Senate and in the House, as it “is potentially harmful to credit unions and their 133 million members across the nation.”
Following the fall Hike, the GWCUA said its advocates, who have already sent more than 1,200 messages to their senators, contacted their congressional representatives asking them to oppose the new House version of the legislation.
‘Timely Appearance’
“Being on the Hill ahead of the midterm elections was timely,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, vice president, federal advocacy. “Between the quality, in-person meetings, and the added support of thousands of advocates from across GoWest’s six state region, credit unions’ voices were heard, and we are already seeing results.”
The group rounded out the trip by attending the NCUA board meeting.
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