LYNCHBURG, Va.—Add the Virginia CU league to a growing list of leagues that are allowing their members the choice of joining the state trade association or CUNA.
VCUL is now the sixth league to allow membership “choice,” and the decision follows CUNA’s announcement late last year that they plan in early 2016 to seek a membership vote on a package of proposed bylaw amendments, most of which are designed to modernize the national trade association’s membership requirements and governance structure, including eliminating the dual membership requirement.
The Virginia Credit Union League board voted to revise requirements for membership in the state trade association, giving its members the new option starting Jan. 1, 2016.
“After careful consideration of the issues involved and the comments we heard from member credit unions, we believe that providing choice in membership is in the best interest of our credit unions,” said Karen Orie, chairman of the Virginia Credit Union League board of directors, in a statement. “With this change, and with approval of the changes proposed by the CUNA board of directors, our credit unions will have the option to join the Virginia League, CUNA or both associations.”
Membership requirements for the Virginia League are the purview of the League Board, the league noted. The VCUL board was able to eliminate the dual membership requirement without amending the league’s bylaws or articles of incorporation, the league explained.
“By providing membership options, the Virginia League board is simply recognizing that the credit union system continues to evolve,” said Virginia League President Rick Pillow. “Our board is firmly committed to maintaining ‘interdependence’ between state leagues and CUNA, believing that we are stronger and more effective in advancing the system by working together, especially on the advocacy front. We trust that our credit unions understand the value and benefits of membership in both the Virginia League and in CUNA, and will maintain membership in both organizations.”