Advocacy

Welcome to our page for

Credit Union Advocacy!

Stay informed with the latest in regulations, legislation, and public relations (PR) opportunities impacting credit unions. Our goal is to ensure you’re up to date and empowered to make your credit union’s voice heard, whether on Capitol Hill or in mainstream media or various niche outlets. We offer valuable resources and opportunities for credit union PR, helping you effectively communicate and promote your credit union’s and all credit unions’ interests. And don’t forget to check out the charities and causes we’re supporting, including Look Before You Lock. Post signs and wear stickers that remind your members to LOOK for children or pets before they’re locked up in their hot car. Whether you’re looking to provide input on new regulatory changes or seeking ways to enhance brand awareness or a new cause to support, our Advocacy Section is here to help!

Check back soon!

All NCUA’s comment periods are closed. Check back here for updates as they become available.

The Promoting New and Diverse Depository Institutions Act

The Promoting New and Diverse Depository Institutions Act aims to expand access to banking and credit union services—especially in underserved communities. The bill would establish an interagency office to support the formation of new depository institutions, provide technical assistance, and study barriers to entry. It’s designed to help increase the number and diversity of federally insured credit unions and banks.

Read more in The Credit Union Connection here.

And if you’d like to read the complete text of the bill, it can be found here.

H.R.975 – Credit Union Board Modernization Act

This bill, introduced by Rep Juan Vargas (D-CA), reduces credit union board meeting frequency requirement. Under the bill, new credit unions and credit unions with low soundness must meet monthly, as required under current law. All other credit unions must hold six meetings annually, with one meeting being held during each fiscal quarter. To share your credit union’s stance on this bill, contact your senators and representatives.
 

Senate Bill S.522 – A bill to amend the Federal Credit Union Act to modify the frequency of board of directors meetings, and for other purposes

A bill introduced by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) aims to alter the frequency of board of directors meetings required by the Federal Credit Union Act.  To share your credit union’s stance on this bill, contact your senators and representatives.

S.381 – A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to cap credit card interest rates at 10%

A bill introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) amends the Truth in Lending Act to cap interest rates for credit cards at 10 percent. To share your credit union’s stance on this bill, contact your senators and representatives.
 
A bill introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) to alter the Equal Credit Opportunity Act by repealing small business loan data collection requirements. To share your credit union’s stance on this bill, contact your senators and representatives.
 

S.J.Res.18 – A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”

A resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of financial protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”. To share your credit union’s stance on this bill, contact your senators and representatives.

The Credit Union Connection team has decades of experience in content and marketing strategy, content marketing, marketing and PR. If you would like assistance in these areas, either on retainer or on a project basis, please contact Sarah at sarah@cookeconsultingsolutions.com.

Can you Inherit Debt?

Name: Lena Borrelli
 
 
 
Media Outlet: ConsumerAffairs (https://www.consumeraffairs.com)
 
Deadline: 12:00 PM ET – 24 July
 
Query: 
Can you inherit debt after death? What debt can you be responsible for? What should beneficiaries know about debt collectors and their legal rights? I am specifically looking for expert feedback from U.S.-based finance and estate planning professionals. Please include your name, title, company and pronouns as you would like them published. Due to time constraints, I regret that I cannot accept phone or video interviews; however, I welcome your pitch via email. I will contact you if your quote can be used. Thank you in advance for your time and help!
 
 

Saving / Investing Accounts for Kids

 Name: Beth Braverman
 
 
 
Media Outlet: Kiplinger (https://www.kiplinger.com)
 
Deadline: 12:00 AM ET – 23 July
 
No AI Pitches Considered
 
Query: 
I’m working on a story the recent proliferation of teen investing/saving accounts and what parents should know before helping their kids sign up. I’m looking for experts who can provide guidance on the new offerings and how to assess whether they’re a good idea.
 

Look Before You Lock

Look Before You Lock is a campaign designed to remind people to double-check their car for any children or pets before locking their cars and heading into work or the store. Children and pets locked in cars can easily succumb to heat, potentially causing serious injury or death. This campaign is designed to give people that reminder that could save a life. 

Each image is FREE for you to download.

Be sure to add your credit union’s logo!

Look Before You Lock Circle Stickers
Circle Stickers
Social Media Images
Branch Flyer/Handouts
Poster (24X36)

Melanoma Research Alliance

A Message from The Credit Union Connection Founder/CEO Sarah Snell Cooke

I have a redhead’s complexion, and I used to get sunburnt ALL THE TIME. Didn’t matter that I would spray on SPF 30 in between outdoor sporting matches/games/heats – volleyball, softball, soccer, swimming – you name it.

In July of 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 3A melanoma. Fortunately, I was living in Maryland at that time and found incredible doctors at Johns Hopkins to cut ‘Bob’ out of my arm and lymph nodes, and then zap him with immunotherapy juice.

In December 2024 I had my last treatment, and now Bob is NED – as in No Evidence of Disease. I hope you’ll support this worthy cause with me, either by spreading the word or by donating today.

Credit Union for Kids

credit union for kids logo

Credit Unions for Kids is a charitable foundation that supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. These hospitals provide care for patients, advance treatment and research for illnesses, and much more. The Credit Union Connection fully supports this organization because credit unions are about more than just money.

For every dollar donated to a Children's Miracle Network Hospital...

25%

Goes to advancement services to support innovative programs and services.

17%

Helps to provide charitable care to patients.

12%

Supports research & treatments for how we care for children.

25%

Provides patient services to ensure children are physically, mentally, & emotionally healthy.

6%

Provides education services for patients, families, & the community.

15%

Goes to improve life-saving equipment.

Source: Based on estimates provided in response to the 2020 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Impact Society

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 49,000 lives in the year 2023 in addition to an estimated 1.5 million attempts.

The Credit Union Connection supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as they help raise awareness and provide resources to those struggling with suicide and suicidal thoughts, plus their loved ones. The AFSP hosts several walks for suicide prevention awareness across the country. Sign up for yours today!

Purple Bridges

Purple Bridges Logo
Breaking Cycles of Abuse.
Building Financial Freedom.
Domestic violence and human trafficking traps victims in cycles of control. Financial abuse keeps them there. We work with credit unions and nonprofits through our FI SAFE offerings to build bridges to safety and independence.
 
Link to learn more and donate: https://purple-bridges.org
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