WASHINGTON--Credit unions rely on a range of tools to advance their advocacy work, but the most powerful driver of large-scale efforts is the National Advocacy Fund (NAF), noted America's Credit Unions.
The NAF enables credit unions to move beyond routine engagement and invest in high-impact, broad-reaching campaigns that influence political, legislative, and regulatory outcomes across the country, ACU explained.
NAF is governed by a Steering Committee of leaders from credit unions and leagues, appointed by the boards of America’s Credit Unions and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues.
It supports efforts to:
- Elect credit union champions to office through targeted political advertising
- Launch national issue-based advocacy efforts that elevate credit union priorities
- Build coalitions and public affairs campaigns to stop legislative threats before they gain traction
- Define the credit union narrative with lawmakers—proactively, not reactively
"The Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign is just one example of NAF impact and success. Other efforts supported by NAF include electing credit union-friendly majorities in the most recent Congressional elections and building of a nationwide coalition in D.C. and the states to fight merchant attacks on interchange," ACU said.
Resources about NAF, including a handout that helps outline the program, are available online here.