Special Edition of Capitol Eyes: 2022 Convention Recap

The League’s 2022 Annual Convention Advocacy Recap Last week, Activists joined together in Appleton for The League’s Annual Meeting & Convention! Activists participated in fundraisers to support WCULAF, gained insights from local policymakers, and attended breakout sessions highlighting best practices in credit union advocacy. Looking for pictures? Check out our Facebook Album. You can also view all photos from our professional photographer (and download high-resolution images) at the following two links: Golf Outing & Welcome Reception pictures (password: Jennifer) Northwoods Lounge & Libations Farewell Dinner Celebration with Charlie Berens (password 05132022) Questions? Contact Sammy Dennis. WCULAF Fundraisers Thanks to generous donations, Activists raised over $18,800 at Convention! Those funds support state-level credit union friendly and strategic candidates for election this fall. Each dollar is insurance, to ensure credit unions have a presence with key lawmakers and a seat at the table! Little Man Buttons & Car Coasters Car Coasters (sets of 2): $20 Button: $5 each Available for purchase with a donation to WCULAF!  You can still contribute AND showoff your credit union pride with Little Man buttons or credit union car coasters! Email Tom to order, include your preferred mail address. Golf Scramble and Bowling To kick off Convention, Activists grabbed their golf clubs or bowling shoes to benefit WCULAF, Wisconsin credit unions’ state level political action committee. Activists loaded up on mulligans, funny frames, and snagged some Convention-specific credit union swag – all while strengthening The Movement!  Thanks to all that took the day to participate!  We hope to see you the Wednesday of Convention next year! Silent Auction In the Convention Expo Hall, Activists bid on and took home a variety of themed baskets and other unique items at the WCULAF Silent Auction – including Brewers tickets, barrel your own whiskey kits, vintage credit union items, an Apple TV, and even a bouncy castle. Advocacy Programming at Convention Members’ Conduit Breakfast Members’ Conduit Account holders help The Movement by leveraging strength in numbers – The League combines the individual contributions into more sizable ones to support state-level candidates’ campaigns. This annual recognition breakfast is The League’s way of saying THANK YOU to these advocacy leaders for engaging in this critical form of political advocacy. The program featured a candid discussion with outgoing State Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) and outgoing former Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh). The leaders shared stories from their time in office, what they will (and won’t!) miss about serving in the legislature, and gave advice on best practices to be effective advocates in working with legislators. Importantly, they emphasized the need to show up, even if you have asks or not! Be present with your legislators because if you don’t have a seat at the table, you may be on the menu! They also shared that legislators may not be as busy as you think! Don’t hesitate to invite them to events you host or tours.  Sign up for a Conduit Account today – and don’t miss out next year! Open a Conduit Account >> Make a credit card contribution to your Conduit Account  >>  Breakout Session: Advocacy – One Voice Government Affairs Committee members Danielle Frawley (Fort Community Credit Union), Lori Horstman (Altra Federal Credit Union), and David Murphy (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union) each shared how they’ve worked to integrate advocacy into the culture of their credit unions.  They addressed creating an internal advocacy committee, inviting all staff to contribute recurring small dollar donations payroll deduction, and how to – and why – small credit unions need to be present in advocacy.   They highlighted how advocacy doesn’t take up a lot of time, but is undeniably important. Whatever first step you take to advocate for your credit union and members, it’s an important one!  People Before Profit Stories People Before Profit Stories were on display at Convention, highlighting how credit unions have been critical partners for members when they need it most.  Beyond the pride the stories generate, they are critical to showcase the Credit Union Difference to legislators – amplifying how credit unions as not-for-profit cooperatives can do what for-profit institutions can’t or won’t. Share Your People Before Profit Stories >> Advocacy in Action: Thanks for a great Convention! Activists’ participation in the WCULAF fundraisers, the Conduit Breakfast, and in the breakout session last week strengthened our collective ability to be effective advocates. Thank you! Missed Out on Convention? There are lots of ways to contribute to stronger credit union advocacy, even though Convention is over! Contribute! Buy Buttons or Car Coasters. Email Tom to order and donate to WCULAF through the Grassroots Action Center. – Car Coasters (sets of 2): $20    – Buttons: $5 each Use the Grassroots Action Center to deposit funds into your Members’ Conduit Account. Go to the Conduit Authorizations page to find out upcoming events, or contact Tom Harrington for recommendations. Submit Your People Before Profit Story >> Attend Events This Summer and Fall. Throughout the summer and fall there will be fundraisers across the state, which will be strategic for credit unions to attend. Keep your eyes peeled for notices of ones you can attend!