Forging Connections, Building Advocacy: DCUC’s Busy Month of Engagement, Collaboration and Vision

​It’s been a busy month for DCUC, filled with exciting progress and engagement! We just recently concluded our first
successful Texas Sub-Council luncheon with cohost Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU). DCUC formed this new sub-council to offer defense credit unions within the Texas region an additional platform to discuss key issues and priorities while networking with other leaders.

​In late October, DCUC traveled to Colorado for the NASCUC Conference. It was an energizing exchange of ideas and
a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration across our industry.

Throughout t he last month, DCUC met with several military and trade associations, including the Military Financial Readiness Council (MFRC) and the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). MFRC shared valuable insights supported by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) surveys, highlighting the impact of financial fraud and scams on military families and veterans. See page 15 for key insights or visit the FTC’s military dash-board to explore survey data and download charts you can share with your military liaisons.

DCUC also met with the National Association of Credit Union Chairs (NACUC) to explain our concerns with the Overseas Military Banking Program, the upcoming tax battle, and the expansion of the Community Reinvestment Act to federal credit unions. It was clear that many of the nation’s credit union directors had not had a comprehensive discussion on advocacy issues that have a direct impact on the future of the credit unions they oversee. DCUC is partnering with NACUC to keep the lines of communication.

And of course, the recent presidential election captured national attention, and DCUC was ready to respond as soon as results were confirmed. We sent a letter to President-Elect Donald J. Trump, extending an invitation to discuss our top regulatory and legislative priorities. This letter outlines our advocacy vision moving into the next Congress, with a clear focus on strengthening credit unions’ ability to serve the financial needs of the American people, especially our Nation’s armed forces, veterans, and their families. We encourage you to read it as it underscores DCUC’s commitment to enhancing credit unions’ role in our communities.

Before determining our 2025 Advocacy Priorities, we still want to hear from each and every one of our member credit unions. I can’t stress enough how valuable it is for DCUC to know we are actively supporting your needs and service to your members. We are fiercely determined to continue our decades-long history of championing the defense credit union difference. DCUC has already taken several steps in increasing our member value and elevating your perspectives to our country’s leaders. We are committed to your success and mission of providing the best financial services to your members. Together, we will secure an even stronger future! We still have our member survey open to receive your direct input as we prepare our 2025 Advocacy Priorities.

This month also marked another successful Military Advocacy Committee meeting. As part of our “Advocacy Reimagined” initiative, we have increased the frequency of these MAC meetings to a monthly cadence. The growing interest from members, industry advocates, and league representatives reaffirms our belief in the value of these calls. Seeing this heightened engagement is incredibly motivating as we work to champion the invaluable role credit unions play in communities across the nation. We are thrilled, and incredibly invigorated, to see this increase in engagement with our advocacy.

DCUC is more determined than ever to continue foot-stomping how impactful credit unions are within America’s communities. We take great pride in providing your and your members’ perspectives to state and federal policymakers, sharing how credit unions continue to offer unmatched financial services to consumers and underserved communities, especially in times of a stressed economy. We are grateful for your support and proud to offer you measurable action and success!

DCUC has also been busy with other advocacy action. Earlier this month, DCUC had a productive conversation with Congresswoman Tenney and her office, emphasizing the critical regulatory distinctions and the unique tax status of credit unions, particularly around the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements. Prior to the call, we sent a letter highlighting our concerns and offering an open dialogue to discuss the issue further, DCUC continues to step up to the plate each time a swing is taken at credit unions’ historically-backed tax status by either banking industry opponents or legislators. And, DCUC has urged industry regulators like the NCUA to recall the contradictions of imposing CRA requirements on credit unions and how this would negatively impact credit unions’ abilities to best serve their members. DCUC will continue to provide a strong defense for the industry on this issue as we move into 2025.

In addition to our advocacy on your behalf, DCUC is in full swing with planning ahead for our 2025 events, including Defense Matters 2025. We are prioritizing your top advocacy needs and concerns to ensure we have a strong morning session ready for you before you hike the hill. This year, our Defense Matters Forum will be held on Tuesday, March 4th as a lunch program featuring Members of Congress who support our military. Stay tuned for registration and other details which we will be releasing soon!

As always, we want to thank you for your support and trust in DCUC to represent your interests and advocate on your behalf. If at any time you have questions or are looking for more ways to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email, or one of our staff members! We are excited for the future ahead and look forward to our shared success!