WASHINGTON-CUNA attended a meeting hosted by the Department of Homeland Security last week aimed at raising various organizations' awareness of National Preparedness Month coming up in September. DHS is trying to get a large number of groups with a broad reach involved in promoting National Preparedness Month, the goal of which is to share information with Americans on what to do in the event of a terrorist attack or other emergency. CUNA is still evaluating whether or not to participate in the effort, CUNA Vice President of Communications and Media Outreach Pat Keefe said. He noted that credit unions reach of 85 million was a factor in the department inviting them to the meeting. For National Preparedness Month, DHS is asking organizations to make Americans aware of threats, particularly terrorist ones, and being prepared with items like food, water, and warm clothes. Brochures and information are available at www.ready.gov. It encourages Americans to 1) get a kit of emergency supplies; 2) make a plan; and 3) be informed. DHS has partnered with the Ad Council and the Sloan Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit founded in 1934 by former General Motors CEO Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., and is working with other groups like the Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army. CUNA Federal Compliance Counsel and Director of Compliance Operations Lilly Thomas represented CUNA at the meeting. [email protected]