Yet, there are so many benefits of becoming a credit union member. Seventy-two percent of the largest credit unions in the U.S. offer standalone free checking accounts, according to a new Bankrate.com study, while only 38% of the largest banks and thrifts make that commitment to their customers. Five years ago, Bankrate.com reported, 78% of credit unions and 65% of banks offered standalone free checking accounts. Credit unions stand steadfastly by consumers, while the banks are abandoning them.

I'll wait to see what hay credit unions make of this, but I won't hold my breath.

Advocacy

Next week is CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference and credit unions will be lobbying about cybersecurity, supplemental capital, risk-based capital, field of membership restrictions and business lending. Few issues achieve the nexus between consumer and credit union concerns than maintaining the security of personal and financial information. Really rally the troops, not just each other. I get shouted down when I say credit unions are no longer a movement. Prove me wrong.

Increasing the definition of small credit unions is another advocacy issue. The current NCUA proposal is to increase the asset threshold to $100 million. Board Member Mark McWatters has suggested that $250 million would be more appropriate.

I suggest that it would be more sensible to have a formula that sets the amount as of Dec. 31 each year, such as the average assets size of credit unions, which according to CUNA's U.S. Credit Union Profile for Q3, was $173.2 million. That figure represents a 40% increase over the last five years, making setting a static number outdated after the first year and resulting in disagreements among the board members on where it should be.

While debate among the board members can be healthy, recent NCUA board spats certainly are not. Issuing press releases arguing over who released the risk-based capital confidential legal opinion first distracts from the real issue. It does not advance the issue, and it's a distraction from real progress.

NCUA Vice Chairman Rick Metsger has publicly stayed out of that debate but constructively put himself into one of more substance. The Global Women's Leadership Network excitedly circulated the January edition of The NCUA Board Report, featuring Metsger's advocacy of closing the gender gap among the largest credit unions. We're very excited to see him speak at the GWLN GAC breakfast, and to have such a high-level industry professional bringing light to the issue.

Assistance

Finally, credit unions must provide each other assistance. Help out smaller credit unions that are struggling with resources, when you can and without strings. It's tougher now with interest margins so thin, but sharing policies or how-tos and even old equipment can make a world of difference for a smaller credit union. Small credit unions' assistance on the Hill is invaluable. And together you can generate awareness, advocates and assistance.

Sarah Snell Cooke is publisher/editor-in-chief of Credit Union Times. She can be reached at [email protected]