Young Professionals Are Inspired to Advocate for the Credit Union Movement

Recently, as an employee of Oregon Community Credit Union, I had an opportunity to attend the Northwest Credit Union Association’s annual convention, MAXX 2018. After submitting an essay about my dedication to the credit union movement back in June, I was selected to receive a “free ride” to attend MAXX along with 18 other Young Professional Leads. These individuals have not only done great work within their credit unions, but socially within their communities; it was an honor to be among these passionate credit union leaders and advocates.

The YP Leads took turns volunteering to advocate for the Credit Union Legislative Action Council, assist the NWCUA Foundation and help with a Credit Unions for Kids auction to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In addition, the YP Leads had the opportunity to attend the trade show and general sessions, and select from a variety of breakout sessions. Participation in the convention provided not only an inside look at the industry but began to showcase the bigger picture of just how much credit unions are doing, and how we as individuals and as a collective can have an impact.

Many of my peers do not know about CULAC, the Global Women’s Leadership Network, and the extent of the impact Northwest credit unions have on their communities and how they are addressing the housing crisis. There is power to be found in this knowledge and power in partaking in the YP Leads program, because having this knowledge truly demonstrates that you can be a teller, a service representative or the CEO – the difference you make is up to you. So step up and advocate!

In one of the general sessions, keynote speaker and entrepreneur Tyrone Poole told his story about how he went from being on top, to becoming homeless and without resources to find housing. This experience put Tyrone close to a problem that is out of sight for most of us, but because of this, he was able to create an application to assist people with the daunting and discouraging task of finding a place to live. His advice was to make a point to look and listen to those around you, because the person you might least expect could have the solution you are seeking. Be willing to learn!

The two greatest takeaways from MAXX are not related to advances in technology – although that’s very fascinating – they are that the willingness to advocate and learn are the two most valuable assets when we are talking about the credit union difference.

What is the credit union difference? The most basic explanation is that credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that were formed by people to help people. Many credit unions, including OCCU, have the humble beginnings of communities coming together and safeguarding a shoebox of funds. They did this because they wanted to offer low-interest loans and higher-interest savings accounts that benefit the membership rather than shareholders on Wall Street. Instead of lining someone else’s pockets, credit unions have been changing the lives of people in their communities, and they continue to do so on a small and large scale.

Credit unions are coming together in search of creative solutions to the housing crisis many of our communities face. They advocate for equality in the workplace and legislate in a bipartisan manner to ensure that consumers can continue to build their financial portfolios in a way that can garner the greatest return. Banking and working for credit unions means lower interest rates, higher APYs, social economic responsibility and financial confidence for many rather than few. Thanks to the simple act of advocating on behalf credit unions, you will be giving back, and creating a better place to work, live and play.

Being a YP Lead has ignited a fire, not just within me, but my fellow YP Leads, to participate in our local chapters by joining the board, and contributing to the fun and engaging educational and internetworking opportunities chapters provide to other credit union professionals. YPs are highly encouraged and excited to start and support our local Young Credit Union Professional groups, advocate for CULAC and start a conversation(s) with the current leaders of our credit unions to help move the credit union movement forward.

The Friday following MAXX, the YP Leads met up to discuss their action plans, and many are planning to become engaged with their local chapters and existing YP groups. Others are seriously considering attending Western CUNA Management School. There is no doubt that we were in the company of leaders who were willing to advocate and learn – true rock stars!

On behalf of the YP Leads of 2018, we would like to thank the YP Leads who came before us, the NWCUA, and our home credit unions and leaders for affording us this inspiring, career changing opportunity. #CUObsessed #YPLeads2018

Brooke Rane is a community relations specialist for Oregon Community Credit Union. She can be reached at 541-681-6295 or brane@myoccu.org.