“At America’s Credit Unions, advocacy is job number one,” America’s Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt said. “This year, our focus is on protecting the credit union tax status to ensure the over 140 million credit union members can continue to partner with credit unions. It’s because of the tax status that consumers get the best services and rates in the market, those living paycheck-to-paycheck have a trusted, safe place to improve their financial well-being, and communities across the country are revitalized. As 6,000 credit union advocates flood Capitol Hill this week, our voice will be loud and clear – the credit union difference is real, and has a real impact on people’s lives. With these new grassroots initiatives, we will continue to inspire action to defend our industry.”

The trade group also announced the creation of a new award Monday – the Franklin D. Roosevelt Award, which will recognize the grassroots achievements of a credit union advocate annually.

Named after the president who signed the Federal Credit Union Act in 1934, the award’s inaugural recipient will be announced at the 2025 Congressional Caucus, scheduled for Sept. 7-10 in Washington, D.C. The award’s nomination criteria includes the following:

• Consistent outreach, communication and interaction with members of Congress;
• Provide significant feedback to the America’s Credit Unions team on a specific legislative issue or proposed bill;
• Meet with the CFPB, NCUA and other regulators;
• Submit at least one comment letter;
• Participate in grassroots activity including individual and credit union efforts;
• Take action on a majority of Calls to Action;
• Run Project Zip Code in the calendar year;
• Submit at least three member videos to Advancing Communities;
• Activate through the Member Activation Program at least once; and
• Attend the GAC and Congressional Caucus.