Advocacy is job number one for America’s Credit Unions, but what does that really mean? And what does that look like in action? Just like credit unions, advocacy is all about building relationships and trust with people to make an impact.
Our committee recently experienced this. We had the opportunity to meet with NCUA Board Vice Chairman (VC) Kyle Hauptman about records retention concerns and the need to modernize and streamline requirements.
One of our Committee Members (thank you, Lily!) was asked by NCUA whether we could provide photos that captured the burdens of the current regulations. I was able to get NCUA four photos of our storage unit – they say a picture is worth 1,000 words; maybe these are worth 1,000 comment letters!
At its April meeting, the NCUA Board issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) on this issue. Sarah Bang, Senior Advisor to Mr. Hauptman, wrote to me to say thanks. In her words:
Thank you again for getting us the photos of your storage unit. The VC used them in his remarks this morning, and they were very compelling. He even pointed out the files with (what looks like) dot matrix paper that cannot be easily scanned. His comment was, ‘Anyone who has had to scan documents like these would never think it’s easy.’
We knew all three board members supported the ANPR, but these photos (which will be part of the official record) give folks an idea of what you all are dealing with. I’m not sure saying, ‘We have a 12x15 storage unit full of boxes of records,’ could ever tell the story as well as your photos.
… The Vice Chairman appreciated the Small CU Committee bringing this to our attention.
America’s Credit Unions has a Regulatory Comment now open on the issue – I encourage you all to provide feedback on how to improve the program.
I am proud to lead a group of committed, community-minded leaders. Never think for a minute that you don’t matter to your members, or to our movement. Keep up the fight!
Karen Madry
Chair, Small Credit Union Committee
President & CEO, Afena FCU
