Page 8 - Contact Q1 2016 - final
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Under the Dome
Advocacy Can Be as
Easy as Opening Your Doors
By Kirk Hanna
What’s Involved in a Credit Union Tour?
Opening Up Your Doors
It may seem simple, but this gives lawmakers and their staff
the opportunity to learn more about working in a credit union
and the value that your credit union brings to members.
Selecting a Date
Legislators have many demands for their time—in Lansing
and in their districts. MCUL’s Government Affairs team can
help you identify the best times to meet.
Being Prepared
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you know your business
better than any legislator does. Simplify your message and make
sure that your tour has flow. Remember, the Government Affairs
team will be there with you. By combining our relationships in
Lansing with your new and continued relationships at home,
we can deliver an integrated advocacy message to newer
members of the legislature.
Adding a Social Element
These tours can often be followed up with a lunch so that you
can get to know your elected representatives on a more
individualized basis.
As we enter the 2016 election cycle, now is a good time to talk Events like these benefit the entire credit union industry in
about the impact of term limits on regulated industries such as Michigan—after all, today’s freshman representatives are
credit unions. Michigan’s current crop of freshman legislators tomorrow’s committee chairs, state senators and members
are now entering their second year of legislative service, and of Congress.
our most seasoned lawmakers are looking beyond their time
here at the capitol to what comes next—including possible Advocates Wanted
opportunities beyond Lansing. Forty Michigan House seats will If you have ever thought about becoming involved in
be up for grabs this fall as a result of term limits, which means credit union advocacy, it’s never too late.
we have 40 opportunities to create new, lasting relationships
with lawmakers who can be beneficial to our industry. Here are some great ways you can get involved:
• Contact MCUL’s Government Affairs team
In 2015, the Michigan Credit Union League’s (MCUL) • Get involved with chapter legislative breakfasts
Government Affairs department conducted a series of credit • Become familiar with the advocacy section of mcul.org
union tours with members of the House Financial Services
Committee and the Senate Banking Committee to illustrate Don’t forget, we are here to help and point you in the
the credit union difference. With new lawmakers being right direction.
elected in November, relationships matter even more. These
tours are a great way to get to know legislators beyond those For more information, contact Kirk Hanna, VP of government
committees, and MCUL’s Government Affairs team can help affairs, at Kirk.Hanna@mcul.org.
you take the first step.
8 First Quarter 2016 I Contact
