The following post is provided by Credit Union National Association (CUNA), World Council's direct member organization in the United States.

A recent American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) survey reveals the breadth and depth of support leagues have provided to credit unions to help them effectively navigate the pandemic. All 35 AACUL members participated in the survey representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Leagues have held over 2,700 meetings with legislators, regulatory agencies, governors’ offices and leadership since mid-March. In addition, leagues have hosted 1,475 different lawmakers and regulators - at both the state and federal level - to engage in dialogue with credit unions virtually. 

“For years, the Credit Union League System has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support credit unions and their members – and they have continued to do so during this pandemic. The current crisis has brought some of these league efforts to the forefront,” said Diana Dykstra, vice-chair of World Council's Board of Directors, AACUL Chair and president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. “I am very proud of the many and various ways leagues have supported credit unions during this crisis.”

The League system leveraged well-established relationships with policymakers to advocate for credit unions, influencing 245 pandemic-related bills, governors’ orders and regulations.

These ranged from designating credit unions as essential services to remote notarization laws to making mortgage forbearance voluntary for credit unions.

The virtual environment boosted turnout for Hike the Hill events. More than 3,560 credit union employees and board members directly engaged with members of Congress, sharing priorities and articulating the credit union difference.

“The collaboration among leagues during this pandemic is a true testament to our movement – and credit unions nationwide have benefited greatly from this cooperation. It’s impressive how effectively and efficiently leagues have been operating on behalf of their credit unions. By openly sharing resources, expertise and key learnings, leagues have been able to provide the upmost value for their credit unions,” said Brad Miller, AACUL executive director. “I’ve never been prouder to represent the League System as AACUL’s executive director.”

Leagues hosted 1,275 virtual meetings including town halls, forums, webinars, CEO calls, council calls and educational events, featuring almost 850 subject matter experts to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among credit unions and to inform credit unions about compliance, regulatory, HR and other pressing pandemic issues.

In addition, the League system also pivoted by adjusting 460 previously scheduled in-person events to be virtual. More than 4,300 resources were provided to credit unions through League COVID-19 microsites.

The Leagues System also donated almost $3.7 million to credit unions and community organizations in support of COVID relief.