MnCUN Invites More Credit Union Employees to Act as Grassroots Coordinators

​Since 2014, MnCUN’s Grassroots Coordinator program has been successful at marshaling people to engage in credit union advocacy. Last year, advocates sent over 50,000 messages to members of Congress and the number of GREAT members increased by nearly 2,800.

​The credit for that success is due to the efforts of Grassroots Coordinators in credit unions across the state talking with other staff and members about issues that are important to our industry. To build on these efforts, the Network is expanding the program to allow for multiple Coordinators from a credit union. Previously, credit unions were only allowed one Grassroots Coordinator each.

The role of a Grassroots Coordinator is to act as the liaison on legislative and advocacy issues for their credit union, rallying grassroots participation and reporting progress to the Minnesota Credit Union Network. They work closely with Network staff on state and federal issues and get weekly updates during the Minnesota legislative session on MnCUN’s legislative agenda. There are also periodic special trainings and meetings to sharpen understanding of issues and inform them of political trends at the state and federal level. Coordinators come from a diverse range of backgrounds and position titles, ranging from MSR’s to CEO’s.

If any staff member at any level has an interest in the political and advocacy work of credit unions in Minnesota, as well as across the country, they should contact MnCUN Director of Governmental Affairs Ryan Smith at [email protected].