The formation of a new grassroots taskforce was announced Monday at the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) by America’s Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt, one dedicated to protecting, empowering, and advancing credit union priorities by mobilizing advocacy ambassadors across the country.

The task force is comprised of members of the America’s Credit Unions’ Advocacy Policy Committee who are passionate about the power of grassroots influence in Washington. Members will engage with their peers and advise the committee on grassroots campaigns, including but not limited to Don’t Tax My Credit Union. The Advocacy Policy Committee met in person Saturday afternoon in person at GAC.

Additionally, Hunt announced the Franklin D. Roosevelt Award – a new recognition named after the president who signed the Federal Credit Union Act in 1934 – that will recognize the grassroots achievements of a credit union advocate annually.

“At America’s Credit Unions, advocacy is job number one,” she 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.”

Criteria for nominations for the Roosevelt Award include:

• 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;
• Engage with regulators;
• Meet with CFPB, NCUA, and other regulators;
• Submit at least one comment letter. 
• Take action on a majority of the Calls to Action;
• Run Project Zip Code in calendar year;
• Submit at least 3 member videos to Advancing Communities;
• Activate through Member Activation Program at least once; and
• Attend Governmental Affairs Conference and Congressional Caucus.

The award will be presented at the 2025 Congressional Caucus held in Washington, D.C., Sept. 7-10.