When credit unions speak with one voice, powerful things happen.

At CrossState Credit Union Association, advocacy is at the core of everything we do because the issues facing our members are not technical policy details or distant matters, they’re real-world challenges that shape people’s lives. The policies we advocate for affect families buying their first homes, small businesses opening their doors, and communities building stronger financial futures.

Our new video, “Advocacy Anthem: A Rallying Cry for Credit Union Advocacy,” celebrates that spirit and reminds us of what we accomplish when we raise our collective voice. This isn’t just a video for CrossState members—it’s for every credit union. We invite you to share it with your board, staff, members, and community. Use it to help explain the value of advocacy in simple and inspiring terms.

The Power of Partnership

Advocacy can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. As our Government Relations Associate Kevin Oswald says in the film, “CrossState prides itself on simplifying advocacy, so credit unions can spend their time serving members and communities.”

That’s why credit union leagues around the country continue to build tools that make engagement easier, from talking points to educational resources, designed to help employees and volunteers speak confidently about the issues that matter most.

Our Senior Vice President of Government Relations Christina Mihalik, says it best, “Our role is to make advocacy as easy as possible for credit unions.” That clarity of purpose is what allows credit union leagues nationwide to amplify the impact of credit unions in every community.

Story continued below…

Strength in Numbers

Advocacy works best when we do it together. Amey Sgrignoli, President & CEO of Belco Community Credit Union, puts it this way: “We serve members and provide economic empowerment, and CrossState gives us the resources and ability to do that.”

Mike Dinneen, President & CEO of First Harvest Credit Union, adds, “There’s strength in numbers and in the unified message CrossState helps credit unions achieve.”

These aren’t just words—they represent the foundation of our success. When credit unions stand united, policymakers listen. This is how we recently preserved the credit union tax status in Washington, D.C., protecting the not-for-profit model that allows credit unions to keep members first.

A Call to Every Credit Union

In the video, Michael Thomas, President & CEO of Service 1st Federal Credit Union, says, “We’re advocating on behalf of our membership, on behalf of small business owners and the people buying their first house.” I think his message reflects why this work matters.

Our movement has always been about people: people helping people, people standing together, and people ensuring that every community has access to fair, affordable financial services.

Ron Ferrance, President & CEO of New Cumberland Federal Credit Union, simply states, “I don’t think you can put a price on it.” That’s because the value of advocacy isn’t measured in dollars — it’s measured in impact.

As Mike Dinneen reminds us, “Advocacy for credit unions is integral to who we are. Without credit unions, an economic lifeblood disappears.”

That’s why we need everyone’s voice at the table—every size, every stage, every community. Because with a unified front, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone.

Our Shared Anthem

The CrossState Advocacy Anthem is more than a celebration of past victories. It’s a rallying cry for what comes next and a reminder that advocacy is not the job of a few, but the responsibility of us all.

Watch the CrossState Advocacy Anthem video here.