A message from Douglas R. Samuels, President/CEO:
On behalf of Space Coast Credit Union, and in the interest of credit union members throughout the United States, I would like to personally invite you to become an SCCU Legislative Ambassador.
One of the most important things we do as Americans is vote for those who represent us in government. It is also important to understand that our elected representatives are subjected to a barrage of messages from special-interest groups, each
seeking to gain legislative backing for their cause.
One of the most powerful lobbies is the one representing the banking industry. As part of its actions to serve their own interests and reduce competition, the banking lobby continuously aims its well-funded efforts at convincing legislators to pass laws that will limit the ability of credit unions to grow, or to provide members with a full range of
financial service.
Member understanding and action is key to countering these attacks, which are ultimately intended to eliminate credit unions altogether. Our Legislative Ambassador Program is a means of empowering our members to take defensive action on their behalf.
Space Coast Credit Union is not a political lobby, but we have a responsibility to protect the collective interests of our members in the legislative process, to ensure that your value in the cooperative is not threatened or diminished by legislative actions.
Member activism is not a new concept. The top advocacy groups in the country, including the AARP, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Business, all have one thing in common. They have members in every
Congressional district and have identified targeted individuals within their membership who can serve as key contacts with their representatives.
The Credit Union Movement has the potential to surpass any advocacy group in the country. Over 87 million Americans belong to credit unions. If every state’s credit unions work to do their part, this movement could easily produce a group of credit
union advocates and political activists organized to protect the interests of credit union members.
To ensure that our legislators and candidates understand the credit union position during the coming election year, we are coordinating groups of SCCU members who are interested in participating in election activities. If you would like to receive information about the Legislative Ambassador effort, sign up online.
There is no obligation to take part in any activity. You will simply receive information about current legislative developments that affect credit unions. As election time approaches, you will receive information about candidates who are considered to be credit union supporters, and you will be informed of opportunities to support the campaigns of those candidates through various efforts, depending on the particular candidate’s needs. Such efforts may include spending time at campaign headquarters to participate in mailing or calling efforts, attending “town hall” meetings, or the classic curbside sign-waving activities so common in campaigns.
Any participation is entirely voluntary and of your choosing. SCCU does not compensate for any time spent on activities. In connection with your participation, SCCU does not assume any responsibility or liability arising by virtue of your participation.
Ambassador communications will be sent via email to the address you provide. These
communications will be designed to educate you about legislative and regulatory issues of concern to you as a credit union member.
The banking lobby is trying to take away something of value that now belongs to 87 million Americans. They want us to go away. We won't go. I look forward to working with you to ensure that credit unions will continue to be available to effectively serve their member-owners.
Douglas R. Samuels
President/CEO
