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CRI Survey: An Itegral Part of
Credit Union Legislative Advocacy

Many state and federal lawmakers are willing to meet with credit unions to discuss issues important to the industry, but credit unions are just one of many groups they meet with each year. When involved in grassroots lobbying events such as the CUNA or MCUL Hike the Hill, it’s essential that credit unions stand out and clearly express their message, particularly with a seasoned and strong bank lobby in place.

To aid in this process, the MCUL creates publications like the CRI Aggregate Report, Hike the Hill brochure and fact sheets from each of Michigan’s congressional districts, which explain what credit unions have been doing in their communities and the positive impact they have on members’ lives. The data that provides the backbone to these documents comes from the annual CRI Survey. 

“The CRI Survey is very important to get a clear picture of the good works of Michigan credit unions,” said MCUL President/CEO David Adams. “When we sit down with lawmakers, the CRI Aggregate Report and Hike the Hill brochure, which contain data from the survey responses, catch their attention. We can easily point out how credit union members saved $425 million through lower fees or that 49,000 Michigan students were educated by credit union staff. If credit unions don’t fill out the CRI Survey, these numbers can be incomplete.”

The CRI Survey is comprised of 19 questions that get to the heart of what makes credit unions different than most financial institutions. The survey asks for information on services such as check cashing, financial education, mortgages and special loan programs for specific ethnic groups. This year, the MCUL Modest Means Council and the Public Communications Working Group reworked the survey so the responses would provide an even clearer differentiation between credit unions and banks. Responses from credit unions should now better reflect the hands-on nature of credit union involvement in the community, to show how credit unions do more than just raise money.

There is also more detail in the foreclosure section of the survey. Credit unions are asked for the specific types of services offered to members that are facing foreclosure.

“The services offered by credit unions to members who could potentially face foreclosure are a great way to show lawmakers how credit unions are beneficial to their communities,” Adams said.  “It shows a willingness to work closely with membership. In this tough economy, people are looking for help and finding it at their local credit union. Lawmakers need to know this so they will continue to support the credit union tax exemption and areas of regulatory relief.”

Paper copies of the CRI Survey will be mailed to credit unions in late September.  The survey will go online in October and stay open for six weeks, which takes no longer than 15 or 20 minutes to complete. Credit unions are welcome to fill out the survey in either paper or electronic form. For more information, contact CRI Coordinator Judy Gardi at jag@mcul.org or MCUL ext. 458.