With so many challenges facing credit unions in 2008, atAmerica's credit union leagues, we take an activist view. That is:We can't, and won't, sit still.

So, here are five broad areas on which the leagues, throughAACUL, will be active on behalf of credit unions in 2008. We atAACUL will be talking about all of these areas this week during ourannual meeting in Naples, Fla.

Advocating for credit unions in the state legislatures. Perhapsthe most important function of the leagues is to serve as creditunion advocates before state and local government — in particular,the state legislatures; 2008 offers no small number ofopportunities for doing just that. Already, leagues are gearing upfor state legislative sessions and pressing the credit unionmessage. In my own state of Virginia, for example, we areintroducing legislation to allow state and federal credit unions toaccept public deposits — and we are readying for a fight with thebanks as a result. In California, the league is preparing newlegislation to protect credit unions and their members from datasecurity breaches, such as that which occurred with the TJXcompanies in 2007. Undaunted by the governor's veto of similarlegislation last year, the league is getting “back up on the horse”to try again. That's the tenacity that typifies league action instanding up for their member credit unions. Meanwhile, leagues willcontinue to serve as the first line of defense for credit unionsagainst attacks in the state legislatures by banks and others, whoaim to constrict or weaken the credit union charter.

Ensuring credit unions a voice in decision '08. Because it is anelection year, leagues will work vigorously in the states turningout the grassroots in support of credit union-friendly candidates.Our federal system of government places on the individual statesall of the emphasis in selecting our national leaders. And noorganization is better positioned, and equipped, to representcredit unions and their interests in that effort than theindividual state leagues. Using the many tools developed inconjunction with CUNA (including Operation Zip Code, a new andimproved election Web site, campaign schools, online politicaltraining, and more), leagues are taking action to be sure thatvoices of credit unions will be heard in the 2008 elections.Leagues' shared commitment in providing credit unions withfinancial resources in taking effective political action isreflected in the continued growth of the Credit Union LegislativeAction Council, which marked a record year in 2007 in totalreceipts. Further, CULAC became the 12th largest political actioncommittee nationally (in terms of contributions to federalcandidates), and the fifth largest PAC of trade associations.

Pressing for enactment of CURIA. In just 10 short months, theleagues and CUNA built a co-sponsor list of more than 140 U.S.House members for the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act(H.R. 1537). Yet, as impressive as is that accomplishment, leaguesreflect the concern of their member credit unions that action isoverdue on giving credit unions more regulatory flexibility. Tothat end, leagues are working daily to not only add moreco-sponsors to the bill, but to urge them to support a hearing inthe House (which we are pushing for this spring, perhaps around thetime of the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference). We are alsoworking to lay the groundwork for the introduction of a Senateversion of CURIA. And — through Hike the Hills and other activities— we will maintain a constant drumbeat that credit unions want anddeserve legislation that provides an optimum regulatory environmentfor their operations.

Pursuing a verdict on UBIT. For several years, the leagues havebeen working closely with CUNA, CUNA Mutual Group, and NASCUS insecuring a defining decision from the IRS on payment bystate-chartered credit unions of unrelated business income tax, andproviding funding for these efforts. Our shared view is that thereare few activities in which state-chartered credit unions typicallyengage that should trigger UBIT. Now we need the IRS to publiclycome to the same conclusion. In 2008, in conjunction with ourpartners, we will be supporting action through the courts thatbroad exemptions from UBIT for credit unions are in order, and thatIRS will be compelled to agree with this view.

Emphasizing and encouraging outreach. Whether it is providingaccess to services and products for those who have often beenignored by the financial system, fostering financial literacy, orbeing a partner in community charitable activities, leagues will betaking steps in '08 to help credit unions get the job done. TheAACUL Outreach Task Force is developing a coordinated, credit unionsystem-wide outreach to members, potential members, and those amongthe underserved through a unified vision, strategy and identity. Indoing so, our efforts will be aimed at expanding outreach effortsof credit unions, particularly by presenting a model or frameworkof options that can be utilized. But we will not re-invent thewheel. Credit unions already perform a variety of effectiveoutreach efforts. Our aim will be to stress the use of o?? programsand initiatives that are already underway, such as the NationalCredit Union Foundation's REAL Solutions, and finding methods toamplify and expand their reach. But, no matter what method creditunions individually choose, we hope to expand credit union outreachthroughout the movement and raise the level of involvement to thehighest levels ever.

Here's to a successful, active and accomplished 2008 for thecredit union movement. At America's leagues, we will be workingevery day to realize those results.