grassroots government relations be the difference talk the difference make a difference co-operating...

GRASSROOTS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Be the difference Talk the differenceMake a difference

Co-operating to Build a Better West ConferenceSaskatoon, Saskatchewan2 November 2012

Credit Union Central of Canada

359 credit unions and caisses populaires

Provincial / Regional

National

Local

Explaining Ottawa

Responsibilities

Opportunities

Challenges

Explaining credit unions

Education

Getting heard in Ottawa

1. Hired lobbyists2. In-house lobbyists3. Grassroots advocacy

Federal government relations in 2010

StrengthsLocal, expertise,

difference

WeaknessesMisunderstood, perceived

as not relevant, small reach

OpportunitiesFCU, need for FI diversity,

“Bank Transfer day”.

ThreatsFCC & other Crowns, regulatory burden, response to crisis.

Why grassroots?

Uses our strengths to build relationships with legislators.

Using our strengths

Local

Expertise

Difference

Using our strengths

Local• A branch in

almost every riding

• Responsive to constituents

Expertise

• Understand local economy

• Authority

Difference

• Memorable stories

• Connect

What is the CU Nation?

A coordinated grassroots advocacy network for the credit union system.

Who is the CU Nation?

Regular people with regular jobs at credit unions right across Canada who just happen to be passionate about the difference their credit union makes.

Who is the CU Nation?

SaskCentral26%

Atlantic Central

24%

Manitoba Central14%

Central 1 (BC)9%

Alberta Central9%

Central 1 (ON)8%

Other9%

l'Alliance2%

Advocates (as of November 1)

Making a difference

In-riding advocacy• “Hike the Hill at Home”; BBQs;

etc.

“Hike the Hill” in Ottawa

Arm-chair advocacy• Messages by email or Twitter

Supporting the Nation

Information• “The Advocate” e-newsletter

Training• Webinars, conferences

Advocacy• Action Alerts, briefing notes,

messaging and info about your MPs.

Why now?

You don’t wait until you are thirsty to dig a well.

GRASSROOTS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Co-operating to Build a Better West ConferenceSaskatoon, Saskatchewan2 November 2012

Kevin DorseManager, Advocacydorsek@cucentral.com