With so many challenges facing credit unions in 2008, at America'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, through AACUL, will be active on behalf of credit unions in 2008. We at AACUL will be talking about all of these areas this week during our annual meeting in Naples, Fla.

Advocating for credit unions in the state legislatures. Perhaps the most important function of the leagues is to serve as credit union advocates before state and local government — in particular, the state legislatures; 2008 offers no small number of opportunities for doing just that. Already, leagues are gearing up for state legislative sessions and pressing the credit union message. In my own state of Virginia, for example, we are introducing legislation to allow state and federal credit unions to accept public deposits — and we are readying for a fight with the banks as a result. In California, the league is preparing new legislation to protect credit unions and their members from data security breaches, such as that which occurred with the TJX companies in 2007. Undaunted by the governor's veto of similar legislation last year, the league is getting “back up on the horse” to try again. That's the tenacity that typifies league action in standing up for their member credit unions. Meanwhile, leagues will continue to serve as the first line of defense for credit unions against attacks in the state legislatures by banks and others, who aim to constrict or weaken the credit union charter.

Ensuring credit unions a voice in decision '08. Because it is an election year, leagues will work vigorously in the states turning out the grassroots in support of credit union-friendly candidates. Our federal system of government places on the individual states all of the emphasis in selecting our national leaders. And no organization is better positioned, and equipped, to represent credit unions and their interests in that effort than the individual state leagues. Using the many tools developed in conjunction with CUNA (including Operation Zip Code, a new and improved election Web site, campaign schools, online political training, and more), leagues are taking action to be sure that voices of credit unions will be heard in the 2008 elections. Leagues' shared commitment in providing credit unions with financial resources in taking effective political action is reflected in the continued growth of the Credit Union Legislative Action Council, which marked a record year in 2007 in total receipts. Further, CULAC became the 12th largest political action committee nationally (in terms of contributions to federal candidates), and the fifth largest PAC of trade associations.

Pressing for enactment of CURIA. In just 10 short months, the leagues 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, leagues reflect the concern of their member credit unions that action is overdue on giving credit unions more regulatory flexibility. To that end, leagues are working daily to not only add more co-sponsors to the bill, but to urge them to support a hearing in the House (which we are pushing for this spring, perhaps around the time of the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference). We are also working to lay the groundwork for the introduction of a Senate version of CURIA. And — through Hike the Hills and other activities — we will maintain a constant drumbeat that credit unions want and deserve legislation that provides an optimum regulatory environment for their operations.

Pursuing a verdict on UBIT. For several years, the leagues have been working closely with CUNA, CUNA Mutual Group, and NASCUS in securing a defining decision from the IRS on payment by state-chartered credit unions of unrelated business income tax, and providing funding for these efforts. Our shared view is that there are few activities in which state-chartered credit unions typically engage that should trigger UBIT. Now we need the IRS to publicly come to the same conclusion. In 2008, in conjunction with our partners, we will be supporting action through the courts that broad exemptions from UBIT for credit unions are in order, and that IRS will be compelled to agree with this view.

Emphasizing and encouraging outreach. Whether it is providing access to services and products for those who have often been ignored by the financial system, fostering financial literacy, or being a partner in community charitable activities, leagues will be taking steps in '08 to help credit unions get the job done. The AACUL Outreach Task Force is developing a coordinated, credit union system-wide outreach to members, potential members, and those among the underserved through a unified vision, strategy and identity. In doing so, our efforts will be aimed at expanding outreach efforts of credit unions, particularly by presenting a model or framework of options that can be utilized. But we will not re-invent the wheel. Credit unions already perform a variety of effective outreach efforts. Our aim will be to stress the use of o?? programs and initiatives that are already underway, such as the National Credit Union Foundation's REAL Solutions, and finding methods to amplify and expand their reach. But, no matter what method credit unions individually choose, we hope to expand credit union outreach throughout the movement and raise the level of involvement to the highest levels ever.

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