More California credit unions were making arrangements Wednesday to help their members donate funds to victims of the Japanese earthquake disaster through special Red Cross accounts and online vehicles.

Speaking out on the two most recent disaffiliations from CUNA, the chairman of the Credit Union Association of New Mexico appealed anew for industry unity Tuesday, calling the CU exits “simply crazy when you consider the fast-moving events we are dealing with in Washington.”

NCUA was the object of more heat this week from an ad hoc group of 32 CEOs and credit union executives submitting a complaining petition to Congressional committees.

With an eye on sharply strengthening its lobbying strategy, the Ohio Credit Union League announced this week it is revamping its annual meeting format to include for the first time a Columbus “Hike the Hill.”

The $3.7 billion Patelco Credit Union rolled out simultaneous marketing campaigns Tuesday, one on a “trust your CU” theme and the other spontaneous cash giveaways using a “Patelco Pays Your Way” pitch.

In a gesture to aid its members, two California credit unions serving the Japanese-American communities announced Monday they are waiving wire transfer fees for individuals sending money to family and friends in Japan.

While the nation’s attention still remains focused on the Wisconsin union-legislative fight, the state’s credit unions have been quietly helping member businesses and employees cope with the economic fallout through literacy efforts being promoted this week.

The long-term financial troubles at Nevada’s largest credit union, the $718 million Silver State Schools,, have also been accompanied by recent changes of senior management.