The Power of Advocacy

By Laurie Baker, President and CEO

When we think about advocacy, it’s easy to picture something complicated or formal, but true advocacy often starts in much smaller moments. In the credit union movement, those moments matter because advocacy is woven into who we are and how we serve. Advocacy is simply the intentional act of supporting what matters most to you and giving your values a voice. It matters because when we speak up with clarity and courage, we often create space for progress, connection, and stronger communities.

Advocacy shows up in many forms, and it starts with understanding your own priorities and finding the confidence to share your perspective. Sometimes that means speaking up for a child with special needs, helping an elderly relative navigate a complex system, or simply standing up for yourself in a moment that matters. While these may not have been the first things that come to mind, these everyday acts are powerful forms of advocacy too.

At its best, advocacy empowers people to be heard. It doesn’t always require a title or expertise. It’s a skill we build over time, through moments when we speak up for ourselves, support friends or neighbors, or share our personal stories so others can learn from it. In a world that’s increasingly digital, where conversations can be quick and impersonal, the ability to advocate for ourselves is more important than ever, especially for young people who may not have had many opportunities to practice it yet.

At The Summit, advocacy is central to our mission and it’s a principle that the credit union movement has always embraced. Collaboration, camaraderie, and genuine care for people are part of who we are.

We show up for our members because improving their lives is our mission and it has been for 85 years. When we advocate on their behalf, we’re making sure their voices are heard. Not everyone feels comfortable advocating for their own needs, and part of our responsibility as leaders is to help bridge that gap.

Our recent experience at America’s Credit Union’s Governmental Affairs Conference renewed our sense of purpose and reminded us why this work matters. But advocacy isn’t limited to just certain times of the year or in formal settings. Strong advocacy is rooted in relationships. The most meaningful connections are built long before you need something. It happens in conversations, in choices, and in the courage it takes to speak up for what you believe in. In April, we’ll be headed to Albany to advocate for legislation that increases access to financial education in schools and makes financial education widely available for all students in New York State.

My hope is that each of us continues to grow as our own best advocate and we support others in finding their voice too. When we do that, we strengthen not only ourselves, but our entire community.

And at The Summit, we’ll continue advocating for our members with passion, purpose, and a commitment to improving lives every day.