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CREDIT UNION HOUSE #faqs
WHAT IS CREDIT UNION HOUSE?
Credit Union House (CU House) is a permanent presence for credit unions on Capitol Hill.
It serves as both a welcoming embassy for credit union visitors in Washington D.C. and
a grassroots advocacy tool.
WHY WAS CREDIT UNION HOUSE BUILT?
The vision for CU House came out of the battle for H.R. 1151 and a resolution to increase
credit unions’ political involvement and advocacy efforts at the national level. Credit
unions wanted to send a message to Members of Congress, other industries, and their own
members that credit unions are a key player in the political scene. CU House provides
both a physical presence that sends a message of permanency, as well as a home away from
home for credit union advocates who come to DC to share their message.
WHO OWNS CREDIT UNION HOUSE?
Like credit unions, CU House is owned by its members. The LLC membership is made up of
each statewide credit union trade association and the American Association of Credit Union
Leagues (AACUL). In order to build CU House, each state trade association made an investment.
Through their affiliation with state leagues, credit unions own CU House.
WHAT HAPPENS AT CREDIT UNION HOUSE?
As a permanent staging area and coordination point just a few blocks from the Capitol, CU
House provides meeting space for credit union officials, leagues, and CUNA to discuss
strategies, plan Congressional meetings, and de-brief after visits with lawmakers. Credit
union leaders from each state and several countries have visited CU House.
CU House also provides elegant event space for receptions, dinners, and political fundraisers.
Since opening in 2001, CU House has welcomed hundreds of Members of Congress to events. Each
year, CU House is becoming the venue of choice for more and more political candidates, current
Members of Congress, and non-profit community groups who host their own events at CU House.
CAN I USE CREDIT UNION HOUSE?
Credit Union House is always available to credit union leagues and league-affiliated credit
unions. It is often made available to organizations that partner with credit unions on other
issues and non-profit or community organizations, as well. The best way to determine if you
are eligible to use CU House is by contacting us.
WHEN CAN I BOOK NEXT YEAR’S EVENT?
Priority booking for the following calendar year begins in the third quarter of the current
year. After each priority member is given the opportunity to book events, credit unions and
other system partners may begin to book their events. We discourage non-system groups from
booking events more than six months in advance.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO USE CREDIT UNION HOUSE FOR AN EVENT?
Space at Credit Union House is offered at no charge to LLC Members. It is available at a
discount for credit unions and other system groups. Highly competitive rates are charged to
other groups that rent Credit Union House. Please contact us for a quote.
WHY DOES CREDIT UNION HOUSE NEED CONTRIBUTIONS?
Sustained annual giving from credit unions provides the funding for ongoing, daily operations.
While initial investments from AACUL and the leagues provided funding for the land and
construction of the facility, ongoing operational expenses (including ever-increasing property
taxes and the costs associated with maintaining a top-notch events facility) are funded
through sustained annual giving from credit unions. Reaching the annual contribution goal will
ensure Credit Union House is fully sustained through credit union contributions.
DOES MY CONTRIBUTION MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Just as with cooperatives, the more members involved with Credit Union House the stronger it
becomes. With 100% participation from the credit unions in each state, each credit union’s
share falls at only about $60 a year. Right now, a small percentage of credit unions provide
a majority of the sustained annual giving. Your involvement will help spread this financial
responsibility more evenly and will help your state reach its annual fundraising goal.
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