Spokesperson Program – FAQ

What is a spokesperson?
A spokesperson is someone trained to speak on key issues impacting their credit union and the credit union movement.

Why do we need spokespersons?
Good spokespersons can solidify the reputation of credit unions, and secure favorable opinions among the general public, the media and policymakers. Spokespersons also generate goodwill within their respective communities and can gain recognition as trusted advisers.

What do spokespersons talk about?
Spokespersons may be asked to speak to the media, or community and civic groups on an array of topics related to financial services, financial literacy or credit unions. Common subjects include:

• Credit unions in general
• Financial services industry
• Safety and soundness of credit unions
• The credit union difference
• Regulatory issues
• Legislative issues
• Shared branching
• Competition
• Community involvement
• Financial literacy
• Lending programs
• Security issues

What are spokespersons expected to do?
Spokespersons are asked to attend media training, be available when speaking and media opportunities arise, contact local media with relevant story ideas, remain abreast of current issues related to banking, finance, and credit unions, build relationships with local media, and accompany the GCUA Director of Communications on media visits to local journalists and media representatives.

In addition, spokespersons are asked to secure publication or coverage of two positive credit union stories per year through their local media. Finally, to assist in tracking the success of the GCUA Spokesperson Program, spokespersons will report twice per year on their media outreach efforts, to include: number of media contacts made (calls, emails, visits), news distribution (press releases, announcements, e-mails, etc.), media placements, media inquiries received, copies of news clips (print and broadcast).