we've got a lot to talk about!

Whether it’s answering a question, offering a polite opinion, or outlining the benefits credit unions provide, as a credit union employee or volunteer, you often have the chance to talk to members and the public about credit unions.

Of course, it’s always MUCH easier to speak up if you feel prepared. So, what follows is some basic information about credit unions that will hopefully help you put credit unions in a “real world” context that makes sense to the people you’re talking to.

First ... a few tips to keep in mind

• Remain positive
• Stick with the facts you know
• If you don't know, say so
• Know YOUR credit union
• Refer calls from the media to the right person

Here's a little more information on each of these points

So ... let's talk about credit unions

As you know from reading the information in this manual, credit unions are unique financial institutions that offer a lot of benefits – not just for members, but for all consumers. In fact, they’re one of the “best kept secrets” in the financial services industry. It’d be great to change that.

We've put come up with 14 key questions about credit unions along with the facts you should know when you answer them. If you'd like a .pdf file of all of them, click here. Or click on the question below to get the answer. If you have a question that you'd like answered, put it in a comment (at the bottom of the page) and we'll put together and post an answer.

• What are the key elements that make credit unions safe and secure? How do credit unions compare?
• What does it mean that credit unions are “not-for-profit” and how does that affect their tax status?
• What do credit union do with the tax exemption?
• How do credit unions adhere to their founding mission?
• How are credit unions regulated?
• How do credit unions invest in their communities?
• Why don’t credit unions do more commercial lending?
• How come the ABA is so negative about credit unions?
• Why are credit unions are expanding their fields of membership?
• Both banks and credit unions are federally insured. Is it through the same fund?
• Why do credit unions deserve a credit-union specific regulator?
• The number of members continues to increase, so why are there fewer credit unions?
• How have credit unions tried to protect their members against costs due to bankruptcy?
• What political issues do credit unions have? And why should credit unions get actively involved?