WHAT’S IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR HIKING THE HILL?
- CRCFO
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
10 Essentials for Credit Union Leaders Heading to the Annual Governmental Affairs Conference
by Tim Smith, CPA
Credit Union Practice Leader
Many of our staff at Charles River CFO are avid hikers across New England, tackling the White Mountains, the Green Mountains, and everything in between. Knowing what to carry when you hike is not just good advice; it is the difference between a rewarding summit and an unpleasant or dangerous situation. Next WEEK is the annual Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington D.C. As you prepare for the annual "Hike to the Hill", we think the same wisdom applies. Here are the essentials, trail-tested and Hill-approved.
1. NAVIGATION
Every good hiker carries a map and a compass (or at least a well-charged phone loaded with the right apps). Credit unions are lucky to have some of the best advocates at the state and national level and I know they have provided each of you with legislative priorities. Some may even provide an app for that. The Hike starts on Wednesday afternoon and runs through Thursday.
2. SUN PROTECTION
Winter has been tough for many of us. The month of March in Washington, D.C., is often the first taste of spring for those of us who really need it. My vote is for an early April GAC next year to improve the odds of needing Coppertone® rather than Blistex®. I hope for the early warmth to energize you for the conversations ahead.
3. INSULATION
Experienced hikers know to pack layers because conditions change fast. D.C. in early March can swing from brisk mornings to warm afternoons. More importantly, come layered with knowledge: both the current issues facing credit unions and the broader context lawmakers need to hear. Not sure what insulation we need for the coming stablecoin storm. I am planning to ask TruStage®.
4. ILLUMINATION
A headlamp lights your path when visibility drops. On Capitol Hill, your members’ stories are that light. Concrete examples, like a small business owner who received their first loan or a family that avoided a predatory lender, cut through the policy fog and illuminate what credit unions actually do.
5. FIRST-AID SUPPLIES
Blisters happen, literally and figuratively. So don't bother with Band-Aids® when what you really need is a much better pair of socks and hiking boots. Know before you go which legislative issues are raw and tender right now, and where pushback might flare up. Have your talking points ready to ease friction and keep the conversation moving forward.
6. FIRE STARTER
In wet (or snowy) conditions, getting a fire going takes real effort and the right tools. Generating momentum on Capitol Hill works the same way. Come armed with a clear, compelling ask rather than a laundry list. A focused call to action, delivered with conviction, is the spark that gets legislators leaning in even when the legislative climate feels damp.
7. REPAIR KIT & TOOLS
When gear breaks on the trail, a multi-tool saves the day. When a meeting goes sideways, your ability to pivot does the same. Prepare for hard questions, know your data, and bring a colleague who complements your strengths. Flexibility and preparation are your WD-40 and duct tape, unglamorous and indispensable.
8. NUTRITION
Long days on the trail demand more fuel than you think you will need, and long days at GAC are no different. Eat well, pace yourself through the schedule, and resist the temptation to skip meals for back-to-back meetings. If nutrition isn't working, maybe one of those special treats from back home will do the trick. (e.g., maple syrup from Vermont). You will advocate sharper, engage deeper, and finish stronger when you treat energy management as part of the strategy.
9. HYDRATION
Dehydration is insidious because you do not notice it until your judgment starts to slip. No, we are not talking about the festivities on Monday and Tuesday night. Stay sharp by staying hydrated, yes, but also by replenishing your network. Every conversation at GAC (including the festivities) is an opportunity to draw on your peers' collective wisdom. Listen twice as much as you speak. The best advocates know when to drink in new perspectives.
10. EMERGENCY SHELTER
In any challenging environment, knowing you have a safe place to regroup matters. At GAC, that shelter is our credit union community and its cause. Washington knows how much our members love what we do for them. We need to make sure they hear it again.
READY TO HIKE THE HILL?
The annual GAC is one of the most important weeks on the credit union calendar. When executives from across the country arrive on Capitol Hill together, lawmakers take notice. Come prepared, come energized, and come ready to advocate for the 140 million Americans who choose credit unions. The trail is well-worn, but the summit still requires the climb.
