About

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Join?  We don't have "members" but if you are a small credit union, you can endorse us (under $500m).  Respond by email to Doug@Tri-CU.com, with the following declaration of endorsement:

"As a small credit union, we [Credit Union Name] embrace our not-for-profit cooperative roots and prioritize giving profits back to our members, local communities and the underserved.  We endorse the Endangered Credit Union Defense to advocate for reduced regulatory burdens on small credit unions and authorize this 501(c)(4) Nonprofit Social Welfare Organization to represent these interests in lobbying activities, and we explicitly authorize the use of our credit union name accordingly." 

Note: I advise you receive approval from your board of director prior to the endorsement.  I will add your credit union to my database, and keep you updated and informed so you can help direct our advocacy priorities. On my lobbying materials (such as letters and e-mails to politicians or regulators) I will list your credit union as endorsing our regulatory relief priorities.

What if I'm not ready to endorse ESCUD?  Perhaps your or your board isn't quite ready to commit, or you aren't sure it is safe (who are these crazy people, anyway)?  That is fine!  Just follow us on Linkedin, and please chime in with comments or questions, or give us "kudos" when you like what we are doing. We want to hear from all small CUs about how we can better help you survive and thrive (primarily through encouraging member-centric giving back, and advocating for regulatory relief).  The more small CUs who "follow us" - that gives us more traction and leverage, to make our voices heard!

What is expected of my Credit Union?  We are fighting for the survival of small credit unions who truly live the “not-for-profit” tax-exempt ethos, by giving profits back to members, especially for underserved communities, minorities and those of modest means.  You should be able to demonstrate a *clear* value to your members or community, which is different and better than the "big banks." 

How much does it cost?  It is free to endorse us, and you can cancel (withdraw your endorsement) at any time. Dues or fees might be introduced at some point in the future, if you wanted to increase lobbying and productivity capabilities.

Why is ESCUD doing this for “free?” Doug Wadsworth started focusing on advocacy in January of 2025, but he but kept getting ignored (nobody pays attention to a single small CU CEO).  With the backing of other small CU endorsements, it makes the efforts much more productive (now they listen), and can benefit us all, so Doug's Credit Union board allowed him to start this organization, and he does this advocacy work in addition to his regular creidt union CEO duties. Why? The Tri-CU board knows this work is vitally needed to helps small CUs survive across the nation.

How big of an organization is ESCUD?  Doug and 3 other board members, but no paid staff. Thus far, all the lobbying efforts are being handled primarily by Doug, with Scott Prior working on the DFI side.  

What about my Credit Union Trade Association?  This is solely a nonprofit "social welfare advocacy" organization, and we do not compete with trade associations or Leagues. Endorsement of ESCUD is welcome to credit unions who are also members of trade associations, and it is recognized they provide valuable services that are far outside our capability or scope - so you should join one (or more).  ESCUD is eager to partner with all national and regional associations to promote our regulatory relief priorities!   

We aren't shy about suggesting that other trade associations or leagues prioritize proportionate small CU representation on their leadership boards, as well as cap their dues on the biggest CUs (to ensure small CU voices aren't over-shadowed).  We recognize both ACU and DCUC for doing this already, and their membership is a bargain, so we encourage you to join them! 

What *exactly* will ESCUD be doing?  Doug (with support and guidance from the board) will be continually communicating to relevant regulators, politicians and leagues, the value of small credit unions, and how common-sense regulatory relief which does not impact our safety or soundness, can be enacted to avoid our extinction.  This will include letters, news articles, e-mails, visits, etc.

Will ESCUD be endorsing political candidates or parties?  No, the organization is focused on encouraging any relevant person or agency to reduce the regulatory burden on small credit unions, regardless of party affiliation.

Federal vs State Credit Union? ESCUD will distinguish between federal and state credit union endorsements in lobbying efforts when appropriate, based on the targeted party (differentiate “state” for DFI). 

What is the ESCUD position on tax exemption?: ESCUD is 100% pro-tax exemption for all credit unions, we have NEVER been against it, and we will ALWAYS support it!  Having said that, our priority is the *survival of small credit unions.* Hence we are advocating for regulatory relief and encouraging member-centric "giving back" to our members and communities.  Why is regulatory relief our priority? Small CUs are the "heart and soul" of the movement, and if we go extinct (which many predict will happen within the next decade, based on the current trajectory), we are concerned about the risk of losing the tax exemption wfor the entire movement. Why? Because the public generally sees big CUs and indistinguishable from banks. That is just the hard truth. Hence, our small CUs care more about achieving regulatory relief *now,* so we can survive and thrive... and thus help keep the tax exemption in place for all CUs - big or small.