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It is a well-known fact that the credit union movement has provided a great study in effective grassroots political action efforts, and executives from the Ukrainian-American credit union community are no exception. As part of a 100,000 member-strong credit union network that holds more than $2 billion in deposits, the Ukrainian-Americans are well aware of the ongoing need to maintain strong ties with local and national elected officials.
 “Ukrainian-American credit unions are uniquely representative of the Ukrainian-American community and are respected in all sectors of American government,” said Bohdan Watral, CEO of Selfreliance Ukrainian American FCU. “Their leaders represent the largest cohesive, financially-based Ukrainian-American group in matters relating to community issues.”
After attending a credit union conference in Washington, D.C. earlier this summer, members of the credit union’s board and staff met with U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-7th, Chicago) and Melissa Bean (D-8th, Schaumburg). At the meeting, Congressman Davis recognized contributions Selfreliance has made to its community and to the Congressman’s legislative district. Congresswoman Bean also praised Selfreliance for its accomplishments and restated her support for the tax-exempt status of America’s credit unions and her support for democratic initiatives in Ukraine.
The following day, the Selfreliance representatives took part in a “Constituents Breakfast” with U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-Chicago) and Richard Durbin (D-Chicago). Watral thanked the Senators for their support and asked whether they would continue to support U.S. credit unions and democratic initiatives in Ukraine. Both Senators strongly supported credit unions in their mission and were well aware of the work done by Selfreliance for its members and community. They also discussed current political and economic issues occurring in the Ukraine. The results of the meetings resulted in a greater understanding of Ukrainian-American issues and sensitivities.
In the following weeks, Selfreliance representatives also met with President George W. Bush and U.S. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-14, Yorkville). During his visit to Chicago, President Bush noticed the large Ukrainian presence at a fundraiser for Illinois Gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka. Both the President and the Speaker were pleased to hear that the Ukrainian-American community takes an active part in America’s political process.
“Ukrainian-American credit unions play an important part in America’s democratic process and exemplify significant community fiscal strength. They are something to be used to help our own lives, to help grow our community and to foster democratic ideals,” concluded Watral.
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