Experiences and Perspectives from GAC Crashers

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“Learning how advocacy directly impacts members’ lives inspired me
to bring back new ideas and best practices to serve and better support our members.”
– 2025 GAC Crasher

Every year, one fortunate Young Professional from each state in the Cornerstone region is selected to attend America's Credit Unions' Governmental Affairs Conference as a Crasher. Below are a few common questions to help other YPs better understand the key insights and takeaways gathered from this year’s Crashers.

Development or Professional Growth?

When asked how attending GAC could enhance their professional growth, the 2025 YP crashers referred to the adage, “Your network is your net worth.”

Being around trailblazers and the brightest minds in the credit union industry pushes you to excel and ultimately challenges your growth and development.

Perspective on Governmental Affairs?

The overall experience, whether during the keynote speakers or breakout sessions throughout the conference, helped amplify the importance of government affairs in the longevity of the credit union movement.

It also helped us find a new confidence in our voice as young professionals. Our perspectives were heard, which helped break the notion that government affairs and congressional officials are to be seen as “untouchable,” as one of the Crashers shared. Thanks to this experience, that misconception was shattered, and we saw our elected officials as real individuals.

Did it Impact Your Connection to Your Communities?

The GAC experience helped our Crashers solidify their purpose by reaffirming their passion for being advocates who uplift the communities they touch daily. It also helped us understand that the credit union movement impacts us all and that we should not operate within silos.

Motivation and Future Aspiration in the Credit Union Industry

The Crashers agreed that the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” is more than a 9-to-5 job; it’s a lifelong calling. They realized that understanding advocacy is key to continuing to grow in their fields. Crashing GAC showed them that it’s time to step out of their comfort zones and be the trailblazers of tomorrow.

We hope every young professional who reads this feels compelled to step out of their comfort zone and make every effort to apply to Crash GAC in 2026.

“Attending the GAC reaffirmed the true essence of the credit union movement—'people helping people.’
It reinforced that our mission goes beyond financial services; it’s about advocating
for and uplifting the communities we serve.”
– 2025 GAC Crasher