We’re Seeking the Next GAC Crashers!

​A career building opportunity awaits! Find out what past Dakota Crashers had to say about attending the biggest credit union event of the year! 

​For than a decade, Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) has had the pleasure of sending “Crashers” from the Dakotas to the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). We want to keep this tradition going, and we are looking for our next 2022 Crashers now! 
 
“Crash the GAC” is an incredible opportunity for young credit union professionals, age 40 and under, to attend the largest credit union advocacy event of the year. This is a career-building opportunity, and one that all serious credit union professionals should consider.
 
As in previous years, we are seeking one Crasher from each of our states to attend the GAC that will be held February 27 – March 3, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Once there, Crashers not only experience a packed week of learning, networking, and advocating on behalf of credit unions, but they will meet an entire network of young professionals from all around the country. Crashers also experience exclusive behind-the-scenes activities just for the Crasher group.  
 
The GAC registration fee alone is worth nearly $1,200 – but Crashers receive their registration for FREE! Travel and other expenses are the responsibility of the attendee’s credit union, however, DakCU is offering a $1,000 scholarship to assist with expenses, to each Dakota Crasher that is selected. *Credit union must be a DakCU affiliated member.
 
Here’s what some of our previous crashers had to say about their experience:
 
Laura Mallow, Senior Business Support Specialist at Black Hills FCU (Rapid City, SD) was a 2020 Crasher.  “Crashing was one of the best experiences of my career so far,” she stated.  “I started the week not knowing anyone but walked away having made friends from every state.  We are all in contact almost daily, asking for help, bouncing ideas off each other, or just checking in.  I can’t recommend crashing enough, you won’t regret it!”
 
Nanci Wilson, Marketing & Community Engagement at University FCU (Grand Forks, ND) was a 2021 “virtual” GAC Crasher, due to the pandemic.  “I enjoyed networking with other credit union professionals from all over the country,” she said.  “The energy is tangible - even through the screen!  The experience allowed me to really listen and understand the legislative side of our movement and how I can be a proactive part.  This was a fantastic opportunity to stand collectively with like-minded professionals for the greater good.”
 
Are you ready to CRASH the GAC? APPLY NOW!  
 
More about the Crasher program: CUNA and The Cooperative Trust, through the Filene Research Institute, select one young credit union professional from each state and the District of Columbia to “Crash” the GAC. In addition to the core schedule of events, Crashers will take part in exclusive sessions that will provide a greater focus on credit union advocacy and activities that can help to grow and promote credit unions on the state and federal level. Each crasher will receive a full conference registration, courtesy of CUNA.   
 
Important deadlines: Crash the GAC applications close on December 3, 2021.
 
More about the GAC: CUNA's GAC is the premier event of the credit union movement. The conference brings together nearly 5,000 credit union leaders from across the country to advocate on their members’ behalf. Besides world-class speakers at the general sessions and cutting-edge breakout sessions, there are league-coordinated Hike-the-Hill events, during which attendees meet with members of the U.S. Congress to engage in conversations on important credit union issues. This is an incredibly valuable experience for those building a career in the credit union industry.
 
Questions about the GAC or the Crasher program? Feel free to contact Jeff Olson or Jay Kruse.