From my Crash the GAC notebook, under the 2011 suggestion heading–
“Nap times need to be scheduled in.”
That one line pretty much sums up last year’s Crash the GAC. For five days, 20 credit union kids from the under-30 set had the immense privilege of invading credit union’s biggest annual event – CUNA GAC. We rubbed shoulders with the best and brightest in credit unions, nonstop all day – everyday.
So – if you’re a credit union professional under the age of 30 and enjoy…
- learning more in a week about credit unions than you have your entire career
- spending close and personal time with some of the best people our industry has to offer
- staying up to the wee hours of the night
- waking up at the wee hours of the morning
- singing “Don’t Stop Believing” at the top of your lungs (it’s our theme song)
- influencing federal legislators that hold the key to your credit unions future
- returning to your job better educated, inspired and ready to make a difference
Then the 2011 Crash the GAC is for you.
This year we are looking for 15 credit union professionals under the age of 30 that want to flip their credit union world upside down. If you’re one of those people then it’s time to submit an application. Applications are due no later than Friday, January 14 at 11:59pm PST. The 15 crashers will be announced the following Tuesday, January 18.
Looking for Change-Makers
The GAC is an active event, and the Crash Network, an active community.
In addition to attending, this year Crashers will return to their credit union and complete a service project that improves their credit union or the greater movement. This can be anything from organizing a local credit union meetup of your own, to writing an advocacy column for the press, to volunteering at a smaller credit union.
Your project is up to you, and we think you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your project by the close of CUNA GAC. And don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We Couldn’t Do It Without Them
I know what you’re thinking right now – you’re excited but know that this is an insanely expensive event to attend and my credit union isn’t in the position to send someone like me. Thank goodness, a couple of good friends in credit union land are here to help:
CUNA’s Center for Professional Development has offered full scholarships for Crashers to attend the conference. Over the last year, CUNA’s Meghann Dawson has become an integral part of the Crash Network, and she’ll be spending the week helping guide each of us through the experience.
PSCU Financial Services has agreed to become the official Crash the GAC sponsor and cover the cost of crashers lodging, our opening meal, our Thunderpunch Party (crashers version of a conference reception), and a couple of other surprises along the way.
You’ll be responsible for the travel expense to/from Washington DC, a few meals and your favorite adult beverages throughout the week. Depending on what part of the country you live in, I’m guessing you could Crash the GAC for as little as $200. We’ve even had several Crashers take vacation time and come on their own dime. You won’t regret it.
We’re still finalizing our agenda and session leaders but have a lot to live up to after last years’ lineup, which included Gigi Hyland, Larry Blanchard, Pete Crear, Lois Kitsch and George Hofheimer, just to name a few.
Actionable Items
If Crash the GAC sounds like everything you’ve been looking for in your young career, the next step is to apply. Talk with your supervisor about how important this event is to you, what you’re hoping to get out of it, and what you’ll do with the knowledge when you return. George Hofheimer’s 7 Reasons to Crash might help.
If you have any other questions, check out our About page or drop us a question in the comments.
See you in DC!
