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Consumer Awareness Campaign

Michigan stands alone as the only state with a cooperative advertising strategy for over two decades. Research shows our efforts continue to connect with diverse Michiganders, raising awareness for the credit union difference and helping drive one of the highest membership penetration rates in the country. Our Try a Credit Union campaign also serves as an advocacy tool with our local and national legislators to raise awareness for all credit unions and to emphasize credit unions’ impact on people’s lives.

 

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Try a CU

A Proven Movement. A Bold New Direction.

For more than two decades, Michigan has led the nation with a cooperative awareness effort that connects millions of people to the credit union difference. Now, we’re taking that success further — transforming Try a Credit Union into a movement that’s powered by authentic voices, community experiences, and local creators.

Why We’re Evolving

The next generation of members — Gen Z and younger Millennials — want more than ads. They want authenticity, relatability and connection. That’s why the 2026 Try a Credit Union campaign is pivoting from traditional media to a grassroots, creator-led model that blends digital reach with real-world engagement.

Our new hybrid approach combines the energy of live experiences (pop-ups, roadshows, campus events) with the impact of social-first storytelling from local influencers and members themselves. This evolution makes Michigan’s campaign more flexible, more inclusive and more exciting than ever.

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What’s New in 2026

  • Real Stories, Real People: Member-generated videos and creator partnerships share authentic experiences about saving, switching and succeeding with credit unions.
  • Creator Collaborations: Michigan-based micro-influencers bring the credit union story to their own audiences in genuine, creative ways.
  • Local Activations: Credit unions can host events, sponsor creators or collaborate directly — choosing the engagement level that fits their community.
  • Humor & Culture: Relatable, shareable content meets young audiences where they are — with an approach that’s more “real life,” less “ad copy.”

 

Why Credit Unions Should Be Excited

As an Awareness Champion, your credit union isn’t just supporting the campaign — you’re helping to build it. This new direction gives credit unions more ways to participate, showcase local impact and engage directly with potential members.

Your leadership helps:

  • Bring the credit union story to life through real people and authentic voices.
  • Connect with younger audiences who value peer recommendations over promotions.
  • Position your credit union as a modern, relatable financial partner.
  • Strengthen the collective brand of Michigan credit unions statewide.

Together, we’re turning awareness into action — and action into growth.

How This Benefits Your Credit Union

Download the 2026 Awareness Champions Benefits Packet

Let’s Lead the Next Chapter — Together

The Try a Credit Union campaign is evolving — and we want you at the center of it.

By joining as a Credit Union Awareness Champion, you’ll unlock exclusive benefits, creative collaborations and access to new marketing resources to elevate your credit union’s voice and impact.

Let’s reimagine awareness. Let’s build the movement that inspires Michigan’s next generation to say —
“It’s time to try a credit union.”

For more information, fill out the form linked below or contact your League Representative.

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