Foundation News

Learning Opportunities in September to Build Your Expertise in Compliance, Advocacy, and Community Impact

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 12, 2026

From BSA compliance and advocacy to community development, September brings valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and lead. These upcoming GoWest trainings and roundtables are designed to help credit union professionals stay informed, strengthen key skills, and gain practical insights they can put to work immediately.

Advocacy 201 – Sept. 2

Advocacy 201 is a virtual training workshop on Sept. 2 designed for experienced credit union advocates who are ready to strengthen their role as key influencers in the Credit Union Movement. Building on previous advocacy training and real-world advocacy experience, the program focuses on turning knowledge into action through practical legislative outreach and engagement.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively build relationships with elected officials and policymakers, strengthen their advocacy efforts, and serve as impactful Key Contacts on behalf of the credit union industry. Advocacy 201 is ideal for seasoned advocates looking to take the next step in their advocacy journey and elevate their impact on issues that matter to credit unions and their members.

BSA Officer Training – Sept. 9-10

GoWest’s virtual BSA Officer Training returns Sept. 9-10, offering a deeper look at Bank Secrecy Act compliance for professionals responsible for leading their credit union’s BSA program. Designed for BSA Officers, compliance leaders, CEOs, and others with oversight responsibilities, the two-day training moves beyond regulatory requirements to focus on practical leadership, risk management, and program effectiveness.

Participants will learn from experienced industry professionals, including Dr. Bonnie Dase, BSA/Compliance Senior Manager at Desert Financial Credit Union, along with guest speakers Dominick Margarella, a forensic accountant with the FBI, and Katie Clark, Vice President of Risk Management at iQ Credit Union. Together, they will provide insights into emerging risks, industry trends, and collaboration between credit unions and law enforcement.

The program’s train-the-trainer approach equips attendees with tools they can immediately apply within their organizations. Topics include risk assessments, examination preparedness, industry trends, and building strong relationships with regulators, law enforcement, and community partners. Participants will also have opportunities to connect with peers and strengthen their professional networks.

Learn more.

CDFI Roundtable – Sept. 23

The CDFI Roundtable on Sept. 23 brings together credit union professionals from across the region for a free, virtual discussion focused on community impact, collaboration, and shared learning. Designed to foster meaningful connections, the roundtable provides a space for participants to exchange ideas, explore emerging opportunities, and discuss strategies for maximizing the value of CDFI resources.

Attendees will hear from peers and industry experts who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of CDFI work, while gaining fresh perspectives to strengthen their own programs. The session is ideal for CEOs, community development and impact leaders, DEI professionals, lending, finance, compliance staff, grant writers, and anyone interested in leveraging CDFI resources to create deeper impact in their communities.

Posted in All Articles, Community Investment Fund, Rural Access.