Election Watch 2008

Credit Union Political Spotlight

PAMELYA HERNDON

"Volunteer" might as well be Pamelya Herndon's middle name. The current Vice Chair of US New Mexico Federal Credit Union's board of directors first got involved with her credit union as a member of its Volunteer Development Committee, where she developed educational programs to recruit and train other volunteers. This year her volunteer activities outside of credit unions - with her local Democratic Party in New Mexico - led to a whole new level of activity when she was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention pledged to Barack Obama.

This month's Democratic Convention in Denver will be Herndon's first. She won election at her Congressional District Convention by running a political campaign, and she takes the responsibility very seriously. Still, she gets excited when the magnitude of attending a national party convention sinks in.

"I look forward to casting my vote for the first African American Presidential nominee of a major political party, and then being present to watch him accept the nomination of the Democratic Party," said Herndon.

As a volunteer on local and national campaigns since 1993, Herndon stressed the importance of political involvement by credit unions and credit union members. Her credit union regularly updates its members on political matters affecting credit unions through its website and mailings. "I strongly encourage credit union volunteers and professionals to learn about the issues that affect credit unions and support candidates who believe in the principles, ideals and philosophy of credit unions," she said.

This week, though, Pamelya Herndon's volunteerism will take a back seat to enjoying her first experience at a national party convention, and one she believes will be historic. "I look forward to being a delegate at the convention that is destined to be remembered as the greatest political convention of all times," she said.

Where will the "Political Spotlight" shine next? Please email us if you know an individual or group within the credit union movement who is engaged in the political process.

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