Advocacy benefits members and business

Alaire Hall always wanted to do something that would make an impact on someone’s life. As the financial center manager at $2.3 billion asset HAPO Community Credit Union in Richland, Wash., she found just the thing.

An advocate for credit unions with both local and state government, Hall initially got involved by volunteering for a Day at the Capitol event.

“I thought it sounded interesting but had no idea what it was,” Hall says. “It wasn’t until then that I understood the importance of advocacy, not only from the business perspective, but also what it means for our members.”

She believes people sometimes “get overwhelmed or shy away from advocacy because they think it’s this big political beast. All it takes is being a voice for our members and showing up by attending local legislative discussions, signing a letter, going to the Day at the Capitol, or educating our membership on the impact certain decisions will have on them.

“It doesn’t have to be this huge gesture,” Hall adds. “The small things add up and matter the most.”

Hall seeks to empower women and girls of all backgrounds to be financially independent. As a certified financial counselor, she holds financial literacy workshops for the community and organizations that assist domestic violence survivors.

She advises her workshop participants that money isn’t something to fear, and that everyone has made costly mistakes with money management or credit. 

“When I confess to having made every mistake in the book, it opens the door to building a relationship and making a connection,” Hall says.

She encourages participants to start with small steps and set attainable goals, and if they suffer a hardship, to communicate with the credit union.

Hall promotes diversity and is deeply involved with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Executive Women’s Council, as well as the YWCA.

She’s also dedicated to empowering her HAPO Community team, which recognizes her as a manager who creates a work environment that supports and encourages growth and fulfillment.

She sets the example for her team on the importance of community service.

“I love to see my team members grow within their careers,” Hall says. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing them find their passion and excel in it. I love being able to share in their successes and help them grow from their challenges.”