Your Voice. Your Credit Union.
Member Advisory Committees at StellerVista Credit Union
At StellerVista Credit Union, our commitment to incorporating the diverse voices of our members into our decision-making process is more than just a policy—it’s a practice.
As we grow and evolve in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment, it’s crucial that our strategies align with the needs and expectations of our rural communities. Our Member Advisory Committees (MACs) are a vital tool in this process, providing a structured platform for member engagement.
The Member Advisory Committees we run will vary in their scope and duration. Some committees may be convened for long-term strategic guidance, while others might focus on specific short-term issues. These committees will meet either in person or online, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for all members. Our aim is to extend our reach to as diverse a group as possible, embracing the unique perspectives that only our members can provide.
As StellerVista continues to grow, the insights and recommendations from our Member Advisory Committees will ensure that our decisions are informed and reflective of our members’ needs and values.
We invite all interested members to join us in this exciting and meaningful dialogue to shape the future of their credit union.
Now recruiting: 2026 Member Advisory Committee
Why Choose a Credit Union?
Why do people choose a credit union today? What makes someone consider joining, what encourages them to stay, and what would make them choose to do more of their banking here?
These are the questions behind our next Member Advisory Committee, and we would like your help exploring them.
As we look to StellerVista’s future, remaining relevant to the next generations of members is especially important to us. We are proud of the relationships we are building, and we know there is more we can do. We want to better understand what people are looking for from their financial institution, how they make their choices, and where a local credit union fits into their lives.
That means looking beyond what we believe makes a credit union valuable and asking what actually matters to the people choosing where to bank.
We are not looking for a room full of people to tell us what we already do well. We are looking for honest perspectives, thoughtful questions and ideas that will help us move forward.
What Will we Explore?
Our conversations will centre on three connected questions.
What makes someone choose where to bank?
We want to understand how people make banking decisions in real life. What prompts someone to open an account, move their banking or consider another financial institution? How much do recommendations, rates, fees, convenience, technology and personal service influence that choice? And what might prevent a credit union from being considered in the first place?
What makes credit union membership meaningful?
We will explore what people understand about credit unions and whether the differences matter to them. What does being a member mean in practical terms? Where do local relationships, member ownership, sharing success and community involvement fit into the decision? What needs to be explained more clearly—and what needs to be experienced, rather than simply explained?
What should StellerVista offer the next generations of members?
We want to hear what would make StellerVista a relevant and worthwhile choice for people starting out, building careers, raising families, running businesses or navigating other changes in their lives. What should we preserve? What should we improve? And what would make someone confidently recommend us to a friend?
The goal is not simply to find a better way to talk about credit unions. It is to understand how we can make the experience of belonging to one more valuable.
Who Should Participate?
We are interested in hearing from people at different stages of life and with different banking experiences, including newer members, long-time members and people who do some—but not all—of their banking with us.
We especially hope to hear directly from younger adults and people building their financial lives. Understanding the next generations of members means making room for their voices, not making assumptions about what they need.
You do not need to know much about credit unions, use every service we offer or have everything figured out financially. Questions, frustrations and uncertainty are just as useful to these conversations as positive experiences.
You do not have to be a banking expert. You just have to be willing to share your perspective and listen to others.
What would taking part involve?
Participants will join a small group for a series of facilitated discussions with the StellerVista team. We will bring questions and activities to help guide the conversation, with room for participants to raise issues and ideas we may not have considered.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a specific topic, rather than a board position or an ongoing governance commitment.
You will not need to prepare formal presentations or review complicated financial information. The focus will be on everyday experiences, expectations and choices. You can decide how much of your own experience to share, and you will not be asked to provide account numbers, balances or other sensitive financial details.
We are currently gathering expressions of interest. Meeting dates, format and the expected time commitment will be shared with prospective participants before they confirm their involvement.
How will your input be used?
The committee’s feedback will help us identify what matters most to members, where barriers exist and which opportunities deserve closer attention.
We will bring the main themes and recommendations together for StellerVista’s leadership to consider in future planning. That could include how we introduce people to the credit union, how we support them after joining, how we communicate the value of membership, and where we focus improvements to the member experience.
Not every suggestion will result in an immediate change. The purpose is to give member perspectives a meaningful place in the decisions ahead—and to help us ask better questions before those decisions are made.
Interested? We would like to hear from you.
Whether you joined recently, have been with us for years or still do most of your banking somewhere else, your perspective could help us better understand what people need from their credit union.
Complete the form at the button below to express your interest in the 2026 Member Advisory Committee: Why Choose a Credit Union?
Reflections on the 2025 Debt Management & Financial Well-Being Committee
Debt Management & Financial Well-Being
The 2025 Debt Management & Financial Well-Being Member Advisory Committee continued this work by exploring how borrowing affects everyday life and where StellerVista could better support members. Across three discussions, participants shared experiences and perspectives on financial decisions, the pressures that can accompany debt, and the support that helps people feel more confident.
The conversations reinforced that managing debt is about more than products and payments. Trust, clear information and the ability to ask questions without feeling judged all influence whether people seek guidance. Participants highlighted the value of familiar relationships, practical advice and support that arrives before financial challenges become overwhelming.
The committee also identified opportunities to make financial learning more relevant, planning tools more useful, and support more responsive to real life. These insights provided direction for further review of our financial education, lending features and approach to ongoing member engagement.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time and shared their perspectives so openly. Their input offered a reminder that helping members move forward means combining useful services with human connection, understanding and ongoing support.
Reflections on the 2024 CSR Committee
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Committee
The 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Member Advisory Committee marked an important milestone for StellerVista Credit Union. This inaugural effort was a big step forward in bringing member perspectives directly into the decision-making process, and it provided us with invaluable lessons on how to better align our initiatives with the needs and values of our communities.
Through the discussions and insights shared by committee members, we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region. This process not only helped to refine our approach to CSR but also highlighted the power of collaboration in shaping impactful, community-focused initiatives. The feedback we received has already started to inform leadership decisions and strengthen the strategic direction of our programs.
This first committee showed us the potential of engaging members in this way. It was an essential first step in building stronger connections and creating more direct opportunities for members to influence the future of their credit union.
While there is still much to learn, we are proud of the progress made and excited to carry this momentum into the future.
Have Questions or Input?
If you have any questions about these committees or ideas for future topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have.