(Updated note: The idea presented here is a little unformed because I was afraid I would think 'better' of it and delete it, rather than posting it-- Since everyone didn't instantly reject it as the stupidest thing they ever heard of I'll work on a follow up)
This is unusual for me. As I wrote/am writing this in a context as though it's more than just whimsy on my part. But I had a random idea this morning...
The Union's primary purpose is to affect political discourse in regard to individuals who rely upon credit for the day to day management of their personal finances. The primary means of this shall be via the popular support of it's members in taking directed, high profile actions to which cause greatest visibility or impact.
The organization shall support it's members in such actions and help protect them against possible repercussions. It will also help overwhelmed members regain footing and financial stability.
Random Ideas:
-The biggest problem would be, of course, getting funding. And the funding is needed to alleviate the second biggest problem: Convincing people to participate.
-I foresee at least 3 classes of activist members. Those who can 'afford to play' with their credit rating, those who need their credit rating and those whose rating is already poor.
-The machinery of the organization is to perform clean, high profile debtor strikes.
And while it complicates things greatly, I would prefer to provide a way for the union to reimburse strike participant's late fees and costs. Members could just absorb the cost and view it as a donation, of a sort. But: Having more money flow through the union would give it more political clout and people would be more willing to participate in strikes if they were payed for it-- even if they were, in essence, giving money to themselves; had they donated to the union some time before.
-Definition of and actions other than strikes:
Persistent customer - I've read enough customer service rant threads to know the hell CSRs go through. But they are one of the few ways that we can interact with a company. So kill them with kindness. Most companies rate CS staff based either the satisfaction of the customer, or more and more; their throughput.
The union would perform research into each company and provide guidelines to participants so as to maintain a positive influence.
The purpose of a persistent customer action would be to highlight a statement and generate goodwill with battered CRS personnel...
Day late and a dollar short - Modern businesses hate having debt load, ironically. So. What happens if a customer 'accidentally' pays too much on a bill? What happens if a lot of customers pay too much on a bill?..
I have quite a few more thoughts on this. But I'm afraid that if I don't get something out about it, soon, I'll convince myself it's as stupid as I think it is. :)
Though, I don't think the idea is stupid... Just difficult to convince other-- Oh, so, very, serious people it's not. Something which I don't have great ability in.