RALEIGH, N.C./COLUMBIA, S.C.—The Carolinas Credit Union League (CCUL) board had voted unanimously in favor of signing the Credit Union Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Collective pledge, which it said commits the league to meaningful and immediate action toward change.
The pledge includes a call to action including standing against racism, supporting system organizations devoted to social justice and financial democracy, and engaging in conversations to equip volunteers and staff to listen, serve, and uplift members’ lives. It also outlines affirmative steps in reviewing and refining products and services, enriching talent, and engaging with communities.
“The CU DEI Collective believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to a vibrant, relevant, and growing credit union movement,” the CCUL said in announcing the decision, adding it is a first step in the long-term commitment by the league to furthering DEI.
In June the CCUL formed an internal CCUL DEI Working Group of nine employees and Carolinas Credit Union Foundation President Lauren Whaley. The group has met weekly to share perspectives and explore ways the league can address systemic racism and advance DEI internally and among credit unions in the Carolinas, the CCUL reported.
“With our internal working group and the full support of the league board we are walking down this path together,” said CEO Dan Schline. “We are listening and learning, and the more we do, the better we can be in supporting the success of credit unions and the people we serve.”
Other Carolinas entities that have signed the DEI Collective pledge include the Carolinas CU Foundation, Carolinas Telco FCU and Palmetto Citizens FCU.
‘Long-Held Ideals’
“Credit unions have long held the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion as part of their DNA, and credit union leaders in the Carolinas have been advocating for DEI initiatives at the highest levels of the movement nationwide,” said CCUL Board Chair and Lion’s Share FCU President/CEO Mark Curran. “As a board, we felt that it was important for the Carolinas Credit Union League to make a public statement that we will work to build a more equitable financial system. We want to be part of the solution and a resource for our member credit unions, and we ask that they join us by signing the CU DEI Collective pledge and working with us on these important initiatives.”
‘Strive to be the Best’
Added Palmetto Citizens CEO Nick Wodogaza, “Palmetto Citizens is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where all our staff can develop and succeed. We also strive to be the best credit union for our members, and pride ourselves on offering financial products and services designed to help all members achieve their potential. We recognize we must continue to listen, learn and help drive meaningful change in our organization, community and industry. This is why we joined the Collective, and look forward to working internally, as well as together with other credit unions and partners, to help advance the necessary work on diversity, equity and inclusion.”