WASHINGTON—The CU DEI Collective, an organization devoted to advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the credit union industry, has launched its new website.
The updated website is designed to build a collection of DEI resources and opportunities available to all members and supporters of the credit union movement, the organization said.
“The intent of the website is to create a space where credit unions can act together as a system to advance DEI. It will be a space to share various perspectives, learn by being curious, and encourage action towards creating credit unions that value diversity and strive for creating a deep sense of belonging,” according to the DEI Collective.
The DEI Collective was formed by a number of CU movement-wide effort, including CUNA, the African-American CU Coalition, American Association of CU Leagues, Coopera, CO-OP Financial Services, CUNA Mutual Group, Filene, the National CU Foundation, humanidei, inclusive, the Network of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals, PSCU, the World Council and your Credit Union partner. Information on its inaugural governing body can be found here.
The CU DEI Collective said it is encouraging organizations to complete the DEI Practices Survey conducted by Filene Research Institute. The survey will provide much needed, meaningful benchmark DEI data specific to the credit union space.
Time for Reflection
“As April is Diversity Awareness month, it is important to reflect upon why the collective was formed and provide an update on where the organization is today,” CUNA said. “The underlying belief of the CU DEI Collective is that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to a vibrant, relevant, and growing credit union movement. DEI is also good business and investing in it will result in more people finding a place where belonging means financial wellbeing,” the organization said. “The collective’s commitment to honor and advance the eight cooperative principle continues to strengthen with each organization that signs its pledge to support this effort.”
The DEI Collective added that as the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death approaches it is firmly committed to stand against racism and other forms of oppression.
“The Collective is also devoted to understanding and addressing the root causes of problems facing our communities, especially when our cooperative business model promotes belonging and inclusion as a central component of our cooperative principles,” the organization said.