FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn.–Following several months of planning, SPIRE Credit Union said it has formed its inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Council.
Made up of seven SPIRE staff members representing various departments and branches, the council will provide a voice for SPIRE’s growing staff and a resource for the SPIRE senior leadership team, according to the credit union.
SPIRE said initial goals of the council will be to advance diversity and inclusion within the organization by reviewing internal and external communications, onboarding and recruitment practices, and providing recommendations on improving the systemic culture and organization.
“I am honored to be part of this council,” said Senior Business Systems Analyst Bishop Ofei in a statement. “I hope I am able to do my part to advance the conversation on opportunities for all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and age.”
ADDED SVP/COO Justin Burleson, “We are excited to collaborate with this council. The inaugural committee members have the opportunity to set the foundation, structure, and future path of SPIRE’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. This is a critical council that will be able to provide recommendations for continued organizational enhancements to the key decision making bodies of SPIRE.”
Quarterly Meetings
The SPIRE Diversity & Inclusion Council will meet formally on a quarterly basis starting in June with members holding a one-year term.
The credit union is located in Falcon Heights, a suburb of Minneapolis, where George Floyd recently died at the hands of local police, setting off demonstrations and protests across the country and the world that continue to take place.
Other Steps Taken By CUs
Separately, two other credit unions have announced different initiatives in in response to current events.
- In Santa Rose, Calif., as a member benefit, Redwood Credit Union offered a webcast on stress management featuring psychotherapist Mary O’Neill, who shared tips on “how to stay calm, steady, and resilient in challenging times.” The webcast can be found here.
- In Dallas, Resource One President/CEO Mary Beth Spuck invited her staff to help her paint the side of one of the CU's buildings, but instead of painting they added their handprints in support.