Arlington Community Federal Credit Union (ACFCU) hosted an industry event with CUNA Mutual Group on June 23 to celebrate Pride Month. As part of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitment, ACFCU invited area credit unions to participate in a panel discussion on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and service to membership.
The discussion was led by CUNA Mutual Group employee Abby Churchill, who serves on their LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group leadership team and consults with business units throughout the company on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
Topics included an overview of the LGBTQ+ community, why inclusion of these communities is important to the credit union industry, the value of employee resource groups (ERGs) in credit unions, and how internal DEI efforts result in authentic engagement with LGBTQ+ members.
Churchill shared that 62% of LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced financial challenges because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. She encouraged participants to “talk to your LGBTQ+ members about what would make their experience better at your credit union.” She also identified important factors in creating a positive work environment for LGBTQ+ employees, including avoiding gendered language and not making assumptions about someone’s gender identity or spouse/partner.
“We are extremely proud to spotlight how our industry can drive inclusion in the workforce and in service to our diverse membership. Credit unions were founded as a cooperative movement so it’s a natural effort to share resources on inclusive practices to move our industry forward,” remarked Amy D. Thomas, chief of staff at ACFCU.
One hundred one staff members attended the panel discussion from participating federal credit unions including Apple Federal, Baltimore County Employees, Bankfund, Fed Choice, InFirst, LaFayette, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest Federal, Tower, TruEnergy, and US Senate.
This Pride Month event was part of a series of ACFCU internal workshops to foster tough conversations, challenge biases, and create an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the credit union’s membership.
Built on the principle of “people helping people,” CUNA Mutual Group is a financially strong insurance, investment and financial services company that believes a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone. Through its company culture, community engagement, and products and solutions, it is working to create a more equitable financial system that helps to improve the lives of those it serves and society.