MADISON, WI (August 20, 2020) — The Carolinas Credit Union League (CCUL) Board of Directors voted unanimously Wednesday, August 12 to sign the Credit Union Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Collective pledge, committing to meaningful and immediate action toward change. The CU DEI Collective believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to a vibrant, relevant, and growing credit union movement.
Signing the CU DEI Collective pledge is a first step in the long-term commitment of the Carolinas Credit Union League and its Board of Directors to furthering DEI. The League also formed in June 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.
“With our internal working group and the full support of the League Board, we are walking down this path together,” CCUL CEO Dan Schline said of the journey ahead. “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 are the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, Carolinas Telco FCU (NC), and Palmetto Citizens FCU (SC).
“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,” CCUL Board Chair and Lion’s Share FCU President/CEO Mark Curran noted. “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.”
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.
For Palmetto Citizens and CEO Nick Wodogaza, DEI is about working in accordance with cooperative principles to see that every person among staff, membership, and communities is heard and has an opportunity to succeed, creating a better society for all.
“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,” Wodogaza shared. “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.”
For more on the CU CEO Collective including how to join, visit CUDEICollective.org.
We believe passionately that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to a vibrant, relevant and thriving credit union movement. And we exist to provide a forum to share research, ideas, expertise, and resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion. #cuDEI is the hashtag we use in social media.
Victor Miguel Corro
(608) 770-2815
victor.corro@cooperaconsulting.com
