As more credit unions prepare to deploy financial inclusion strategies within their local communities, Coopera CEO Miriam De Dios Woodward is reminding leaders to first look inward. In a white paper released this week, she shares a collection of ideas for how credit unions can demonstrate diversity and inclusion within their own ranks. This is key, she says, to successfully attracting the underserved to credit union membership.
“Financial inclusion is a two-way street,” writes De Dios Woodward. “A credit union can offer up fair, dignified, affordable and culturally relevant services, but if community members don’t respond, the impact of those products and services is greatly reduced. To inspire action, credit unions have to come from a position of authenticity.”
According to De Dios Woodward, there are three things community members new to traditional financial services want to see from a credit union:
- Employees who look like them
- Communications that speak to them
- Experiences that feel real to them
In addition to diversity and inclusion tactics, the white paper includes examples of organizations both in and outside the credit union movement that have experienced success in their internal efforts to support external initiatives.
To download the paper, “Financial Inclusion Starts at Home,” visit cooperaconsulting.com/
To keep the conversation going, Coopera is partnering with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) to host a webinar on the topic. Credit union leaders are encouraged to register and attend the digital event, which is planned for February 1, 2018.