Last week, the Young Credit Union Professionals of Oregon and SW Washington (YCUP) and the Cascadia Chapter of Credit Unions wrapped up their PRIDE series, WALK, LEARN, LISTEN, celebrating the LGBQ2SIA+ communities. The unique, three-part series of virtual events championed inclusion and equity for all while supporting the Q Center in Portland, Oregon.
The first in the series, WALK, carried forward the PRIDE march, due to the Portland PRIDE parade’s cancellation. Over the course of the week leading up to the virtual meeting on July 18th, participants got outside and went for walks, runs, strolls, and more, capturing and sharing their activities with pictures and videos using the hashtag #CUStrideforPride. On the evening of the 17th, many gathered to network and try their hand at some PRIDE and Credit Union Trivia.
The second installment, LEARN, was a panel focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Hosted by CUbroadcast’s Mike Lawson, the panel consisted of Dr. Derreck Kayongo, founder of the Global Soap Project and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human rights in Atlanta; Troy Stang, President and CEO of the NWCUA and CUNA Board Chair; Amy Nelson, President and CEO of Point West Credit Union; and Victor Corro, CEO of Coopera. The panelists answered questions relating to DEI initiatives, including how to create a more equitable and inclusive place for all within the credit union space, and beyond.
On July 29th, the three-part series concluded with LISTEN, a storytelling event gathering several industry professionals that identify with the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. Welcomed were:
- Rachel Farrell, Northwest Community Credit Union
- Daniel Marquez, Corelation
- Chris Blias, First Tech Federal Credit union
- Sam Jensen, Blue Federal Credit Union
- Tyler Isaman, Trailhead Credit Union
- Moriia Drahos-Vacheresse, First Tech Federal Credit Union
Over the course of the evening, these special guests shared their personal journeys and insights in a safe space, providing an extremely valuable experience in helping others open their minds to the critical mission of inclusion and equity.
Sponsors Cutting Edge Credit Union, Rivermark Community Credit Union, and First Tech Federal Credit Union, Cascadia and YCUP, successfully raised $6,505 for the Q Center, well exceeding their goal of $5,000. Michael Murdoch, President of YCUP said, “How humbling to see such engagement and voice in supporting our LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and how special to know that systemic change is on our collective minds so that a failure of vision in how we grow and change may one day lapse.”
“A critical step in creating a more inclusive and equitable space for all is to begin the conversation. We must make the commitment to understand, value and respect the differences amongst us.” Added Sarah Buck President of the Cascadia Chapter.
You can learn more about these events and even continue to donate by visiting the dedicated fundraising page https://secure.givelively.org/donate/qcenter/ycup-and-cascadia-chapter-of-credit-unions.