Welcome to Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Commitment
At Unitus Community Credit Union, we believe that diversity strengthens communities and fosters innovation. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that all voices are heard, respected, and valued.
CUES John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award
We’re thrilled to share that Unitus Community Credit Union has been honored with the CUES John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award in 2024! This recognition highlights our dedication to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
On behalf of Unitus, CUES is donating to the National Credit Union Foundation’s CUAid Disaster Relief program, supporting credit union employees and volunteers impacted by natural disasters, including those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Our Partners
We are deeply committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with our local Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) partners, working together to create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. These partnerships include:
- CU Pride/LGBTQ+ Association for Credit Unions – Supporting LGBTQ+ credit union professionals, members and allies, CU Pride™ has a mission to provide opportunities of education, engagement, sharing, and celebration allowing the credit union industry to embrace our diverse, vulnerable and inclusive community.
- National Association of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals (NLCUP) – Dedicated to providing financial education and services for the Hispanic/Latino community as well as to increase economic, asset-building, and professional development opportunities.
- Inclusiv – Helping low- and moderate-income people and communities achieve financial independence through credit unions.
- African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) – An award-winning organization shaping diversity, equity, and inclusion in the credit union movement.
- Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islander Credit Union Professionals (HAPICUP) – Collectively empowering Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islander credit union professionals, members, and communities.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging for Unitus Community Credit Union’s current and future workforce by celebrating diversity, inspiring continuous growth, and standing strong against injustice, creating a safe and inclusive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.
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Diversity
A broad spectrum of characteristics including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, language, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, socioeconomic status, geographic differences, and diversity of thought and life experiences.
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Equity
The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources.
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Inclusion
A practice or behavior that creates a sense of belonging and value for all individuals. Inclusion is allowing differences to make a difference.
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Access
Offering design, construction, communication, and services in order for all people to fully and independently use the credit union and their services. Committing to access ensures that as a financial institution, all have the opportunity to access financial services and capital.
Our Actions
At Unitus, we take tangible steps to promote DEIA through:
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Employee Education & Training: We provide ongoing DEIA education for all staff to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusive practices.
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Community Engagement: We partner with diverse local organizations to support economic empowerment and social justice initiatives.
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Inclusive Hiring Practices: We use recruitment strategies that focus on attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent across all levels of the organization.
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Member Support: We tailor our programs and products to meet the financial needs of underserved and historically marginalized people.
2024 Financial Impact
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$35,000
donated to organizations working to increase access to healthy food and reduce food scarcity.
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$211,500
provided to BIPOC-led groups focused on racial justice, economic empowerment, housing, and diverse storytelling.
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$185,550
contributed to historically marginalized communities, such as women, foster youth, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+.
Cultivating diversity in the workplace
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the business strategy of the credit union. As we develop and grow diversity within the organization, our goal is to add additional groups for our employees. Current Employee Resource Groups include:
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Multiculturally United – provides guidance and support for all employees of diverse backgrounds, heritage, and ethnicity.
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Emerging to Lead – engages, connects, and develops Unitus employees who are interested in leadership opportunities.
Join Us on Our Journey
DEIA is an ongoing journey, and we invite you to join us. Whether you’re a member, a partner, or an employee, your unique perspective and voice contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, we can create a credit union that reflects the diversity of our community and fosters opportunities for all.
Advocacy Hours
Part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) includes being intentional about regularly educating and bringing our employees along in the journey. One way we do this is through our CEO Social DEIA Advocacy Hours where we invite local and industry experts to join our CEO, Steven Stapp, in a discussion surrounding a particular DEIA topic.
Our Makeup
We recognize the need for a diverse staff, and we’re building a workforce that’s more diverse and stronger than ever. Each day and in every instance, we strive to cultivate diversity in the workplace.
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What are we doing to get there? We continuously evaluate the workplace experience, including all our policies and processes.
Cooperative Principles
Consumers choose credit unions for a reason—their business model is unique, built on 8 cooperative principles. Each of the principles are a part of Unitus’ effort to better serve all community members:
- Voluntary Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Members’ Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion