DIVERSITY,
EQUITY AND
INCLUSION TALKS

Welcome! We're glad you're here

It’s important that you’re here.

The philosophies behind diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are being raised anew in many communities, organizations and industries. As a participant in the cooperative movement, your leadership is needed in the DEI arena now more than ever.

Join us in asking the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) to adopt Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as the 8th Cooperative Principle. Proclaim your commitment to the 8th Cooperative Principle

Dedication to DEI

As the Chief Executive Officer of Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) and Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic), and the Vice Chairman of the AACUC, I am focused on ensuring the organizational culture and priorities of these organizations reflect the values of their members.

Celebrating our differences is a powerful way to bring us together. That’s why we are continuing our longtime commitment to developing programs dedicated to DEI by sharing our latest initiative — an 8th Cooperative Principle.

Advancing cooperatives

The seven original Cooperative Principles are a set of philosophical tenets illustrating cooperatives’ core values, economic model and governance practices. The application of these principles into everyday operations distinguishes cooperatives from other organizations. Absent from these principles, however, is a specific focus on DEI.

Through the adoption of a new 8th Cooperative Principle — Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — we seek to demonstrate that DEI initiatives are not just the right thing to do morally and socially, but also make good business sense.

DEI for business

With a Business Case for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we are showing the world how successful our practice of ensuring and encouraging diversity in a business can be. Diversity can be good for the bottom line of any business, and we want you to join us in the success.

I encourage you to continue reading below to learn more about DEI and pluralism. Watch the videos and read the white papers to learn why they're good for business.

Commit to DEI

The time has come for us to give our DEI work the spotlight it deserves: to make DEI the main event. And we need your help doing so.

Join us in the commitment to DEI and make your voice heard to the ICA. Be clear about what your organization stands for. Join us and the numerous others leading their members and communities in this important crusade.

We made it clear to the world that this is not a passing fad for us. Let's be unambiguous about what we stand for. I hope you’ll join us in this important call to action.

Cooperatively Yours,

7 Cooperative Principles

• Voluntary & Open Membership
  Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
• Democratic Member Control
  Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
• Member Economic Participation
  Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
• Autonomy & Independence
  Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
• Education, Training & Information
  Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.
• Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
• Concern for Community
  Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

8th Cooperative Principle

Time for A New Cooperative Principle: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Cooperative Principles were originally written in 1844, when the world looked different. By establishing an 8th Cooperative Principle, we are saying that diversity, equity and inclusion is an ideal that should be pursued.

Cooperatives believe we are stronger when a proactive effort is put forth to engage everyone in governance, management and representation. The call to action is to simply engage in a conversation on how to make our public and private systems work for everyone. This is a movement whose time has come for action.

Why DEI Matters

A Show of Support

Cooperatives have shown the world their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by embracing the 8th Cooperative Principle. Join us in celebrating these DEI leaders of the cooperative movement.

Founding Organizations of the 8th Cooperative Principles

Supporting Organizations

Individual Supporter

Have questions about the 8th Cooperative Principle? Email us at DEItalks@lgfcu.org.