MILWAUKIE, Ore.–Clackamas Federal Credit Union has announced several new initiatives around its efforts to further support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in its organization and community.
Beginning in 2021, the credit union said Juneteenth will be a paid holiday for Clackamas staff to celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States and to help give this special day the recognition it deserves.
Clackamas said it has also made a donation to Word is Bond, a local nonprofit working to rewrite the narrative and build positive relationships between young Black men and law enforcement.
“This change in narrative occurs through leadership development, critical dialogue, and education during their six-week Rising Leaders summer internship program,” the credit union said. “In addition Word is Bond has a Young Leaders Council where high-school-aged Black boys participate in community involvement and mentoring from Black men close to their age.”
Activities of the Young Leaders Council include social events, youth-led research projects, and peer-to-peer Know Your Rights trainings. Several local police officers participate each year in the summer Rising Leaders internship program. 2020 participating police agencies include Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon City Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Hillsboro Police Department, the credit union reported.
Funding for Non-Profits
In addition to these efforts, Clackamas FCU said it has also initiated a program in 2020 to match employee donations up to $5,000 for several nonprofits working on behalf of people marginalized and without a voice.
“We believe the success of our members and employees will propel us forward. Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters a culture empowering everyone to be their best in pursuit of our mission,” said Clackamas FCU CEO Aaron Goff. “We will continue our commitment to supporting, amplifying and listening to the voices of the most marginalized and vulnerable members of our community as a core component of our mission to improve lives.“