According to boldbusiness.com, roughly 90% of the Fortune 500 companies have Employee Resource Groups of some sort. The Credit Union is no exception. During our latest episode titled, “Connecting Voices: Employee Resource Groups,” the Wallet Watch hosts interview leaders from two of the Credit Union’s ERGs to understand how they support the Credit Union’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

During our interview with Prince Jerold Solace, co-president of the African American ERG, he clarifies that “ERGs are a way to connect people who have affinities that are similar to your own, and creates a space that allows people to network, to get to know each other, have fun, and also do that without the external judgment that we face in the everyday world.” He then takes it a step further and introduces us to the concept of brave spaces. He explains that ERGs create brave spaces to, “start dialogue that we feel is happening in the outside world, that affects us here, and we have that dialogue knowing that it’s ok to make mistakes… It’s okay to be transparent and to be vulnerable. I think that’s the first step to embracing inclusion. That’s the first step to embracing diverse perspectives.”

Taylor Moberg, communications lead of CU Pride, appreciates the impact the ERGs have had on her life, asserting that, “the more that we try to hide who we are, the more damaging it is to our mental health. And if we can’t show up and be ourselves at work, it really affects our work ethic too. And then from that, it could even affect employment. I think diversity, equality, and inclusion is vital so that everyone can show up to work forty hours a week and enjoy who they are and their job.”

She explains that, “ERGs also seek to celebrate differences and improve the employee and the Credit Union’s member experience.” She then goes on to share some of CU Pride’s initiatives that have led to positive change, such as using “they” as opposed to “he or she” in all materials Credit Union-wide. Both Prince and Taylor hope that the ERGs continue to contribute to our DEI initiatives as well as the Credit Union’s culture of empathy, belonging and empowerment.

To learn more about the AAERG and CU Pride’s mission, impact, and initiatives, check out the full episode by going to Spotify, Podbean, or Apple Podcast.

Do you want transcripts for any of our episodes? Email us a request at [email protected] Transcripts offer an excellent way to have a copy of the tips and topics we cover in each episode.

Also, we have a contest! All you have to do is comment under one of our podcast-related posts. Be sure to tag a friend and include the title of this episode, “Connecting Voices: Employee Resource Groups.”

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https://www.boldbusiness.com/society/gauging-effectiveness-your-employee-resource-group/

Chances of winning are based on the number of entries during the contest time period. Only one entry per participant, per episode will be accepted. MSU Federal Credit Union and OU Credit Union employees, board of directors, and their families are not eligible to win.

You may also enter by sending a 3-inch by 5-inch card with your first and last name, address, phone number, and email address to: MSU Federal Credit Union ATTN: Financial Education Department: Wallet Watch Contest Episode “Connecting Voices: Employee Resource Groups” 3777 West Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.

This contest runs from March 10, 2021 through August 27, 2021. The winner will be drawn on August 30, 2021, by the Financial Education department of MSU Federal Credit Union, whose decisions are final. The winner of the gift card must agree to sign a release form allowing MSU Federal Credit Union to use their name for promotional purposes for Financial 4.0 and any future MSUFCU promotional materials.

MSUFCU is not responsible for any damage caused to entrants' mobile device due to participation in the contest. MSUFCU reserves the right to cancel the online component of the contest should it become technically corrupted, and the winner will be chosen from all eligible entries received prior to that time.

Winner understands that prizes may not be substituted or assigned.

Entrants agree by entering that unless prohibited by law, MSU Federal Credit Union may use, if entrant is a winner, entrant's name, city and state of residence, photograph, and likeness for advertising trade and any other purposes in any media now or hereafter known without further compensation, permission, or notification. Entrants further agree that the aforementioned parties and all of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives, and agents will have no liability and will be held harmless by entrant for any claim, action, liability, loss, injury, or damage to entrant or any other person or entity, including, without limitation, personal injury or death to entrant or any other person or damage to personal or real property, due in whole or in part. MSUFCU maintains the right to change or modify these rules at any time without notice.