To achieve this, we have firm commitments that we strive for and stand by, these commitments can be found below.
Code of Conduct
GoWest Credit Union Association membership and events are intended for professional networking, collaboration, and training/development. The participation of every member in the credit union community is valued and all members and attendees deserve an enjoyable and fulfilling professional experience through GoWest Credit Union Association engagement and at events. Accordingly, all members and attendees are expected to show professional respect and courtesy to other members, staff, and attendees throughout their engagement with the Association including at events, online interactions, and related activities.
All members, credit union staff, event attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers at GoWest Credit Union Association activities/events are required and expected to conduct themselves in alignment with this code of conduct. This code will be enforced throughout all Association-related communications, activities, and events to the fullest extent possible. Everyone is encouraged to help enforce this code of conduct.
The GoWest Credit Union Association is committed to providing a professional, harassment-free, and safe environment for everyone regardless of race, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, or disability. The GoWest Credit Union Association prohibits harassment, discrimination, or other unwelcome or unlawful behavior.
Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Offensive verbal comments related to any protected status mentioned above;
- Unwelcome or unprofessional physical contact;
- Unwanted attention related to sex or gender, including nicknames or references or any sexual propositions;
- Obscene or derogatory jokes or comments;
- Intimidating behavior, including stalking;
- Unwelcome photography or recording, and;
- Disruption of activities or events.
If you see something, say something to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.
If you experience a violation of this policy or witness a violation, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the GoWest Credit Union Association staff or related event hosts immediately.
Should a member fail to meet the conditions in this Code of Conduct, the GoWest Credit Union Association may, at its sole discretion, decide on the appropriate action to take, including termination of membership.
Event-Specific Information & Assumption of Risk
GoWest Credit Union Association staff is instructed to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing a violation of this policy, including harassment.
Participants are expected to follow these rules at conference/workshop venues and other conference-related social events.
For any violation of this code of conduct, the GoWest Credit Union Association will take appropriate action, in its sole discretion, including warning the offender or expelling the offender from the event with no refund or prohibiting participation in future events. Under certain circumstances and at their discretion, GoWest Credit Union Association staff may contact hotel security and/or local police.
Violations of this code may subject the offender to exclusion from future events.
View Assumption of Risk PolicySocial Justice
Credit unions have focused on their “People Helping People” philosophy since they first came into existence in the 1850s in Europe – founded on the principles of financial inclusion and equity. As the Association for credit unions, we continue to push for these principles today, and every day. To achieve this, we have a firm commitment to social justice.
Systemic racism and prejudice must end. We seek justice and inclusion for all — minorities, the LGBTQ community, veterans, women, and underserved consumers. To propel this mission, we are having intentional conversations, listening, learning, and taking action.
Credit unions throughout the region are speaking out against prejudice. We will participate in these conversations, keeping a dialogue that’s open and honest. In addition, we will provide educational opportunities for credit unions so they may convene, learn, share, and make a difference, together. We invite everyone in the Credit Union family, and beyond, to be part of a new chapter, as we take steps to ensure equity and inclusion for all.
As your Association, we have:
- Developed ongoing programming ensuring that all credit union employees have access, can learn more and have a voice in these important conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
- Made space for intentional conversations, acknowledging that DEI is a journey.
- Convened credit union leaders region-wide to create a DEI Task Force, meeting on an ongoing basis, to research and implement programs that meaningfully engage Black communities, other communities of color, and those who are under-represented in financial inclusion. The Task Force recommendations are available here.
- Established a dedicated online forum community for credit unions to ask questions, share resources, and stay connected around these topics. Follow this link to join the conversation.
- Hosted dedicated Micro-Community events to learn more about DEI, and ensure this topic is at the forefront of credit union culture development.
- Dedicated staff resources to support member credit union groups that are developing relationships with culturally specific organizations and share their best practices to amplify their work.
As an employer, GoWest Credit Union Association has taken a deeper dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our path includes having intentional DEI conversations with staff, the GoWest Credit Union Association & GoWest Foundation Board of Directors, as well as looking at our governance structure.
Looking forward, we maintain our commitment to convene credit unions around these important topics, investing time and resources to continuing the conversation and supporting credit unions in the journey ahead.
If you have interest in joining us to advance this work, please contact Sharee Adkins or Carmen Vigil.
Upcoming Events
All EventsCEO Co-Lab
Wyoming CU Day at the Capitol
Idaho CU Day at the Capitol
Arizona CU Day at the Capitol
On The Go Articles
Three Oregon Classrooms Get Makeovers Thanks to SELCO Community Credit Union
The three winners receive as much as $15,000 apiece to transform their learning spaces from SELCO Community Credit Union’s regional Classroom Makeover program.
Credit Union Chapters Inspire, Empower, and Have Fun in 2024
In 2024, Credit Union Chapters played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, leadership, and innovation within the six-state GoWest region.
$1.87 Billion Green Lending Grant Program Open for Credit Unions: Deadline Dec. 18
Credit unions are invited to submit a pre-qualification form for the Inclusiv Center for Resiliency and Clean Energy’s new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) green lending grant program by Dec. 18.
