Think Like A Credit Union

Remember when you were a child and you would think about the future? I used to picture a world with exciting new technology and medical advancements. I would think about what my family might look like. I wondered if my future children would look more like me or my husband. I wondered what my career would be like. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be living in our current landscape.

All you have to do is turn on the TV, or open your web browser to see today’s news. Many of those stories talk about social injustice, fear, violence, and hate. As a champion of diversity and inclusion, it pains me to see my fellow countrymen and women at odds. And yet, I understand the frustration and anger felt by our community members who are being marginalized.

We, as a nation, are on the cusp of major change – necessary change. Change not only in the interest of maintaining health and wellness but a change in our interactions towards those who are disadvantaged from living in systemic oppression. This is a reality for many, particularly for people of color.

Someone told me last week that they no longer use the saying, “Until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes…” and have instead switched to saying, “Until you’ve walked a mile in my skin.” That is powerful and heartbreaking. We have the opportunity to do something about it by having conversations - even if they are uncomfortable – and by fighting for true equality and respect for everyone. This is the only way to grow. I am proud to work for an organization that celebrates the differences between our staff and members.

Today, I urge you to think like a credit union. Credit unions were founded to help the economically disadvantaged obtain loans at a fair price. They were born in the interest of fairness, inclusivity, and diversity. The tradition continues to today’s credit unions as evidenced by their low minimum balance share deposit (typically $5 - $25), affordable loan rates, and a willingness to look beyond the credit score when reviewing loan requests. You don’t have to fit a mold to be a member or to be approved for a loan.

Credit unions appreciate the diversity of their members. Both community-based charters and SEG-based charters afford credit union membership to a variety of backgrounds, stations, cultures, and status.

Thinking like a credit union means with an open mind, listen to other perspectives. I might not have shared your struggle, but I can learn from it. Listening to other points of view validates the feelings of others. Leave judgment and excuses at the door. Stop falling back on “everyone is so sensitive today” and retrain your brain. If you could do something small to help your neighbor, wouldn’t you? If it doesn’t hurt you, shouldn’t you?

You might not agree with everything 100%, and that’s okay. But, when you develop an empathic viewpoint of the world and the circumstances others face on a day-to-day basis, you might be able to see that this divisiveness only serves to tear us all apart. We are better than that. You have the chance to change the world for the better. Protect your fellow community members. We all love feel-good stories, and this is your chance to make your own.

Krista Kyte is a personal finance blogger and personal banker with over 17 years of experience in the financial industry. Krista is passionate about helping our members understand their financial situations. She writes tips that will help consumers reach and maintain financial security, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.