This guide translates reflections, barriers, and promising practices from sector-wide
discussions into clear, practical actions that co-operatives of all sizes can take to
advance diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.
It is designed to:
Support action over symbolism.
Center lived experience and leadership from the margins.
Work with existing Co-operative Principles, whether or not an additional principle
(Principle 8) is adopted.
Be usable by co-ops with limited time, money, and capacity.
This guide can be used as a discussion and assessment tool for staff, leadership teams, or boards of directors as they work to advance DEI within their co‑operative or credit union. It can also be paired with the Advancing DEI Worksheet assessment tool to support deeper reflection, planning, and action.