SACRAMENTO, Calif.-The Golden 1 Credit Union had a lofty goal for giving back in 2010-to have each department and branch participate in at least one community outreach activity.
It hit that goal when it achieved 100% participation from all 30 departments and 37 branches in the greater Sacramento area.
In addition, employees from the $7.4-billion CU's other 45 branches throughout California participated in their own communities. To meet qualifications for approval as a community outreach event, the event must meet certain criteria, including no cost associated with participation, not a tradeshow (no opportunity to sell products and services), and must support a charitable goal/organization.
Examples of qualifying events include, but are not limited to, community clean-up drives, fundraising walks (such as a Heart Walk or Cancer Walks), fundraising relays, bowl-a-thons, community library reading programs or school reading programs.
In addition to its community outreach projects, Golden 1 has two volunteer programs designed to support employee volunteerism. Golden 1 supports volunteerism by granting paid time-off for volunteer activities to employees each year and providing monthly updates about community and employee volunteer activities via the company newsletter.
The G1VE Program
The two volunteer efforts are known as the "G1VE Program" and "E-Volunteer." The G1VE Program was established in 2007 as a way to allow employees to volunteer with Children's Miracle Network and United Way Agencies up to four hours annually during their regular work schedule. E-Volunteer lets Golden 1 employees volunteer their personal time outside of company-related activities. Each individual decides how he or she will contribute time in their communities.
In 2010, between employees in the programs volunteered 2,813 hours, a 30% increase over 2009.
"Credit unions are well known for community involvement and support, and Golden 1 is especially pleased to be honored with this recognition for our efforts," said CEO Donna Bland. "Credit unions were founded on the philosophy of 'People Helping People' and giving back to help the members of the communities Golden 1 serves is an essential aspect of our purpose."
According to Bland, ensuring the importance of community outreach remains a "key focus" for Golden 1. She said it developed a new vision statement earlier this year: "A dynamic and trusted leader committed to enhancing the financial well-being of our members and diverse communities."
"Through these efforts, Golden 1 has developed a reputation for being more closely tied to its communities than most big banks," said Bland. "This reputation has proven to be appealing to many former bank customers who have sought new financial institutions that are more in touch with their needs and concerns."
