our commitment to

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

COMMITMENT & ALLYSHIP
CULTURE
COMMUNITY
BE KIND
JOIN

Our commitment

Valuing every person and caring for our community are at the heart of our organization. And they’re why so many of our employees and members choose to be part of our credit union.

Advantis supports and fosters a safe, inclusive, and caring environment. We proudly celebrate the differences between and within every employee and member, including age, color, mental or physical abilities, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, or other characteristics.

A graphic design of a heart with an equal sign within it. The heart is an aqua blue and the equal sign is white.

A graphic design of a heart with an equal sign within it. The heart is an aqua blue and the equal sign is white.

We pledge to serve as allies for underrepresented communities, and support the dismantling of systemic barriers that exist for Black, Hispanic and Latine, Asian American, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

“Advantis is committed to serve as an ally, using our position to promote progress. We listen and learn to find meaningful ways to help underrepresented communities within our organization, within the way we do business, and within the credit union movement. It’s not simply good business, it’s the right thing to do.”

— Jason Werts, Advantis President & CEO

Read Jason’s column in the Portland Business Journal, outlining our commitment to DEI.

Culture

We strive to foster, cultivate, and preserve a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. We continually challenge ourselves to ensure that our employees and our members feel included, supported, and empowered.

Advantis surveys our employees annually for their thoughts, perceptions, and feelings related to DEI at the credit union. The results have been invaluable in directing, evolving, and driving our DEI strategy.

Advantis Belonging Communities

Advantis Belonging Communities (ABCs) strive to unite employees with similar – and different – life experiences to advocate for specific needs in our workplace, building awareness beyond our own experiences and biases. Our current ABCs support Latine/x, Black, and LGBTQIA+ employees.

BLAQUE

We serve the Black community and all people of color by fostering professional development, mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities within Advantis.

YOUnity

We serve to support and strengthen LGBTQIA+ communities within and beyond Advantis, building dynamic social networks and regularly volunteering our time and talent.

Fuerza Unida

Our name means united force. We serve as a catalyst to promote mentorship, inspire new leaders, create opportunities for individuals to thrive, and engage the Latine/x community of Advantis.

DEI Council

Our employee-driven DEI Council was formed in May of 2021 to promote an inclusive culture that attracts the best talent, values diversity of life experiences and perspectives, and provides a safe and welcoming environment for all employees and members.

This volunteer team of empowered and passionate employees helps drive meaningful change at the credit union.
Learn more and meet our DEI Council.

Awareness and Education

We believe the process of listening and learning never stops. In this vein, we’ve developed training and educational programs to support DEI in our workplace. Beyond the foundational training for all employees, the DEI Council shares resources and acknowledges holidays dedicated to diverse and underrepresented communities throughout the year. We honor Black History Month, Pride Month, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Women’s History Month, Juneteenth, and other significant dates. In addition, we host quarterly all-staff educational sessions dedicated to DEI.

Dedicated Leadership

André Walcott
AVP of DEI

In early 2022, Advantis created a department and leadership position to further DEI at the credit union. André Walcott, Ph.D., is our Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. André meets regularly with teams and employees across the organization and works with senior leadership in developing DEI programs, initiatives, and education.

Community

Advantis was built on the principle of “people helping people,” and since 1928, community giving and support have been at the heart of what we do.

Through our Allies for Good community giving program, we dedicate one-third of our philanthropy budget to supporting communities that have faced exclusion and underrepresentation.

We aim to lift the voices of these communities and create greater opportunity and representation. Foundational pieces include financial support of nonprofits dedicated to supporting these communities, education and resource initiatives, new products and services, and employee volunteer service. Learn more about Allies for Good.

In 2021, we joined with four other Portland-area credit unions to form a partnership with the Urban League of Portland to advance the financial well-being of Black Oregonians.

A light blue square with a dark blue Advantis icon at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “$295,300: Total Advantis charitable giving in 2022.”

A light blue square with a blue icon of a person holding a check at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “$100,390: Corporate donations + employee donation matches to nonprofit organizations.”

A light blue square with a blue money icon at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “$131,500: Direct donations to organizations supporting marginalized or underrepresented communities.”

A light blue square with a blue icon of two waving people at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “33: Percentage of employees volunteering in the community.”

A light blue square with a dark blue icon of a hand with a heart on the palm at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “$19,700: Donations from Advantis members supporting Sunshine Division."

A light blue square with a dark blue Advantis icon at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “92: Organizations served through volunteering, donations, sponsorships, employee giving, and more.”

A light blue square with a dark blue Advantis diamond icon at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “$60,000: Amount granted to local nonprofits through Grow: The Advantis Community Fund.”

A light blue square with a blue icon of four hands forming an overlapping square at the top. In blue and black text underneath the icon are the words, “960: Advantis employee volunteer hours.”

Be Kind: We’re all part of the Advantis community

Advantis members expect the best from your credit union. We feel the same way. Which is why we’re proud to share our new Be Kind: Advantis Community Standards. They’re what help us define and create the best experience for our entire Advantis community. Learn more about Be Kind.

Join Us

We invite our local community to join us as allies for Black, Hispanic/Latine, Asian American, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Become a member

Join Advantis and bank with a local financial
co-op that supports and invests in historically excluded communities. The more our membership grows, the more meaningful change we can make.

Learn more about membership.

Come work with us

Consider a career with an organization that values DEI, along with the unique lived experiences of every employee. Explore career opportunities with Advantis.

Be a partner

Our Allies for Good community giving program seeks partners in supporting underrepresented communities. If you have thoughts on partnership or about nonprofits to support, please contact us.

Become a Member

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