Launch of CitiDifference in Europe (Citigroup employee diversity program)

Citicorp (via InternalMemos.com) ^ | 8/6/2002 | The European Operating Committee

[WindMinstrel]

Subject: New Diversity Initiative in Europe To: All CIB Employees From: The European Operating Committee Re: Launch of CitiDifference in Europe

Over the past two years we have made great progress on our diversity initiatives in the Corporate and Investment Bank in Europe. In 2001, five task forces, focused on achieving tangible results, were instrumental in launching our diversity strategy. As a result of their work we won the Opportunity Now New Member award 2002 for our work on gender.

Although we are immensely proud of that achievement, we are also keenly aware that we still have a great deal to accomplish. We are, therefore, pleased to announce the next stage in our diversity programme - CitiDifference. Led by senior business heads and Operating Committee members, the CitiDifference Steering Committee will provide overall guidance to three networks: CitiWomen, focusing on gender issues; CitiPride, addressing issues of sexual orientation; and CitiRoots, reaching out to ethnic minority groups.

The purpose of these networks is to create an inclusive and supportive environment, allowing all employees to make a full and meaningful contribution to corporate objectives, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or racial background. Planned activities include recruiting and mentoring, community outreach, industry benchmarking, sensitivity training, sponsorships and joint activities with peer companies and external organisations.

Lynne Fisher, director of Diversity for CIB, Europe explains, "As the world's largest financial organisation, and with a strong global orientation, diversity is a key element of Citigroup's business strategy and a competitive advantage. CitiDifference reflects the diversity of our employees, clients, products and shareholders, as well as that of the global markets we work in and the various firms we work with. Diversity is integral to everything we do."

The CitiDifference networks are open to all staff levels and business areas in the Corporate and Investment Bank in Europe. Centred in London, the networks will encourage the involvement of staff in European offices. As CitiDifference grows, additional networks will be developed to respond to particular issues and needs.

For more information on the CitiDifference networks and diversity in general, contact: Lynne Fisher (020 7986 5678 lynne.fisher@citigroup.com) or Caroline Wright (020 7986 2604 caroline.h.wright@citigroup.com) in the European Diversity Office.

* CitiDifference Steering Committee Steve Bowman, Richard Dale, Pat David, Susan Dean, Nick Farrell, Lynne Fisher, Jim Foster, Andrew Geczy, John Harker, JJ McNeill, Steve Meadows, Richard Moore, Jim O'Donnell, Dena Scott-Brumpton, Francesco Vanni d'Archirafi

* CitiWomen Supporting gender equality and building Citigroup's profile as an employer of choice for women in the City, CitiWomen programmes are designed to empower women professionals to be successful within Citigroup. Currently, four teams are assigned to focus on recruitment, retention and pipeline, networking and learning, and sponsorship and career development. CitiWomen also host women's forums for specific business areas, and implement training programmes for women professionals.

For further information about CitiWomen and its activities please contact: Anne Robinson: 020 7986 1210. anne.e.robinson@citigroup.com Rita Theil: 020 7986 7624. rita.theil@citigroup.com

* CitiPride

CitiPride's mission is to make Citigroup an employer of choice by fostering an environment of inclusiveness and respect, where gay and lesbian individuals feel comfortable being open about their lives and where they receive equal opportunities, benefits and advancement. Activities include among others: providing a confidential networking forum for employees, promoting diversity training, involvement in diversity recruiting initiatives and reviewing existing and planned company policies.

For further information about CitiPride and its activities please contact: Donald Jones: 020 7986 6780. donald.craig.jones@citigroup.com Craig Reisser: 020 7986 7508. william.craig.reisser@citigroup.com

* CitiRoots CitiRoots' mission is to promote Citigroup as the preferred employer for existing and potential employees through the development of racial diversity initiatives. CitiRoots creates a forum where issues of racial diversity in the workplace can be freely discussed and worked on. Goals include the recruitment and retention of ethnic and racial minorities, increasing understanding of racial and cultural differences, and developing professional and leadership skills. In addition, the network wishes to promote networking and communication activities which will assist the personal and professional growth of employees from ethnic minority backgrounds.

For further information about CitiRoots and its activities please contact:

Deepa Govindarajan: 020 7508 7053. deepa.govindarajan@citigroup.com Vivienne Omaset: 020 7986 6730. vivienne.omaset@citigroup.com

[Neckbone]

You know, I searched and searched but couldn't find CitiWASP listed anywhere!

[WindMinstrel]

I, personally, am looking for CitiPastyWhiteStraightFatChristianGuyWhoLikesBeerAndFishing

[2banana]

WHMNNA (white hetersexual men need not apply)

[WindMinstrel]

No Neckbone, what's your guess as to the price tag for these wonderful initiatives?

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Sounds like a really "Citi" idea to me.

[Looking4Truth]

I received an e-mail from some jobs website called 'Diversity-something-or-other' and I replied back with the comment "I'm a 41-year-old, straight, white male who has no disabilities. Am I diverse enough for you?" Still waiting on the reply.......

[Bahbah]

"As CitiDifference grows, additional networks will be developed to respond to particular issues and needs." Soliciting ideas for "additional networks."

[WindMinstrel]

Heh, don't you love misdirected marketing materials? My brother, Neckbone, received an offer to get on the "Wall of Diversity"!

[Fixit]

That's nothing compared to HSBC's Islamic finance program, called Amanah Finance, which I covered, in detail, on my pitiful blog last month.

[BeAllYouCanBe]

If I may as a veteran may I Citi-comment on the this Citi-pro-gay bias and the obvious political correctness of this diversity program. I realize this is a Euro-Nazi plan but it may be comming to a Citi near you in the US soon.

As a veteran I am supposed to have some non-discrimination protection by federal law. In fact no employer since the mid 70’s has asked for my DD 214 as proof of service. I have
been asked to sign a form that I’ve not been discriminated against after I was hired which is stupid since there is nothing on my resume that identifies me as a veteran. In the 70’s all Vietnam Vets were viewed as possible mental cases because of the constant barrage on TV of fictional accounts of “vet-going-postal”. So yes veterans have been discriminated against but corporate America did nothing about our INCLUSION to the work place.

In my 30 year career in civilian life I have never seen any kind of networking for vets or hiring prefrences. I have never known of any company who did any kind of special funding of Vet activities like parades or reunions. I have never seen any support of Vets like special medical benefits or plans to allow us to get paid for trips to a VA Medical
Center.

So yes this blatant political correctness plain and simple. I think this is Citi-Sh**.

[Jack Black]

This is not limited to Europe. In fact these big US companies are exporting political correctness to Europe. Every very large computer company that I deal with has these types of programs.

[BeAllYouCanBe]

"In fact these big US companies are exporting political correctness to Europe."

I don't know how true that is. I think the liberal stupidity is first hatched in Europe and then the All-American liberal crazies pick it up here and spread it through their university system -- because they feel the Euro-crazies are so progressive -- they want us to be like France or Sweden.

I work in the computer industry too in crazy California and we have diversity days where the rainbow flag flys and at Christmas the gay-mens choir sings carols. These "gay-days" are just "lip service" and don't impact anything. There are no networks or there are no preferences in hiring women or gays. I worry when they talk about preferences in hiring because that means whites need not apply.

In 1997 I was fired from a job because the new boss perceived me as too conservative and "family-valued" and he was a fun boys office. I know real well this can get very serious.