Not With Our Money, Citizens!
Are you a Citizens Bank accountholder? Instead of simply closing your account, you can increase your impact by pledging to move your money elsewhere before you go.
Through the “Not With Our Money, Citizens!” organized money withdrawal campaign we're leading in partnership with the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO), dozens of faith groups, unions, companies, and individuals have already pledged millions of dollars in assets.
We will act collectively to move our assets out of Citizens Bank accounts in increasing increments unless the bank ends its deplorable practice of financing ICE detention companies. Pledging to move assets you hold at Citizens Bank adds to the pool of “shared” assets. More money pledged = more leverage!
$0.0M
PLEDGED
“These aren't abstract business deals; they have human costs. This system separates families for profit and denies basic dignity to detainees.”
Rev. Ray Hammond
Want more information? See our "Not With Our Money. Citizens!" FAQs or sign up to learn more at one of our virtual workshops on Wednesday, May 27 or Wednesday, June 17.
Finding a Better Option
Switching banks can be a hassle, but the good news is that there are some great options. We recommend considering:
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Mutual Banks – Mutual banks are owned by customers, and focus on mutual benefit, community service, and reinvesting profits bank into the local economy.
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Credit Unions - Credit unions are also owned by customers. Membership is required, usually based on employer, location, or organization.
To get started, check out "How to pick a bank that works for you"
from NPR Life Kit and getabetterbank.org.
When you're ready to switch, make sure to let your local branch manager and bank leadership know why you're leaving—and tell other people, too!
Whether you post about it on social media, mention it in a group chat, or write about it in a letter to the editor, telling others about your choice can be a powerful motivator for them to do the same.
Send a message.
Reach out to any or all of these corporate leaders to urge them to end their relationships with private prison and detention companies. Sign this petition and voice your concern on Citizens Bank's social media channels.
Peter Lucht
Head of Media Relations
Peter.Lucht@CitizensBank.com
Corporate Headquarters
401.456.7000
Customer Service
1.800.922.9999
Citizens Private Bank (CA, FL, MA, NY)
Email Template
Subject: Stop financing CoreCivic and GEO Group
To the Citizens Bank Leadership Team,
I am calling on Citizens Bank to immediately end its financial relationships with CoreCivic and The GEO Group (GEO) and commit publicly to never financing private immigration detention or prison companies again.
Your team says you “engage with companies that conduct their business in a lawful manner.” Not only have CoreCivic and GEO faced extensive allegations of human rights abuses, they are central to the expansion of a system that is threatening the very principle of due process. A system that has imprisoned thousands of children—including hundreds for longer than the court-prescribed limit.
Until Citizens Bank ends its financial relationships with CoreCivic and The GEO Group, I will not do business with your institution and will encourage my community, elected leaders, universities, and local organizations to do the same.
Citizens cannot honor its commitment to fostering strong communities while profiting from companies that are instrumental in inflicting these harms. The choice is yours: align your actions with your stated values or or continue down a path that will permanently link your brand to harmful detention practices.
[Your Name]
[Your City, State]
Copy email text
Call Script
I’m calling as a concerned member of the public to ask that Citizens Bank immediately end its financial relationships with CoreCivic and The GEO Group and commit not to finance private immigration detention or prison companies in the future.
Continuing to do business with these companies supports a detention system linked to serious human rights concerns—including prolonged detention of children—and contradicts your stated commitment to strengthening communities.
Until Citizens ends these harmful relationships, I will reconsider my relationship with your bank and encourage others to do the same.
Please pass my message to company leadership. Thank you.
Citizens' Social Media
Petition
Sign our MoveOn.org petition to add your voice to the growing call for Citizens Bank to stop financing the for-profit prison industry.
Letter Template
Write your own letter urging Citizens' executives to end their relationships with detention companies, or customize one of these:
ADDRESS MAIL TO
Bruce Van Saun
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
One Citizens Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
Spread the word.
Sharing the facts and getting others involved is key, and there are lots of ways you can help—whatever your skill set and availability.
Join the National Day of Action to
De-ICE Citizens Bank on June 6!
Join thousands of people across the country on June 6 to raise the volume on our message in a national day of action. Find an action near you or pick a Citizens Bank branch and host your own!
Get the details and an organizing toolkit with everything you need to plan your own June 6 action here.
Find a group taking action.
The best way to get involved in this effort is to connect with a group in your area to find out about upcoming actions. To locate a group taking action near you, enlarge the map below. Click on any pin to get contact information for that group.
Want to organize an action?
and an organizing toolkit.
Write a letter to the editor.
Letters to the editor are among the most-read sections of newspapers, and a great way to raise awareness of Citizens Bank's involvement in financing ICE detention operators.
Community Toolbox has a helpful guide with tips to get you started.
These are some of the letters that have been published so far:
"Citizens Bank must stop funding cruelty" (Brattleboro Reformer)
"Why are we protesting Citizens Bank?" (Lexington Observer)
"Know what your bank does with your money" (Addison County Independent)
"A new way to push back against ICE" (Cambridge Day)
Op-eds are another great way to raise awareness. Here's a template you can customize.
Follow, like, and share.
Stay connected and share what you've learned about Citizens Bank's ties to GEO Group and CoreCivic. Follow us on social media for updates on upcoming actions, media coverage, and ways to get involved. Like and share our posts to spread the word and hold Citizens accountable for financing inhumane ICE detention centers.
Ready to do more? Sign up for the De-ICE Citizens Bank Action of the Week email.
Each week you'll receive an email with an easy task you can do in under five minutes to help De-ICE Citizens Bank, plus the latest news and updates about the movement, upcoming coordinated actions, and more!