World Council of Credit Unions is doing its part to make sure credit unions play a highly visible role in the United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives in 2012.
Playing up the theme "Co-operative enterprises build a better world," IYC is designed to raise consumer awareness of cooperatives' socio-economic impact worldwide, especially among younger adults whose personal values coincide with cooperative principles.
Organizers hope the awareness campaign will help foster legislative and regulatory environments conducive to cooperative formation and growth.
"We're encouraging credit unions and cooperatives everywhere to capitalize on the opportunity to raise awareness of the value cooperatives offer to their communities," said Pete Crear, WOCCU president/CEO.
"This is a rare opportunity for all of us in the business of serving members to gain a high level of global recognition, both for the benefit of our own institutions and for the cooperative movement worldwide."
Plans are underway for an IYC kickoff event in October 2011 at the U.N.'s New York City headquarters.
