With all the talk about the need for credit unions tocollaborate with like-minded organizations and connect with youngcooperative entrepreneurs, the Cooperative Food EmpowermentDirective may offer the first proactive shift into action.

CoFED is looking for credit union employees to work with andmentor college students working with campus food cooperatives.

Mentors will be associated with projects on campuses in theNortheast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Pacific Northwest and California,connecting with students and creating opportunities to expand theiryounger membership.

In addition, mentors will support small local businesses andconnect with the greater co-op community.

The move is part of a bigger mission of building a movement ofcooperative pioneers, as mentors support youngleaders as they build thriving cooperative food movements oncollege campuses.

Plans are under way to launch a training program for people inthe food and cooperative movements this August. Six future foodmovement leaders will be recruited for an immersive professionaldevelopment experience. They will support students growingcooperative and sustainable food businesses on their campuses.

According to The Cooperative Trust founder Brent Dixon, who serves as vicechairman of the CoFED board, fellows need expert help from creditunion mentors in financial literacy for small businesses, financialmanagement and general business development.

He added, the time commitment is minimal at two hours per month,of short 20- to 30- minute calls or brief emails with teamsand regional organizers.

CoFED will feature mentor credit unions at www.cofed.coop.

Credit unions interested in mentoring should email CoFedDirector of Communications Megan Svoboda at [email protected].

Since launching nationally in late 2010, CoFED said, it hasworked with over 300 students starting or operating cooperative,sustainable food ventures on over 35 campuses across thecountry.