Young credit union professionalswith limited funds and unlimited enthusiasm for financialcooperatives are invited to “Crashthe GAC,” an effort sponsored by The Cooperative Trust, part ofthe Filene Research Institute's young professionals program.

Once again this year, The Cooperative Trust is seekingapplications for Crash program participation. Successful applicantswill receive a complimentary registration to the 2014 CUNA'sGovernmental Conference, scheduled for Feb. 23-27 in Washington,D.C. The applicationdeadline is Dec. 17.

Participants or their credit unions are expected to cover travelexpenses and hotel, but credit union leagues representing more than25 states are offering full or partial reimbursement for youthparticipants from their member credit unions. CUNA Mutual also isproviding sponsorship support for the program.

The goal is to get one “crasher” from each state and theDistrict of Columbia to attend the GAC, for a total 51 crashers.The program offers participants the opportunity to take a deep diveinto credit union advocacy and grow their network of young creditunion professionals, say officials behind the effort.

“Crash the GAC is an opportunity to give young credit unionprofessionals a real insight into the wider CU system and for themto engage and learn with likeminded young and experiencedprofessionals alike,” said James Marshall, leader of The Cooperative Trust.

“Now going into our fifth year of Crash the GAC, we are thankfulto be partnering with CUNA to bring you the biggest Crash eventwe've ever tried to pull off,” Marshall said.

For more information and an application for the 2014 Crash theGAC program, visit www.crashthegac.com.