The UN has designated 2012 "International Year of the Co-operative" to draw attention to the power we all have to shape our communities and our future through volunteering.

The credit union movement is built upon the efforts of thousands of volunteers who give freely of their time and skills to their credit unions in the spirit of cooperation. Each credit union has a team of volunteers with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage that credit union.

Many people are currently contributing their time and skills through a number of volunteer

organisations. The credit union movement in Ireland and Northern Ireland currently has 9,250 volunteers.

An individual can develop both personally and professionally by volunteering. The benefits of credit union volunteering include:

Gain skills and experience in a senior role of a professional financial serviceproviderEducation and trainingPersonal developmentMeet new people from the communityWork on developmental and business projectsGive something back to the community

The credit union committees offer an excellent starting point for new volunteers. These committees provide experience, learning and an active role within the credit union.

Once a volunteer has served the credit union at committee level for a period of time, and training needs have been identified and addressed, you can move into a director or supervisor position.

If you would like more information on volunteering in the credit union please contact your local credit union and ask for the manager or a member of the Nominating Committee.