Canadian students will be given another opportunity to make an IMPACT!

GUELPH, ON, May 26 /CNW/ - Seeking to build upon the momentum created by last fall's IMPACT! The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership, The Co-operators today announced it is planning an ongoing program, including a second in-person conference to be held in September 2011. The inaugural program excited, empowered and equipped 180 college and university student leaders to redouble their sustainability efforts on campuses and in communities across the country.

"Achieving sustainability requires a multi-disciplinary approach, a broad social commitment and the energy and passion of youth," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "After the success of the inaugural event, we were convinced that continuing our support for the program was an effective way of working with student leaders who share our vision for a healthier, greener future."

Dozens of recommendations made by conference participants were presented in a report entitled "The New Normal: Sustainable Practices Your Future Employees Will Demand." Compiled by the Network for Business Sustainability, it is available on the organization's website: www.nbs.net/new_normal.

Since the first gathering at the University of Guelph, participants have campaigned to ban plastic bags, put on environmental-awareness workshops, hosted speaker series, lobbied governments to include sustainability in education curricula, and worked to promote energy and water conservation. In January, The Co-operators announced 12 grants totalling $47,000 to further support student participants' sustainability projects.

Details of the upcoming program, including guest speakers and the application process for Canadian students interested in participating, will be announced in the coming months. For further information and regular updates, as well as details of the activities and accomplishments of the 2009 alumni, visit www.impactyouthsustainability.ca.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $36.9 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies, it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is owned by 47 Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators, 1-877-795-7272, ext. 2707