What is the Ontario Public Interest Research Group at Brock?


OPIRG Office

OPIRG-Brock is a non-profit, student-funded and student-directed organization, which encourages and supports research, education and action on social justice and environmental issues. The Brock University chapter was formed by the student body in 1988 and is one of eleven chapters in Ontario. OPIRG-Brock is governed by a Board of Directors which is made up of Brock students and members of the Niagara community who are elected at an Annual General Meeting. Working collectively, making decisions by consensus in an inclusive and fully participatory environment. The Resource Centre, as well as all OPIRG events are open to students and members of the surrounding community.

Our mandate is research, education and action. We conduct research in the public interest on topics of social and environmental concern. We use education to raise awareness of public issues and mobilize public opinion. Action is performed to develop and implement strategies to reach our goals. OPIRG-Brock provides the tools and resources for Brock students and community members to bridge the gap between theory and practice in order to lead our community away from self-destruction.

OPIRG-Brock actively pursues an atmosphere that respects diversity, challenges opressive relations (poverty, racism, ageism, etc.) and recognizes the sameness of social and environmental issues in order to address them in a holistic way. OPIRG believes that by providing training, support and opportunities to committed individuals, the transformation of society is becoming reality. Through participatory democracy and community we continue to work towards environmental sustainability and social equity for all people.

UNBOTTLE IT! Free Event!

OPIRG is excited to welcome Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadian, and Sid Ryan, CUPE Ontario President, to Brock University as they tour 15 cities speaking about the politics of water and the environmental effects of the corporatization of this public resource.

The bottled water industry has worked hard to undermine our faith in public water. The industry sells water - a shared public resource - for HUGE profits. It's time to get the facts!

Kick The Bottle
Tap into Public Drinking Water!


Friday January 16 at 7:00pm
Brock University
Thistle Building, Room TH247

New Year, New Co-ordinator, New Events

Every now and then at OPIRG we have the opportunity to introduce a new staff member, and in 2009 we welcome Julia Kerr. This new voice means a new focus on bringing students from all walks of life out of their shells and into the community. The community at large and the special communities that are fostered by OPIRG at Brock University.

In 2009 the Amnesty International and DIY Collective working groups will be spreading the word about the benefits of involvement. Involvement in the global community, raising awareness and encouraging action on issues related to injustice and poverty with Amnesty International. Involvement in the local community, by encouraging responsible use of resources with the DIY collective - as simple as jam making or as complex as residential fabrication workshops.

Even though it is currently winter, the Niagara Region has cleared roads to the point where Critical Mass (a cycling event) has been viable even in December. It will continue throughout the winter - limited only by active weather and road clearance.

OPIRGBrock.org, your online portal to OPIRG at Brock, will also be experiencing positive change. As more content becomes available in both the public domain as well as under free and open licenses (ex. Creative Commons, GFDL, etc.) it can be brought to you online or in the office in a paperless format. We find the best content, and our members benefit. Suggestions are welcome, involvement is better.

Thank you.

Alternative Resource Center

OPIRG Office
Please come by to see us and learn about the Alternative Resource Library and OPIRG-Brock.
Regular hours: Monday to Friday 10-4pm.
A wealth of information is available. Read, Listen and Watch some amazing content that may not be available in the mainstream.
The Resource Centre also plays host to the sale of fair trade products. Our resources are frequently updated, so please come in now to see our current offerings.
Films/movies are available to be signed out by OPIRG members for personal or academic use. Again, please come now to the resource centre.

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