OPIRG-Brock

What is OPIRG? The Ontario Public Interest Research Group is a campus- based non-profit, volunteer driven organization working on issues of social justice and the environment.

How do I get involved? There are several ways to get involved, why not start by joining our e-mail event list, attend our events; and check out material in our Resource Centre in the Students Centre 204. Students and community members can start up or join an existing Working Group or serve on our Board of Directors.

What is a working group? Working Group are semi-autonomous groups of students and community members who organize around specific issues. Working Groups receive funding from the OPIRG office, as well as ongoing support and training. Working Group use the consensus decision making model to ensure equal access to power within groups, and are expected to take an anti-oppression workshop.

How do I start a working group? OPIRG accepts applications for Working Groups in the fall and again at the start of the winter term. Applications are reviewed by our Board of Directors who meet with applicants to ask questions about the proposal before deciding which groups will be accepted. One page applications forms are available on our web site or at the OPIRG office.

Can I sign out material from the OPIRG Resource Centre? Yes! Brock undergrads and paid OPIRG community members are entitled to sign out books, videos, periodicals and files from our Resource Centre. We try to stock items not found in other campus libraries, with a focus on issues relating to OPIRG’s work. We also welcome resource centre purchase suggestions, so if you know of a resource, let us know – it’s your library!

How do I become a member of OPIRG? Brock undergraduates are automatically members since they pay a refundable levy of $1.50 per full time course. Others can join OPIRG as a “Community Member” for a $10 fee. F/T undergrads who wish not to support OPIRG can receive a full refund by coming to the OPIRG office with your student card within the first three weeks of classes each semester.

How can I find out more about OPIRG? Visit the OPIRG office in the Student Centre room 204, or check out our web site and our blog . Call our office and speak with our friendly staff at at 905-688-5550 ext. 3499 or ext. 4430 or e-mail opirgbu@brocku.ca