Apply for 2010-2011 Action Groups!

Applications due Monday August 2, 2010

The Ontario Public Interest Research Group – Toronto is a volunteer-based group at the University of Toronto, with a mandate for action, education and research on environmental and social justice issues. We seek to empower and educate students and other members of the community, provide a forum for learning and sharing skills, and give people the tools and opportunity to work cooperatively for social change.

Much of our work is done through our action groups. Action groups are collectives that organize democratically to do research, education and action on particular issues. In the past, action groups have organized teach-ins, protests, conferences, boycotts, speaking events, tabling, film nights, and more! Examples of past and current action groups include: Students Against Israeli Apartheid (SAIA), No One Is Illegal (NOII) – Education Not
Deportation, Reparations Committee, Committee for Just Education (CJE), Circle of Support, DAMN 2025, Moyo Wa Africa, Critical Areas Studies Collective (CASC), and the Environmental Committee.

If you are interested in working together with motivated individuals on important social or environmental justice issues, please pick up an action group application package. Application packages are available at our office,
located at 563 Spadina Ave, Room 101 North Borden Building, or online at: www.opirguoft.org (under Action Groups and subheading "how to start a new group").

*The deadline for action group application submissions is 6:30 PM on Monday August 2, 2010. Applications will be reviewed by the OPIRG Board of Directors.

OPIRG Toronto is committed to working on a wide range of issues from an integrated anti-oppression framework. We work towards providing a safe and accessible space for people coming from marginalized communities.

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Why be an OPIRG Action Group?

Action Groups receive the support of the organization - including staff, office
space (including internet, computers, printer, button-maker, fax machine, etc), space booking privileges at the University of Toronto, access to the OPIRG Provincial Network, and a (limited) working budget for the year. Staff members are available to help with strategizing and logistics with campaign work or research for each of the Action Groups. Action Groups are also involved in shaping the work and direction of this important organization.

How does the structure work?

Action Groups are collectives that fall under the umbrella of OPIRG - Toronto.
Each year, Action Groups are selected by the Board of Directors. Action Groups are then asked to keep in regular communication with the Board and Staff about their ongoing work, training and skills sharing needs, budgeting, and any other
forms of support. We also ask that Action Groups commit to a) the principles of Anti-Oppression, b) to mutual support of other OPIRG Action groups, and c) participation within the OPIRG structure.

Feel free to contact us at 416 978 7770 or opirg.toronto@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.

In solidarity,

OPIRG – UofT Board of Directors