Oppression, Monty Python style

monday tuesday wednesday: big days!

MONDAY, September 28
OPIRG McMaster is currently seeking applications for new "working groups" on environmental and social justice issues. To apply for working group status, visit our web site here.
(Hard copies are available at the opirg office) DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 (returning groups must re-apply)

TUESDAY, September 29
Facilitators Rosemary Aswani and Cat Cayuga will provide OPIRG Volunteers an INTRODUCTION TO ANTI-OPPRESSION 101 WORKSHOP, on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, from 7-9pm, in McMaster University Student Centre room 318.
The workshop is free, but pre-registration required with randy(dot)opirg(at)gmail(dot)com or 905-525-9140 ext. 26026

WEDNESDAY, September 30

POSTPONED: To be rescheduled! An introduction to Consensus This workshop will explore ways in which we can communicate and act as groups that empower everyone involved, make creative decisions, and work to counter the oppressive structures that we're used to. The focus of the workshop will be on groups working for social and environmental justice. The workshop will be responsive to the desires of those who attend so bring your questions and ideas!
7-9pm, in McMaster University Student Centre room 318.
The workshop is free, but pre-registration required with randy(dot)opirg(at)gmail(dot)com or 905-525-9140 ext. 26026

DON'T WAIT TO REGISTER! DO IT NOW!

into the woods with Westmount High!

A Social Justice class from Westmount High School visited McMaster today, and stopped by to meet with OPIRG activists from Animal Rights, Biodiversity Guild, and OPIRG Board and staff. At lunch OPIRG took them on a hike into Cootes Paradise for a change of scenery. Being Car Free Day, they also got wristbands to allow them free passage on the HSR buses for the day.
We had a great time meeting with these inspiring souls, and look forward to working with them in the future!

youth peace call!

Youth Peace Education Conference 2009
McMaster University, Hamilton ON

A Call for Workshop Proposals

The Youth Peace Education Conference are currently seeking contributions for workshops for the 7^th annual Youth Peace Education Conference on November 12^th, 2009. The participants with be high school youth ages 14-18 from the Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Boards.

There will be two breakout sessions, one 40 minute session and one 60 minute session. The first workshop (40 minutes) focuses on various fields/disciplines/trades that can engage in peace education. Topics we hope to cover are gender and sexuality, animal rights, media and technology, spirituality, farming, language, dating and relationships (NVC), government, Servant Leadership, engineering and sustainable development, business, medicine, economics, skilled trades, and many others. The second timeslot of 60 minutes will be more focused on action and practical skills for creating a culture of peace and engaging in projects in the Hamilton/Halton community. Skills we hope to help youth develop include permaculture, consensus, non-violent communication, and conveying social justice messages through drama, dance, music and art.

We encourage participatory workshops that are activity-centered instead of lecture-focused. There will be approximately 200 youth at the conference, and we are anticipating each workshop to have between 5 and 40 people. We ask that you concisely describe the workshop in the submission form, and identify keywords that can help us categorize your presentation. We ask that those interested to please notify us of any workshop equipment, room type preference (open, no fixed seating etc.), handout or assistance needs in the application. Please have all proposals submitted by October 9^th 2009, however earlier submissions are strongly encouraged.

For more information or questions:

web: http://schoolpeaceprogram.org/2009-conference

email: julia@peace-education.ca

phone: (905) 523-0111

Disclaimer: this is not an official opirg mcmaster sponsored event, and is posted for information purposes only. Please contact the event organizers with any questions or concerns.

aging in community

AMANDA LEMUS - Summer Student Researcher at OPIRG McMaster

What am I studying? Gerontology (Health, Aging and Society)

How did this job open up? The North Hamilton Community Health Centre and OPIRG McMaster formed a partnership for a research project. So, I had the opportunity to work on a seniors’ project initiative for 8 weeks in the summer of 2009. The project title was “Seniors in the North End of Hamilton – Understanding, Poverty, Aging and Health.” (Read the Report here]

What did I do? I had to collate, analyze, report, and make recommendations pertaining to recently collected data from the NHCHC development led focus groups. The work involved utilizing my skills and academic knowledge as well as learning how to take those skills and apply them to the community setting. Additionally, the opportunity allowed me to experience working within a multidisciplinary health care setting, and opportunity to interact with a diversity of clients, community members and service agencies.

The part of my work that gets me all excited? The report that I compiled will help the centre in establishing future programs for the North End seniors that will enhance their lives and health.

Other comments? I can’t express how awesome this experience has been especially when a student is trying to increase their experience in their chosen academic field. Thanks everyone at OPIRG and the Health and Wellness Team at the North Hamilton Community Health Centre for the opportunity to work in my field and make a difference in my community!

meeting the enemy?

An interesting take on meeting etiquette by a long-time activist...

SABOTAGING MEETINGS

August 14, 2009 by brianburch

It was both surprising and enlightening to find in a recent update to the offerings on Project Gutenberg the Simple Sabotage Field Manual of the Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner of the CIA). While much of the information provided dealt with physical sabotage and workplace resistance, what I found most interesting was advice on how to interfere with organisations and conferences:

(11) General Interference with Organisations and Production

(a) Organizations and Conferences:

(1) Insist on doing everything through

“channels.” Never permit short-cuts to be taken

in order to expedite decisions.

(2) Make “speeches.” Talk as frequently as

possible and at great length. Illustrate your

“points” by long anecdotes and accounts of per­

sonal experiences. Never hesitate to make a few

appropriate “patriotic” comments.

(3) When possible, refer all matters to

committees, for “further study and considera­

tion.” Attempt to make the committees as large

as possible — never less than five.

(4) Bring up irrelevant issues as frequently

as possible.

(5) Haggle over precise wordings of com­

munications, minutes, resolutions.

(6) Refer back to matters decided upon at

the last meeting and attempt to re-open the

question of the advisability of that decision.

(7) Advocate “caution.” Be “reasonable”

and urge your fellow-conferees to be “reason­

able” and avoid haste which might result in

embarrassments or difficulties later on.

(8) Be worried about the propriety of any

decision — raise the question of whether such

action as is contemplated lies within the juris­

diction of the group or whether it might conflict

with the policy of some higher echelon.

+++++++++++++++++++

Being a meeting addicted person, who has attended thousands of co-op, church, union and community meetings over the years, finding out that what I have consistently found frustrating was recommended as sabotage techniques for those wanting to ensure that organizations couldn’t function well.

tabling

It's tabling season and OPIRG Board member Megan has the right stuff to let you in on the workings of OPIRG. Drop by, pick up some info, join the e-mail events list, and cycling or waterfall maps.

CAR FREE WEEK

It's that time to again, to celebrate car-free mobility. It's become quite clear that using alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use supports more liveable cities by making streets safer for young and old alike, while contributing to better health and a less polluted environment.
Every year, Transportation for Liveable Comunities celebrates the good things that Hamilton offers in the way of car-freedom.
This year, once again, the events span a week, but they could become events that stay with you a lifetime:

• Monday, September 21 - BUS AND HIKE TO SHERMAN FALLS - meet at the campus bus stop by McMaster Museum of art at 5:30pm sharp -bus leaves at 5:35pm (bring your MacID or bus tickets, water and a snack, proper footwear - rain or shine) - Free Waterfall and Hamilton Bike Route maps for participants. Optional Pub stop at the Phoenix upon returning by bus to campus (8-8:30 est time of arrival)

• Tuesday, September 22 - 6:00 to 9:00pm. Have a happy car free day and learn to do basic bike repair and maintenance at Hamilton's first all-volunteer non-profit bike repair workshop: RECYCLE CYCLES. Located in the basement of Erskine Presbyterian Church (19 Pearl Street North, Hamilton) - enter at side door off Morden Street. There is no cost for the workshop, but please pre-register with randy(dot)opirg(atgmail(dot)com or by calling 905-525-9140 ext. 26026

• Thursday, September 24 - Annual CAR FREE DRIVE IN MOVIE AT GAGE PARK - free films for the whole family at dusk at the historic bandshell - take a bus, ride, walk to the movies under the stars.

BY BUS: From Central McMaster Campus take the HSR #5 Delaware Bus (eastbound, destination Greenhill) or check out the google maps for transit in Hamilton to make your route choices
BY BICYCLE? Grab a city of Hamilton Bike Routes and Parks map from the OPIRG office (McMaster Student Centre room 229)

• Friday, September 25 - Hamilton's monthly CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE meets at the corner of Hess and George Streets, in Hamilton's "Hess Village" at 5:30 pm on the last friday of each month. This is the CAR FREE WEEK mass ride - dress up, bring some noise, and let your spirits soar with your bike along Hamilton's downtown streets.

• Saturday, September 26 - McMaster to Market - walk from the McMaster campus to two local markets - one, the organic vegetable market, and the Makers Market, local produce and local artistans.

- check out tlchamilton.org for updates and more information!

climate change on ice

opirg York looking for Full Time Coordinator

Ontario Public Interest Research Group - York

F/T Coordinator of Administration and Information

OPIRG YORK, THE ONTARIO PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP IS A STUDENT-BASED, SOCIAL JUSTICE, EDUCATION AND ACTION ORGANIZATION, AT YORK UNIVERSITY.

START DATE: September 28, 2009

SALARY: $19.44/hr, 30 hrs/wk, comprehensive healthcare plan

HOURS OF WORK: 30 hrs office hours, 4 days a week, plus occasional evening and weekend meetings or events.

This is a full time, permanent position unionized with CUPE Local 1281

RESPONSIBILITIES:

? Administration: financial management, record keeping, audit preparation, correspondence, office organization, grant writing, maintenance & development of Resource Centre and supervision of office volunteers and grant staff.
? Project & Event Coordination: assist board & volunteers with event/project programming, including conceptualizing, planning, publicizing, organizing, coordinating logistics, follow-up
? Provincial PIRG: participate in the Ontario PIRG networks as needed
? Promotion & Outreach: assist in the production of outreach materials (e.g. pamphlets, posters, press releases), networking with campus/community groups on common issues, share responsibility with Volunteer Coordinator for radio show
? Participate in Decision-making: attending board meetings, staff meetings, relevant working group & committee meetings, assist in policy & planning, using consensus process


QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience from paid/volunteer work:

? Strong knowledge of bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, budget creation and maintenance, audit preparation; familiarity with Quickbooks accounting software is an asset
? Experience networking & community development with a diversity of groups, familiarity with local community centers, activist groups & resources especially within an anti-racism framework
? Awareness of activism in a broad range of issues including anti-racism, Native rights, student rights, environmentalism, opposing corporate rule/government cutbacks, globalization, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination.
? Experience in supervising volunteers and grant staff, coordinating research projects, especially related to social justice, political action and environmental issues
? Experience working with community resource centers
? Experience working with volunteers, esp. in nonprofit organizations with volunteer board/committees
? Experience coordinating projects & events, especially related to anti-racism, social justice & political actions
? Familiarity with consensus decision-making, organization & strategic planning, & evaluations
? Experience creating promotional/public educational materials
? Strong organizational, office coordination & time management skills


Please send your resume, with 3 references, cover letter, and a 1-page statement on your student/anti-racist activism as well as your views on power and oppression, by 6PM Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 to:

Hiring Committee,
OPIRG YORK
C449 Student Centre
York University 4700 Keele Street
North York, ON
M3J 1P3
OR
Email: hiring@opirgyork.ca

PLEASE NO FAXES

We regret only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

OPIRG welcomes the contributions that individuals from marginalized communities bring to our organization, and invites aboriginal people, people of colour, women, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, queer-oriented people single parents, members of ethnic minorities, immigrants and people with disabilities to apply. We encourage applicants to describe the contributions and experiences they, as individuals who identify with marginalized communities, would bring to the OPIRG organization in their cover letter.

it's not all academic

(a campus event you might be interested in!)

Another University Is Possible: A public forum on student, faculty and worker Struggles in the Knowledge Factory

Time: 11 – 3pm

Date: September 18, 2009

Place: The Atrium, McMaster University Student Centre

Program:

11-12pm

1. "Keeping education affordable: the Quebec student movement and the struggle for free education"

Jaouad Laaroussi and Marianita Hamel, members of the Quebec-based student union, l’Association pour une Solidarité Syndicale Étudiante (ASSÉ) and active during the 2005 and 2007 province-wide student strikes.

12-1pm

"The university works because we do: campus workers on the frontlines against the neoliberal university”

Ajamu Nangwaya, union reformer and social justice activist, member of CUPE 3907 (OISE), CUPE Ontario.

1-2pm

“Will there be a TA strike this fall at McMaster? Q and A with members of the CUPE 3906 Bargaining Team”

2-3pm

"The state of academic freedom in Canada"

Denis Rancourt, former University of Ottawa professor. Recently fired for refusing to grade his students, Denis Rancourt’s struggle has received national media coverage and his firing is being investigated by the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

Presented by CUPE 3906, www.cupe3906.org

CLUBS FEST STALWARTS

OPIRG Board members Kojo and Joseph in front of the OPIRG display at CLUBS FEST at the Student Centre - we met lots of great students, and had time to hand out leaflets and to speak with people about what OPIRG does. If you signed up for our e-mail list, you will be getting your weekly e-mail in the next few days.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped staff the table, your time and dedication means a lot to us!

CLUBS FEST 2009

Come see OPIRG at CLUBS FEST, we are located at a table inside the Student Centre, opposite the Compass Info Centre (by the wheelchair ramp) - we have leaflets with info about opirg and our fall events, a sign-up for our weekly e-mail events listing, a sample of resources from our lending library, and free opirg buttons, as well as free waterfall maps and city cycling route maps. Plus we have some of our great volunteers on hand to talk to you about OPIRG.

Recycling the Dead (Batteries, that is)

Bring out your dead batteries, and get them an environmentally sound disposal at OPIRG McMaster: a student initiative to divert batteries from landfill sites has grown from an OPIRG working group into a campus wide battery recycling program.

You can bring your dead batteries to OPIRG's office in the Student Centre (room 229) and rest assured that they will not go on to poison the environment.
Other campus locations:

* A.N Bourns (ABB) B166
* Commons Building Service Desk Room 129
* David Braley Athletic Centre
* Mary Keyes Residence Service Desk Room 126
* OPIRG McMaster, McMaster University Student Centre room 229
* McMaster Medical Centre room 4N43


TYPE OF BATTERIES ACCEPTED:

* Alkaline
* Lithium-Ion
* Nickel-Cadmium