OPIRG McMaster: RESEARCH AND ACTION

bean power

2012-01-29T13:32:00.002-05:00

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

Happy New Year Dish!

2012-01-26T12:27:00.000-05:00

Food for Life Community Cooking Event: A Taste of the Orient

Time	Begins at January 28th 12:00 PM EST ending on January 28th 3:00 PM EST
Location	1140 King Street West - St. Paul's Anglican Church
Organizers	Food For Life
Posted by	Food For Life

Didn’t get to celebrate Chinese New Year? Well bring in the year of the dragon with Food for Life, as we cook traditional New Year’s dishes like Hainanese chicken and tang yuan, a glutinous sweet dumpling. We will be having our class this Saturday, January 28^th, from 12PM-3PM. Please bring $5 (covers cost of ingredients and a small donation to the church) and RSVP on our Facebook group. So come out on Saturday to learn about Chinese New Year the tasty way!

(A vegetarian dish will also be made)

The event has a limit of 12 people, so sign up ASAP. You can sign up by emailing us at OPIRGfood@gmail.com or visiting our Facebook page at OPIRG Food for Life Club at McMaster

get your soul fed!

2012-01-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

Knot Tonight!

2012-01-24T10:30:00.003-05:00

Threadwork's knitting workshop and cafe on Tuesday January 24th from 5:30pm-7pm in MUSC 301. There will be coffee and treats, knitting needles and yarn, and a trio of qualified knitters ready to help you! First-time knitters and experienced knitters all welcome!

macthreadwork@gmail.com

stand up to racism

2012-01-15T00:26:00.002-05:00

chicken-up!

2012-01-13T16:05:00.001-05:00

http://www.change.org/petitions/hamilton-city-council-allow-the-keeping-of-chickens-within-the-urban-city-limits-of-hamilton

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

miss-ing the point

2012-01-12T14:33:00.000-05:00

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

Haiti Remembered

2012-01-11T12:27:00.001-05:00

Presented by MUNSS (McMaster University Nursing Student Society), with support of Hamilton Nurses for Haiti and OPIRG McMaster

PIRGTOPIA in perspective....

2012-01-06T19:36:00.001-05:00

A low-key but wonderful PIRGtopia today in the Student Centre, as three fifths of OPIRG's volunteer working groups were on hand with displays to promote their various causes. Present were:

Body Equity
Community Volunteer Action
Hamilton Freeskool
Hamilton Haiti Action Committee
McMaster First Nations Students Association (MFNSA)
McMaster Green Roof Working Group
mi water (McMaster's Initiative for Water)
Save More Students (SMS)
ThreadWork

Some new connections were made, between working groups and with students and others passing through the MUSC atrium between 11am and 3pm. It's always a good idea to get so many good people together in one space to generate positive action!

A big and sincere thanks to all those who made an effort to put a face to their working group!

Get that PIRGtopia feeling!

2012-01-04T12:56:00.001-05:00

PIRGtopia

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012 from 11am to 3pm, Atrium, McMaster University Student Centre

Visit with opirg mcmaster's 15 volunteer working groups, learn about what they are doing, and how you can get involved!

OPIRG will have displays set up and you can speak directly with volunteers working to make the world a better place, with a focus on social justice and the environment.

While you are there, pick up a copy of OPIRG McMaster's print newsletter PIRGspectives!

WPIRG Call for Proposals!

2011-12-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

CALLOUT FOR PROPOSALS

Breaking Bars, Building Bridges:

Challenging the Prison System & Fostering Communities of Support

WPIRG’s 2012 SCHOOL OF PUBLIC INTEREST

Friday February 10 – Sunday February 12, 2012

In spite of widespread opposition, the statement made by two provinces (Ontario and Quebec) that they will refuse to pay – and even the warnings of the state of Texas – Canada’s Bill C-10, the Conservative Omnibus Crime Bill, is poised to become law by March 16, 2012. The bill will institute sweeping changes that will produce more crime and more prisoners, just in time to fill the super-prisons scheduled for construction across the country.

Meanwhile, grassroots activists continue to be criminalized in their fight for justice. After 18 months living under severely restrictive bail conditions, six anti-G20 activists from communities across the province were sentenced on November 22^nd, 2011 to serve time in jail. Their charges stemmed from their political organizing. Still yet, marginalized communities continue to be targeted on a daily basis by the policing and prison apparatus. Police murders continue across the continent with impunity, and police brutality remains a daily reality within and outside prison walls.

As we struggle for a just world, one without oppression or inhumanity, where the earth is respected and all are free, we must realize that the context of our work is changing. Harper’s agenda will see an escalation in the criminalization of dissent, activism, and direct action. As social supports for the poor continue to evaporate under neoliberal attacks, more members of our community will end up behind bars, even as global resistance to the austerity agenda continues to mount. And while the government and corporations continue to pillage indigenous lands and suppress community self-determination, Aboriginal people make up a massively disproportionate segment of the prison population.

In the spirit of solidarity, WPIRG invites all community-based activists, people impacted by the prison system, communities and supporters of prisoners, and anyone who sees value in gathering to resist the institution, to join us in our 2012 School of Public Interest, which will focus on challenging criminalization, supporting prisoners, and building alternatives.

Our goal is to provide a space for in-depth conversation of prison justice and abolition, opportunities for networking and strategizing, and a radical education venue geared towards sharing knowledge, skills, and tools to further our everyday activism and integrate prison justice into our different struggles. We especially hope to strengthen a southern Ontario network that can effectively coordinate local grassroots mobilizations against prison expansion and criminalization over the coming years. Travel subsidies are available. Please contact us for more information on them.

We welcome individuals and organizations to submit proposals for workshops, discussions, and trainings. We are very interested in disseminating practical skills and tools, and also encourage non-expert driven discussions which ask questions to stimulate discussion – this means we value the voices and experiences of prisoners, their families, friends, and communities, and refuse to limit ourselves to a narrow definition of “activist” or “expert.” In your proposal, please include a paragraph explaining the topic, a brief description of the format (lecture, participatory workshop, facilitated discussion, etc), and the desired outcome or goal of your session.

Please submit proposals to spi.waterloo@gmail.com by Thursday January 5, 2012. And please stay tuned for more information!

Possible Discussion Themes:

the impact of bill C-10 and harper’s criminal agenda
strategies for resistance to prison expansion
the criminalization of dissent
supporting prisoner activism
political prisoners on turtle island/north america
criminalization of people without status and refugees
intersections between the struggle against the prison-industrial complex and fighting other systems of oppression (e.g. feminism; anti-racism; indigenous sovereignty/decolonization; migrant justice; disability justice; environmental justice; anti-poverty)
restorative justice / transformative justice / alternatives to incarceration
political vs. social incarceration
sharing skills and organizational models (e.g. copwatching, letter-writing, book drives, noise demos, campaigning)
police/prison abuses and seeking justice
working for reform from an analysis of abolition
prisoner support & solidarity
social construction of crime
radical, or anarchist, criminology
prison expansion & capitalism
gender-based experiences of incarceration
“mainstreaming” and engaging the public on prison justice and abolition
creative expressions of resistance

PIRGspectives Fall Winter online now!

2011-12-09T11:41:00.000-05:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More environment

Printed copies will be available next week.

INSIDE PIRGSPECTIVES

ARTICLES: IDEAS

Washroom Politics, by Meghna George

“Stallings” photos, by Sarah J. Salise

Poetry: Alive, by Ben Robinson

WORKING GROUP: ACTION

Womyn’s Bike Cooperative, by Amy Verhaeghe

Blue Gold, by Justine Shultes

Pizza for Life, by Caitlin Sommer

Hamilton Haiti Action Committee, by Meghna George

Threadwork Clothing Swap, photos by Alexandra Epp

Freeskool, by Freeskool

Unfair Grounds, by Randal De Souza

Just Stop!, by Randal De Souza

McMaster Initiative for Water, by Kumar Jadoo

Students Making a Difference, by Maureen Elliott

New Resources at OPIRG

OPIRG ALUMNI

Jeanette Eby, by Margot Rosenberg

Tings Chak, by Michael Borrelli

David Vickery, by Dorina Simeonov

(and behind the scenes, a big big thanks to volunteer editors Danielle Moed, Christina Vietinghoff and Kristina Mangligot!)

open house

2011-12-02T08:26:00.001-05:00

Visitors to OPIRG's annual Open House in the resource centre Wednesday, enjoying food, hot apple cider and fair trade coffee and good conversation.

We met new and old friends, and OPIRG is donating a twoonie for every visitor to the McMaster First Nations Student Association's "New Toy Drive."

Of course, the annual event had "The Minstrels" singing holiday songs with a progressive twist. Thanks everyone who contributed and who dropped by.

remember

2011-12-02T08:13:00.001-05:00

OPIRG is a proud member of the Anti-Violence Network at McMaster.

The 3 Rs

2011-11-25T16:55:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: this is notan official opirg mcmaster sponsored event, and is posted for informationpurposes only. Please contact the event organizers with any questions orconcerns

BND

2011-11-25T13:00:00.001-05:00

Is consumerism out of control? Check out OPIRG's JUST STOP! working group.

Putting it Together

2011-11-24T10:59:00.001-05:00

Hi - if you have skills laying out a newsletter full of great articles and images relating to social justice and the environment, consider joining the OPIRG McMaster newsletter committee. We aim to put together a beautiful print newsletter by the beginning of December. If you have used Indesign, consider that a bonus!
Contact randy.opirg@gmail.com to get involved!

OPIRG annual OPEN HOUSE, November 30

2011-11-23T11:36:00.000-05:00

OPIRG's Threadwork has the Sil in Stitches!

2011-11-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011 THE SILHOUETTE • C5

thread work clothing swap, photo courtesy thread work

Swap a top and move shoes for free
Threadwork and MacGreen host annual Clothing Swap event
Chris Erl
The Silhouette

“Hang on, I have to show you the coat,” she said, running to the ‘Outerwear’ pile. She returned a minute later wearing a baby blue blazer, strips of fur lining the hood and stuck aimlessly all over the front of the ensemble. The inside of the coat was even more fabulous, lined entirely with an audacious leopard print.

The coat in question was a mere sampling of the selection at this year’s Clothing Swap, organized by OPIRG working group Threadwork and the MSU’s MacGreen. Over 90 people participated in the event, which was organized by third-year Arts and Science students Alexandra Epp, Alice Cavanagh and Isabelle Dobronyi, as well as MacGreen Co- ordinator Davey Hamada. Cavanagh, the enthusiastic model of the ambitious blue coat, summarized goal of the movement. “Basically, our aim is to support a sustainable cloth- ing economy on campus,” she said “I don’t want to say it’s about ‘anti-consumerism,’ but that kind of attitude towards reducing our consumerist needs,” Epp noted, shedding light on the principle of the movement: lessening the need to pay for what is available through alternative means.

The system is simple. A call for clothing items was sent out prior to the event. Everyone who contributed during the week- long collection period received points, which would be redeemable for other items of cloth- ing. On-the-spot swap-day exchanges were a possibility as well, with one participant at- tempting a rather spontaneous transaction.

“We actually just had someone swap the shoes off his feet,” Epp said, though later, the would-be swapper noted that the desired shoes were not his size, but he was intrigued by the potential for footwear that was already broken in.

OPIRG working group Threadwork and the MSU’s

MacGreen teamed up for this year’s Clothing Swap.

“My goal is to have someone swap the entire outfit they’re wearing,” Epp continued with a laugh, prompting Cavanagh to note the changing-room tents in which participants could try on items. The methodology was such that Threadwork attempted to get as many people interested in the project as possible. Particularly, they targeted those who would be opposed to the idea of donning someone else’s blue blazer if it was hanging on a rack in a vintage store. “We bring it to people who would never go to Value Village and buy used clothes,” Epp said.

An alternative suggested was to simply allow people to take clothes without contributing any of their own, but the group agreed that the point system was a better way to combat the negative perceptions associated with used clothing without compromising their ideals surrounding sustainability.

“It makes it more appealing to people who wouldn’t necessarily want to take free clothes from someone else,” Cavanagh explained. “We’re continually looking at alternative methods of clothing-swapping.”

There is an element of economic justice that accompanies an event like this, but the organizers are taking a realist approach toward any larger aims. “Last year, one of our slogans was ‘Working Toward a Sustainable Clothing Economy on Campus,’ which is obviously hugely ambitious and unachievable, but its kind of nice to have those underlying goals,” Epp said.

The working group soldiers on re-gardless, planning a second swap for the spring, as well as organizing a knitting work- shop, hashing out plans for a similar sewing event and working on ways to improve awareness around initiatives that work to- wards a more sustainable way to change your wardrobe.

Their goals are ambitious, but they approach a serious issue in a fun and en- gaging way. It would seem that Threadwork’s Clothing Swap has you covered, from outrageous blazers to already broken-in shoes, no matter what your style is.

Gold and Guatemala - film night tonight!

2011-11-16T14:44:00.001-05:00

OPIRG's Guatemala working group and Hamilton Students for Social Justice working group are showing this film that documents Mayan indigenous groups in Guatemala, who courageously resist the imposition of a gold mine owned by Canadian trans-national company.

http://www.cinemapolitica.org/screening/opirgmcmaster/opirg-mcmaster-film-night

Tonight, in ~~Burke Science Building room 106~~, McMaster Medical Centre, Ewart Angus 1A3, McMaster University. Free. Starts at 7pm

scenes from a clothing swap

2011-11-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

Check out more photos on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPIRG.McMaster

It's CLOTHING SWAP Monday!!!

2011-11-10T13:37:00.001-05:00

Trade in the old for some new-old with OPIRG's THREADWORK working group's twice a year Clothing Swap, Monday, Nov. 14 in the Student Centre Atrium. Look sharp and save bucks and the environment!

Otherwise Occupied?

2011-11-05T11:49:00.000-04:00

Occupy McMaster University

A call for McMaster University students, faculty, and staff to stand in solidarity with the Occupy movement occurring around the planet to address the systematic injustices engrained in our society.

Follow the facebook page for information on the upcoming General Assembly, to be held on Wednesday, November 9th at 6:00pm in the MUSC Atrium.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-McMaster-University/251475544900266
Email: OccupyMcMasterU@gmail.com
Twitter: @OccupyMcMaster
occupymcmasteru@gmail.com
*Please forward*

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

World of Different Knowings

2011-11-03T18:30:00.001-04:00

Check out some original and thought provoking research by OPIRG McMaster volunteer Preeti Nayak here.

Can the university be a space for diverse ways of knowing?

Read it and feel free to comment on the work on this blog.

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.

Parenti on Imperialism...TONIGHT!

2011-11-03T16:36:00.002-04:00

Michael Parenti: Imperialism Today and the 99%

Time	Begins at November 3rd 7:00 PM EDT ending on November 3rd 9:00 PM EDT
Location	ITB AB-102, McMaster University
Organizers	Hamilton Haiti Action Committee
Posted by	Haiti Action Network

McMaster Campus groups in conjunction with partners in the community are pleased to bring you America’s Foremost Political Scientist, Professor Michael Parenti , author of the recent book "The Face of Imperialism," which “meticulously exposes the disastrous consequences of the greed of multinational (mostly U.S.) corporations, and it documents how and why they control our government, which claims to foster democracy but systematically supports the dictatorships that cater to the profit motives of those corporations." - John Gerassi

Dr. Parenti's lecture unites the study of U.S. foreign policy with the domestic consequences of permanent war.

Good Old Cootes

2011-10-19T09:33:00.001-04:00

Cootes Paradise – Lectures and Volunteer Events

Ancaster Creek Clean Up

We will be helping the Bay AreaRestoration Council clean up the garbage and shopping carts that litterAncaster Creek behind Metro at University Plaza. Food provided by Metro

Saturday October 22, 9:30 – 12 noon –meet at Railtrail bridge behind University Plaza

Cootes Paradise lecture: TheNiagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve is in Your Backyard.

Learn more about the incredibleecosystem and natural area adjacent to McMaster University with Tys Theysmeyer, Head of Natural Landsfor Royal Botanical Gardens

Nov 4 – 7-9pm

Location – JHE 376

Cootes Paradise - Native Shrub Planting and InvasiveSpecies Clearing

We will clear out Invasive Species suchas Honeysuckle and Buckthorn while we plant native species of plants to helpthis wonderful natural area rehabilitate itself

Nov 6 – 10am-2pm – Meet at Alpine Towerfacility – McMaster University behind Ivor Wynne Centre

Cootes Paradise - Native Shrub Planting and InvasiveSpecies Clearing

We will clear out Invasive Species suchas Honeysuckle and Buckthorn while we plant native species of plants to helpthis wonderful natural area rehabilitate itself

Nov 12 – 9am-12 noon – Meet at ChurchillPark in Westdale near Ravine Road trail, off of Marion Ave N.

FOR ALL EVENTS PLEASE RSVP IF POSSIBLETO :

terryber@mcmaster.ca

For trail work and clean up days

Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty.
Gloves and equipment will be provided.
Please wear closed toed shoes, bring a portable lunch and water bottle.
Water and snacks will be provided.

These events will occur rain or shine, but pleasecheck our website for cancellation if adverse weather conditions occur.

OPIRG and MI Water Working Group team-tabling at Sustainability Day tomorrow!

2011-10-18T15:31:00.000-04:00

Sustainability Day and

IT Collection, Reuse and Recycling

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Join us on October 19^th to take part in McMaster’s 4^th annual Campus Sustainability Day event and the 6^th round of our twice-annual IT Collection, Reuse and Recycle event.

***************************************************

Campus Sustainability Day 2011

11:00am - 2:00pm
MUSC Marketplace

The Office of Sustainability hosts the McMaster University Campus Sustainability Day event each October. The McMaster community is invited to come and celebrate the efforts and achievements made in continuing to evolve and enhance our culture of sustainability here at McMaster.

Free apples and coffee will be available while supplies last.
Please remember to bring your reusable mug as single-use cups will not be provided.

Click here for full event details

***************************************************

IT Collection, Reuse and Recycling

Various locations and times

If you have outdated or unwanted IT equipment, please take this opportunity

to champion sustainability in your area by taking it to one of four collection locations

on Wednesday, October 19th to be fully recycled.

Locations include:

1.  Main Campus Grassy Mall across from University Hall
2.  Ewart Angus Centre located in the Health Sciences Centre
3.  Downtown Centre in the underground parking lot
4.  Ron Joyce Centre in the main lobby

Click here for full event details.

buzzing about the beehive

2011-10-18T11:29:00.000-04:00

2011-10-16T11:24:00.000-04:00

Former OPIRG McMaster "Nonviolence Now!" volunteer Jeanette Eby in action!

(Following article from the Hamilton Spectator)

Jeanette Eby - co-ordinator Jeanette Eby is the

coordinator of McMaster University's new Discovery

Program, which recuits people from the community

for a non-credit course being taught at the

Hamilton Public Library.

The goal is to provide education for people

who might not otherwise have access to it.

Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator

Students set out to discover Hamilton

A select group of Hamiltonians are about to undergo a unique educational experience that may have been out of reach for them — until now.
Saturday is the first day of class for 22 students enrolled in Voicing Hamilton, a new and free, eight-week course through McMaster University’s Discovery Program at Hamilton’s Central Library.
Students range in age from their 20s to 70s, and many have faced barriers preventing them from furthering their education.
Program co-ordinator Jeanette Eby connected with neighbourhood hubs and community organizations across the city to create a diverse outreach initiative. About 35 people applied for the spots and 22 were chosen.
“It’s exciting, because everyone is coming from a different place, but the common ground is the love for learning,” said Eby.
She hopes that by taking the course, students will find their voice and build confidence that will keep them on a path to lifelong learning.
Some students never had the opportunity to go to university because they had to work, support their family, had health issues or couldn’t afford it. Some are not from Canada originally, and have never been to school here. Some of the students were drawn to the Hamilton-centric course content.
“It’s about different expressions of Hamilton through literature and history and art. It’s a mix of wanting to learn about the community and having a really good supportive learning experience that they hadn’t had access to before,” said Eby.
McMaster professor Daniel Coleman was hired to teach the class and he proposed the idea to base this year’s course on Hamilton.
“The idea is that together we’ll read history, poetry, photographs and cartoons, a whole bunch of things by artists from and in Hamilton,” said Coleman, who is with the English and cultural studies faculty.
He says the objectives are to provide students with university experience, and give McMaster a better idea of what Hamilton looks like from a broad, local perspective.
Students from McMaster’s arts and science program will act as the support team, helping the Voicing Hamilton students work on projects.
The first part of each class will be spent learning the materials, which include four textbooks donated by the Hamilton Public Library, all written by Hamiltonians. The second part includes a workshop session, where students will generate their own stories of Hamilton through essays, photographs, drawings or whatever they choose.
There will be mandatory attendance, assignments and a final project. Students will not be a given any academic credits, but they will receive a certificate after they complete the course.
The pilot program was funded by McMaster University, the Hamilton Community Foundation, City of Hamilton, Hamilton Public Library, the Adult Basic Education Association and Wesley Urban Ministries.

Baking with Water

2011-10-12T13:42:00.000-04:00

Volunteers with OPIRG working group MI Water attend to the bake table in MUSC, raising money for a water project in Guatemala. An assortment of baked goods to tempt you to donate to a great cause, today only!

10 years EH?

2011-10-04T20:47:00.000-04:00

MFNSA Welcoming Powwow Friday!

2011-09-29T16:15:00.001-04:00

Powwow Etiquette

Powwows are fun but also sacred events. This is a general guideline for behaviour; different regions may have different variations. Please respect these protocols in order to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone.

Drug and alcohol use is prohibited.
Please listen to the MC (Master of Ceremonies). If you have questions at any time about procedures, don’t hesitate ask the MC.
Pictures and recordings (audio and visual) are prohibited during prayers, Flag and Honour songs, and any other songs as indicated by the MC.
Guests are also asked to remove their headwear during certain songs, unless said headwear has an eagle feather in it.
Visitors are permitted to dance and take pictures during Intertribal songs. The MC will indicate when the song is Intertribal.
Recordings (video and audio, etc.) require the prior permission of the person or group you are recording.
The dancers’ outfits are called “regalia”. Please do not touch any regalia without permission.
If you see a dropped eagle feather or a piece of regalia on the ground, please inform the MC, a dancer, or a member of the pow wow committee. A specific song will be sung to retrieve the fallen feather.
Please stay out of the dancing area and do not crowd around the drummers. Children are welcome but should refrain from entering the dancing area.
Please respect the area and put all garbage and recyclables in the appropriate containers.

General credit to: Three Fires Homecoming and Queen’s University powwow etiquette.

Farm Stand: Growing Together

2011-09-28T19:38:00.002-04:00

Andrew Chong (left) and Zsuzsi Fodor share food connections through OPIRG McMaster, and the Mac Farmstand.

Andrew is the current Farmstand Manager, and a member of OPIRG McMaster's Food For Life working group. Zsuzsi is one of the founders of PEAS, an award winning former OPIRG working group that originated the idea of bringing a farmer's market to campus. After preparing the way for FarmStand, Zsuzsi is now pursuing her MA in Food Systems Policy and Planning at the University of British Columbia, while Andrew builds on PEAS' legacy by making local produce available to the McMaster community.

The experience of working for positive change locally and globally unites students and community members, and builds momentum to ensure the kind of world we want is built, one OPIRG project at a time.

Annual Gandhi Peace Festival

2011-09-27T11:47:00.001-04:00

Beyond Steel

2011-09-27T10:12:00.001-04:00

Havingbought back free time

Porches ridicule and humiliate no longer.

All afternoons are opportune.

United neighbours sit and sip

Idly on sun seared stoops

As they are lovingly licked

With lovely licks:

Of youthful uke

Melody from freckled fretted fingers

And midday warmth.

While across the way

Reluctant parents solicit abduction

Sending infants spilling out of houses

To slosh about in the streets

And run untamed with the horde

Like anarchic elephants

Tramping under laundry lines

Where garments fly in mosaics

(The waving flags of this block),

And stampeding between the relatives of theirrentals

For only one species exists here

And familial resemblances

Are buried behind vine

That Ancaster would call OVERgrown.

Overgreen.

Come night we wolves howl.

Beckoning Bengals with banjo,

Calling tomcats to rooftops.

Forever free to roam

Without a bed time

And finally hearing a curious alternative to:

Cars squealing and slamming shut

Bass gone low,

Prelude to:

Touch down of lover’s right

Leaving mother black as the night.

But me,

I’ve learned to see past steel.

Ben Robinson

I am a native Hamiltonian and now a 1st year Social Science student at McMaster. I like downtown, quesadillas, stringed instruments, fall, novellas, and climbing structures of any kind. I hope that one day I will be able to journey within the Arctic Circle.

scenes from a workshop

2011-09-24T18:49:00.000-04:00

Anti-Oppression facilitators in action this morning

Some of the morning's participants

OPIRG's first term Core Values workshops were well attended and created a positive space to explore these important aspects of our work for social justice and environmental integrity.

Using theatre and group discussion, Anti-Oppression facilitators Cat Cayuga and Rosemary Aswani brought out the issues of anti-oppression and power dynamics, and how to become an ally of oppressed people for two dozen students and community members.

The afternoon was two hours on Consensus Decision Making with facilitator Rae Mitchell. The dynamic and egalitarian group decision-making process was explored and examined in rich detail, with participants gaining valuable insight into how to apply consensus in their working groups and in their lives.

We will repeat both workshops in second term, so make sure you are subscribed to our event list so you won't miss out!

Poverty Walk and Rally, Sept. 29

2011-09-22T14:49:00.002-04:00

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

Weekend Workshops Room Change

2011-09-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

Due to the popularity of the Anti-Oppression and Consensus Workshops running this Saturday, we've had to take a larger room - so now we are in room 311-313 McMaster University Student Centre - ALSO: the Anti-Oppression workshop is full, but there are a few places left in the Consensus Workshop 1-3pm.
Please use the online registration to get a spot.

The workshops will be repeated in second term.

bring us your pop tabs!

2011-09-22T12:04:00.002-04:00

Online form was down, back up again for workshop registration

2011-09-16T18:44:00.003-04:00

Hi - the online registration was offline for some reason most of today, but is back up and running over at jotform - Register yourselves for our Saturday, September 24 workshops on Anti-Oppression (10am to 12 noon) and/or Consensus Decision Making (1-3pm) all held in Togo Salmon Hall room 719.

You must pre-register, and if you are taking both workshops on the same day, OPIRG will supply some light vegetarian fare.

Workshops are free for full-time McMaster Undergraduates, and paid OPIRG Community members ($10/year) - all others pay $20 per workshop, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

COLOMBIA - Tonight!

2011-09-14T10:02:00.001-04:00

VIOLENT DISPLACEMENT, PARAMILITARY ATTACKS AND THEIR RELATION TO THE STATE IN PRESENT DAY COLOMBIA: CONTINUITY OR CHANGE FROM URIBE TO SANTOS

DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPT 14, 2011

TIME: 7:30 PM

PLACE: McMASTER UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTRE,

ROOM 1A4, HAMILTON, ON

ALL ARE WELCOME, ENTRANCE IS FREE

SPEAKER: Ms JASMIN HRISTOV,

ADVANCED PHD CANDIDATE IN SOCIOLOGY ATYORK UNIVERSITY, TORONTO AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATE AT THE CENTRE FOR RESEARCH ONLATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN (CERLAC). SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF Blood and Capital: the Paramilitarization of Colombia (Ohio University Press 2009). HER OTHER PUBLICATIONS HAVE APPEARED IN THE Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Journal of Peasant Studies, Social Justice, Latin American Perspectives, NACLA Report on the Americas, and Labour, Capital and Society. JASMIN IS CURRENTLY THE CO-EDITOR OF THE FORTHCOMING VOLUME Paramilitarism in 21st century Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sponsors: Philosophy Dept. McMaster University, CUPE 3906, OPIRG McMaster, Amnesty International Group 1, Circulo Bolivariano Louis RielHamilton chapter

For more information contact G Sorger, 905 525 9140 ext 24764,sorger@mcmaster.ca

where you eat - Thursday at 1pm

2011-09-14T09:55:00.001-04:00

ALT WW Calendar

2011-09-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

DIY Cosmetics during ALTWelcome Week

2011-09-13T16:39:00.001-04:00

Do It Yourself Cosmetics
FREE EVENT

September 14th, 2011 [tomorrow!]MUSC room 230
3:30 - 4:30pm

Learn how to use regular ingredients to create truly natural beauty! Free of chemicals & dyes and good to your skin. An economic alternative to purchasing beauty products.

We will be making during this tutorial: "Deodorant" and "Body Scrub"

SUPPLIES WILL BE PROVIDED.

To sign up e-mail: altww@opirg.ca

Only 12 positions! E-mail soon to guarantee a spot.

FREE EVENT

E-Mail Events List!

2011-09-13T13:20:00.000-04:00

Hi - we've entered all the e-mails from the sign-in sheets at Clubs Fest, and sent out our weekly events listing moments ago - check your spam filter to make sure we didn't get sent to the wrong folder, and if you don't see anything from opirg mcmaster, we may have had trouble deciphering your writing - the easiest way to join our events list is to subscribe yourself. Super easy, and you will get a once a week listing of OPIRG events!

HSR Bike Rack display

2011-09-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

OPIRG McMaster and the city of Hamilton bus service (HSR) set up a bike bus rack in front of the student centre this afternoon from 3-4:30pm to give the McMaster community a chance to try out the front-mounted bike racks found on all city buses, and GO buses. In a supportive environment people got to try out the simple-to-use racks that can hold two bikes. We also handed out city cycling maps to all participants who stopped by to pick up a new skill in their sustainable transportation tool box!

PIRGTOPIA Today!

2011-09-12T12:55:00.000-04:00

The drum circle calls you to PIRGtopia - underway right now in the #McMaster Student Centre - come meet the volunteers in our 15 working groups! and a bit of giant puppetry and dancing!

OPIRG Working Groups for 2011-2012

2011-09-07T17:05:00.000-04:00

Body Equity
Community Volunteer Action
Guatemala
Hamilton Freeskool
Hamilton Haiti Action Network
Hamilton Students Community Initiative
Hamilton Womyn's Bike Crew
Just Stop!
McMaster First Nations Students Association (MFNSA)
McMaster Green Roof Working Group
mi water (McMaster's Initiative for Water)
OPIRG Food For Life At McMaster
Save More Students (SMS)
Students for Social Justice
ThreadWork

check the opirg.ca web site to find out more about our volunteer working groups and how you can get involved!

CC Rider

2011-09-01T10:07:00.000-04:00

Help SACHA

2011-08-30T13:52:00.000-04:00

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.

TBTN

2011-08-23T18:59:00.000-04:00

Hello Hamilton Community!

Take Back the Night is a powerful opportunity for all woman-identified folks to actively build connections, assertively reclaim our right to safety, and courageously stand up against violence.

Thirty years of Sisterhood, Strength and Solidarity
This year’s event will include activities for children, henna tattoos, information tables, Take Back the Night t-shirts and buttons, face painting, laughter yoga, sign making, music, food, some surprises and a loud and empowered march!

When: Thursday, September 15th, 2011.
6:30pm – We Gather
7:30pm – We Rally
8:00pm – We March
Where: Hamilton City Hall – 71 Main Street, Hamilton ON
Who: Women-Identified Folks and Children are welcome!

There is lots more information, ideas and celebration of our thirtieth TBTN in Hamilton on our blog: www.takebackthenighthamilton.wordpress.com.

Please share the attached posters (even more languages to come!) widely.

For more information or to request ASL interpretation, contact SACHA: 905.525.4573 or sacha@sacha.ca.

More information about the male allies solidarity event coming soon.

spring summer newsletter - oh yeah!

2011-08-16T14:07:00.004-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More activism

disability empowerment

2011-08-10T15:47:00.000-04:00

The Tetra Society of North America on the scene at McMaster Campus
“Cultivating options for inclusivity in all environments and choices for individuals who have a disability with innovation and the manipulation of technology”

I am currently part of a group of students across Canada working on the Youth In Transition Program for Tetra Society of North America. Our goal is to empower young people who have a disability to progress to higher education and into paid employment.

Tetra is a not-for-profit organization that works to customize mobility devices, furniture, toys, etc. for individuals who have a disability. We work to ensure that inclusivity happens in a variety of environments –we focus on involvement in any aspect of day-to-day living.

What makes this organization unique and in need of your support for spreading the word?

We do not have restrictive eligibility criteria and we work with individuals of all ages.

Our goal is to increase the quality of life for children, adults and youth so that they can pursue higher education, work, a variety of interests, or be involved in a variety of activities that may not have seem possible.

We believe that it is not a disability that limits individuals, but the obstacles and barriers in the environment.

We are innovative and talented in adapting technology to meet an individual’s particular needs.

We are not for profit; we work in collaboration with health professionals, and we do not charge.

Our team is made up of committed skilled volunteers – caring and innovative individuals, engineers and technicians – to create assistive devices for people with specific needs that cannot be met by commercial items.

Our website is www.tetrasociety.org check out how we have made a huge difference in people’s lives with our projects. We are all over Canada and our home base is in Vancouver, B.C. I am the contact here in Hamilton.

Amanda Lemus

Tetra Student Representative (Tetrarep.amanda@gmail.com)

Graduate Student in the Health, Aging and Society Department

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.

Intikana, Thursday

2011-08-09T13:17:00.001-04:00

Poet/hip-hop artist/activist Intikana is coming to Hamilton!
From the Bronx NYC, Intikana's creative work reinvents art & activism, and speak to real social & political issues such as racism, workers' and indigenous rights and violence; this is REAL ISSUES, REAL TALK

Workshop & Performance
THURSDAY August 11th
The Globe Youth Centre
24 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON (Main at MacNab)
Doors open @6 pm

ADMISSION FREE!

http://www.intikana.net/index

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.

alternative list

2011-08-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

Alternatives Journal wants YOU!

So far, 24% of respondents to our Best-Of Lists for a Better World say that Robert Bateman is their favourite Canadian nature artist. 43% say that The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is their preferred environmental book for children.

Help Alternatives Journal celebrate its 40th birthday by adding your choices to our Best-Of Lists for a Better World.

From National Parks to environmental books, pet peeves to green blogs, help us track Canada’s take on our environment. We want all regions of Canada to be represented in the survey, so please add your choices and send it along to your friends, family and colleagues, wherever they may be in Canada, so that they can participate too.

Results will be published in our 40th anniversary issue. On newsstands in November 2011.

Please add your voice by clicking here: Best-Of Lists for a Better World.

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.

support interval house

2011-06-30T13:47:00.001-04:00

OPIRG McMaster proudly supported the making of this video: check it out and help stop violence against women:

After months of planning, shooting and connecting with great people that helped with the video shoot. I can say we have an official video for "Broken Promises".

Please remember you can purchase the song at
http://kojoeasydamptey.bandcamp.com/track/broken-promises
All the sales received will be donated to the Hamilton Women's Shelter.We have scheduled at couple of Video release parties in Hamilton, here are the dates:

Friday 26th August @ This Aint Hollywood, 345 James Street North
Friday 16th September @ The Casbah Lounge, 306 King Street

I will also be performing a couple of new songs on July 13th at The Ferguson Station, Downtown Hamilton from 12pm till 2pm. So try and make it out.
Enjoy the weekend and stay tune for more dates.

Kojo "Easy" Damptey
Music Producer/Songwriter
www.myspace.com/easythepianoman

signs from slutwalk

2011-06-15T10:31:00.001-04:00

Finally getting around to uploading some photos from the recent Slutwalk in Hamilton. Great turn-out to raise awareness about sexual violence and to demand police accountability regarding sexual assault.

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.

Clean-Airing

2011-06-14T10:10:00.000-04:00

Justine, Preeti, and Tawnya (pictured above) helped staff the OPIRG table at yesterday's Clean Air Fair on the Mills/MUSC plaza, organized by the office of Sustainability at McMaster.
We showed-off some of our environmentally themed resources from the OPIRG library, and handed out free City of Hamilton bike route maps. The pink watering can drew attention to the Churchill Park community garden collective that OPIRG is helping coordinate.
Thanks to the organizers who arranged the event, which included displays from GO transit, Hamilton Car-Share, MaCycle, MacGreen and others, and of course thanks to the volunteers who contributed to promoting OPIRG's programming!

"The World of Different Knowings"

2011-06-13T15:49:00.000-04:00

“The World of Different Knowings” project looks at the question of university as a space for diverse knowledge. This research seeks to examine how knowledge is defined and by whom. In particular, I want to explore if and how Indigenous and non-Western knowledge bases can be integrated in education.

I am currently looking for volunteers to participate in focus groups which will take place on the following days: May 31^st, June 14^th, June 28^th, July 6^th, and August 10^th,at 3pm in rm. 310E in Mills Library. In these sessions, participants will be shown various video clips from different scholars who have expertise in the area of questioning the nature of knowledge in our education. These hour-long sessions will require participants to engage in discussion that will be based on the video clips. They are encouraged to share their opinions, thoughts and concerns regarding their university experiences. However, the invite is not only restricted to students--all members of the community are welcome. People from all academic, professional and cultural backgrounds are invited and encouraged to participate.

Anyone with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact me directly at:

Preeti Nayak

nayakp2@mcmaster.ca

905-920-1268

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.

Parking zones and Flood Plains Litter Clean Up

2011-06-02T10:25:00.000-04:00

3 York PIRG summer jobs

2011-06-01T12:44:00.002-04:00

Summer Employment at OPIRG York!
Interested in working in social justice, education and action?

***PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY****

*OPIRG York is currently hiring for THREE staff positions: *

• Communications Coordinator
• Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
• Special Events and Programming Coordinator

Deadline for applications: June 9, 2011, 6pm
Interviews will take place: June 13 – 15
Positions begin June 20, 2011

Please read below for more detailed job descriptions. For more
information on OPIRG York, please visit opirgyork.ca<http://opirgyork.ca>

How to apply:

• Please specify which job you are applying for. If you are applying for
all three job positions, please submit separate applications each
• Applicants must provide a resume and a one-page cover letter. Please
explain in the cover letter why you are interested in working with
OPIRG-York and your understanding of social justice organizing from an
anti-oppressive lens.
• OPIRG York encourages individuals from marginalized communities to
apply. This includes Aboriginal peoples, people of colour, women, queer,
transgendered, trans-sexual, inter-sexed people, working class people,
single parents, immigrants and people with dis/abilities.
• Eligible applicants are: between the ages of 15 and 30 years of age;
registered as a full-time student in the previous academic year and
intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic
year; and are legally entitled to work in Canada

Applications are due 6pm June 9, 2011. Please email applications to
sharmeen@opirgyork.casharmeen@opirgyork.ca>. Please include
“Canada Summer Job Application” in the subject of the email

Qualifications:
• Experience working within a collective, or consensus-based decision making
• Familiar with the mandate of OPIRG York
• Strong ability to work independently and to take initiative within
deadlines
• Strong time management and multi-tasking skills
• Interpersonal communication and info/skill-sharing skills
• Additional knowledge in graphic or web design a plus

Job Descriptions:

*Communications Coordinator: 20 hours a week at $15.00/hour for nine weeks *

This position will assist the Coordinator of Information and
Administration with a communications strategy to implement by the fall
of 2011. Duties include:

- attend bi-weekly Communications Committee meetings
- assist with website re-design including content, concepts and on-going
updates
- assist in development and coordination of weekly radio show collective
(PrOPIRGanda) on CHRY 105.5FM. This includes assisting in outreach,
developing story ideas and working with staff on archiving radio shows
- develop and coordinate fall Back to School newsletter by soliciting
content, liaising with student and community groups on involvement,
assisting with editing and layout
- coordinate back to school “branding” campaign for OPIRG York
including: new pamphlets, stickers, and other swag for the fall
- assist with promotion of back to school events such as Disorientation
and other events and conferences organized by OPIRG York
- Liaise with York Federation of Students and York University to ensure
OPIRG York content is available for students

*Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator: 20 hours a week at
$15.00/hour for nine weeks *

This position will assist both the Volunteer Coordinator and the
Coordinator of Information and Administration with building an outreach
strategy at York University and beyond. Duties include:

- Developing an outreach plan for students and community in the North
York area
- Build and facilitate partnerships with North York community
organizations and York University community groups
- Connect and work with Jane and Finch and North York community
organizations
- Develop a list of partnerships for workshops and co-sponsorships,
including partners for the Social Justice Fair in September 2011
- Coordinate logistics for Fall Volunteer Recruitement Drive including
class room talking, table coordination and promotion in community
organizations
- Organize both off-campus and on-campus events and campaigns in
partnership with Jane/Finch and North York community groups
- Work with staff on promotional ideas and outreach materials

*Special Events and Programming Coordinator: 20 hours a week at
$15.00/hour for nine weeks *

This position will assist the Volunteer Coordinator with the programming
of OPIRG York, including preparing for event coordination for the fall
2011. Duties include:

- Assist with summer programming at York University including August
“Alternative Media Workshop series” and monthly workshops, film
screenings and events
- Assist Volunteer Coordinator in process of planning for week long
DisOrientation for September 2011
- Assist in coordination of Disorientation Committee, including
coordinating meeting times with other student and community organizations
- Research and plan exciting new events to host on and off the York
University campus
- Assist in planning a Back to School Fair including Alternative
Disorientation concert and Social Justice Fair Administrative support
around event planning with volunteer coordinator
- Plan and connect with organizations and groups on campus to work on
events throughout the summer and fall
- Assist in coordination of logistics for Fall Volunteer Recruitment Drive
- Creating and putting together a resource booklet on social change in
the York community

Battery Collectors and Nice People!

2011-05-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

Natalie and Rick from RPR Environmental are our special Tuesday visitors. They are the hazard material handlers who take the batteries collected here for recycling and safe disposal. They have a wicked sense of humour, which makes it easy to deal with the OPIRG staff.

Thanks you two, for helping keep the world cleaner and safer through battery recycling! And to the McMaster Community - keep those batteries coming!

litter clean up

2011-05-26T17:48:00.000-04:00

plastic purses

2011-05-18T11:26:00.000-04:00

From plastic bread bag to small money purse

Diane Paquette is a highly skilled artisan and textile artist. She will be running a workshop on making a change purse out of plastic bags (bread bags) on Thursday May 19th from 7pm to 9pm at the Environment Hamilton office at 22 Wilson St in Hamilton.

Diane will talk about how she got started weaving plastics. She will talk about the different types of plastic bags.

She will provide participants with a cardboard loom for to work on.

FEE: $10; Environment Hamilton members are FREE.
Contact Beatrice at 905 549 0900
Beatrice Ekwa Ekoko
Volunteer & Membership Coordinator
Environment Hamilton
22 Wilson St, Suite 8
Hamilton, ON
L8R 1C5

EH office: 905 549-0900

Environment Hamilton is turning 10 this year! We are looking for members to support the work we do.
Members are invited to special events, are updated through our newsletter and learn about green opportunities across the City.
$15 for seniors / students /fixed income
$25 for adults and others
Free for youth 18 an under.
Click here to join us!

For more information:
www.environmenthamilton.org

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.

Library – I’m lovin’ it

2011-05-17T15:09:00.001-04:00

Randal De Souza will be spending his summer at OPIRG McMaster as its new Library/Office Assistant. He will be in charge of organizing and cataloguing the library materials, new or old, retrieving borrowed books and DVDs and working towards obtaining suggested material to add to the OPIRG library. He can often be seen at a desk with a pile of books, busily typing away, as he sifts through the many diverse volumes that comprise the library. He will also be contributing to the biannual OPIRG newsletter and intends to make a tasty contribution to the occasional office potlucks. Come in and say hi, he won’t bite! He loves discussing various topics and is entering his fourth year of Psychology at McMaster. Fellow Psychos are most welcome, especially the cashew or almond variety...

Volunteer Appreciation Smiles

2011-05-17T12:56:00.001-04:00

Janie Ginsberg (Centre) receives her volunteer gift from (L) Kojo Damptey (OPIRG Board)
and (R) Randy Kay, OPIRG Coordinator of Volunteers

Kristina Mangligot

Preeti Nayak

Every so often OPIRG McMaster is able to recognize the dedication of some of our volunteers who have contributed to our work for social and environmental justice - this year we chose four people based on their various volunteer tasks which encompass things like: poster designing, table-sitting, policy writing, newsletter writing and editing, and putting up posters (and various combinations of the above).

Mike Borrelli

These people are like many others at OPIRG in that they are self-motivated, highly competent, and make time to help with required tasks in their busy schedules.

The gift they are seen holding is the recently published "where the concrete desert blooms" graphic novella by former OPIRG student-staffer Tings Chak.

Thank you all (and those yet to be recognized in the years to come) from OPIRG McMaster!

(photos by Randal De Souza and Randy Kay)

women press

2011-05-13T23:40:00.000-04:00

May-June issue of the Women's Press, published by the Immigrant Women's Centre, has an article about OPIRG's Hamilton Womyns Bike Collective working group. Thanks to Jessica of the OPIRG Board for pointing it out!

game volunteers

2011-05-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

Why are these people smiling? Hint: one of these people is receiving a gift from OPIRG McMaster's volunteer coordinator and an OPIRG McMaster Board member for volunteer service rendered this year.
The prize: it's a secret until the other recipients receive theirs. Stay tuned for details.

drawing in the spirits of Chinese rail workers

2011-04-29T09:50:00.000-04:00

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.

free film bag

2011-04-28T22:46:00.000-04:00

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.

BBQ the Vote!

2011-04-26T09:46:00.000-04:00

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.

be inspired!

2011-04-23T09:21:00.001-04:00

one OPIRG Board member spotted in the crew!

student view front page

2011-04-21T15:16:00.000-04:00

Art-Sci grad and former student staff at OPIRG McMaster, Tings Chak grabs the front page of the Hamilton Spectator yesterday with an article by Jeff Mahoney about her "Graphic Novella" about her time in Hamilton during her undergraduate years.

Her exploration and experience of Hamilton, combined with her artistic renderings, bring Hamilton to life on the pages of her self-published "Where The Concrete Desert Blooms" - now available at http://www.tingschak.com/graphic-novel.html) or in store at the following hamilton locations: HIStory + HERitage (165 James Street North); Mixed Media (154 James St North); Bryan Prince Bookseller (1060 King Street West); OPIRG McMaster (1280 Main Street West, McMaster University Student Union, Room 229)

Go Guelph Jobs!

2011-04-21T14:55:00.000-04:00

JOB POSTING

Job Title: Summer Events Assistant

(Special Events Assistant)

Full-time, casual contract, 12weeks, 30 hours per week

Start date: Week of May 24, 2011

Total pages in posting: 2

Date Posted: April 25, 2011

Application Deadline: May 9, 2011

What is OPIRG? OPIRG-Guelph (Ontario Public Interest Research Group) is a student-funded non-profit organization which is committed to facilitating the active participation of volunteers in addressing critical social and environmental issues of public interest.

Employment Equity Statement: 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, transgendered people, transsexual people, intersexed people, working class 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. The OPIRG office is wheel-chair accessible.

Clean Up and Walking Tours (Special Events) Assistant Responsibilities:

The Special Events Assistant will perform lead roles in organizing the Annual Speed River Clean Up which takes place on June 4h, 2011 and in the marketing and delivery of the Speed River Ecological and Heritage Walking Tours in July and August 2011.

Specifically they will need to:

• Become familiar with OPIRG’s mandate, structure and policies as they relate to the position and participate in training.
• Become familiar with the Speed River Clean Up and Ecological and Heritage Walking Tour planning documents and background information.
• Keep an organized workspace, including organized physical and digital files.
• Assist in logistical aspects of the events including, pre and post event inventory, promotion/marketing, equipment rental, set-up and take-down, etc.
• Following events ensure the organization and storage of equipment and files.
• Prepare reports on the data and evaluation forms collected at the events.
• For the Walking Tours work with staff to develop and implement a marketing strategy and a recruitment and training plan for tour guides.
• Organize a schedule for tour guides and an appreciation event.
• Work with Walking Tour volunteers and OPIRG staff to develop text for second walking tour and carry out test tour.
• Prepare a final report to be submitted to the Board of Directors which includes a summary of activities and reflections on accomplishments and challenges.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

-Excellent oral communication skills and high level of comfort speaking publicly to large groups.

-Strong written communication skills.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL SKILLS

-Problem solving

-Demonstrated ability to work independently

-Significant use of memory

-Working with others

-Job task planning and organizing

-Computer use – word processing, email, spreadsheets

-Demonstrated interest in social justice, anti-oppression (racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.) and environmental issues

-Moderate to heavy lifting (As an equitable employer we will strive to meet any accommodation requirements)

-Travel to various locations in Guelph

ASSETS

-Experience planning events

-Experience working as a volunteer or staff person in a similar type of non-profit organization.

-Experience with promoting events

-Experience with public speaking

-Education in a relevant field

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: OPIRG has applied for a Canada Summer Jobs grant to cover some of the costs of the walking tour part of this position. A requirement of the funding is that the applicants all meet the following criteria:

-Are between 15 and 30 years of age;

-Have been registered as full-time students in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year;

-Are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or have official refugee protection status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and

-Are legally entitled to work in Canada, according to relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

Job Specifics: Full-time, Casual Contract for 12 weeks, with one week off in June(12th to 19th).

Start date: May 24, 2011 Wages: $13.00/hour for 30 hours/week

Application Deadline: MAY 9, 2011

Application Process: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter, written answer and three references (with phone numbers) to OPIRG-Guelph. Applications may be submitted by fax, email or in person only. (Only RTF and PDF files will be accepted).

Please include an answer to the following question (250 words maximum).

1. Please describe a time when you were unprepared for a presentation or public speaking event. Then tell us about another presentation or speaking event where you were well prepared and how that preparation made a difference?

Please send applications to the: OPIRG Summer Events Assistant Hiring Committee

c/o OPIRG – Guelph

Address: 1 Trent Lane, University of Guelph, Guelph ON N1G 2W1

Fax: (519)824-8990 Email: opirg@uoguelph.ca Office hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-5pm

No phone calls please. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

pit stop

2011-04-20T13:20:00.001-04:00

Some news from the Council of Canadians:

Dear Council of Canadians members in Ontario,

An enormous open pit mine has been proposed in Melancthon township on Highway 124 just north of Shelburne. The Highland Companies (owned by a Boston hedge fund) has filed an application for a 2,300-acre aggregate mine- it would be the largest quarry in Ontario and the second largest in North America. This is the “rooftop of Ontario” and the Niagara Escarpment runs along its border. The Council of Canadians has been working with local groups to help stop this open pit mine from being created because of the extraordinary impacts it will have on the community, the watersheds, Ontario’s food supply and on the drinking water of more than one million people which originates in this area.

FOOD and WATER vs. PROFIT

The Highlands company started buying farmland in Melancthon several years ago saying they wanted to become the province’s largest potato growing operation- which made sense to local farmers as the area is well known for its particularly high quality soil and micro-climate. About one quarter of all the potatoes eaten in the GTA come from there. After many local farmers had sold their farms –some of which had been in the family for generations- the real motives of the company became apparent. Under that rich and rare soil is a fortune in high quality limestone worth upwards of eight billion dollars. The company now owns around 8000 acres of land and has applied for permission to mine 2400 acres which would make it the second largest quarry in North America. There is little doubt that they intend to excavate the entire 8000+ acres. To do so, Highland will strip off all that precious soil then blast their way down more than 200 feet BELOW the water table.

From the area around the proposed mine site spring the headwaters of river systems that are important drinking water sources for more than one million people downstream. The Nottawasaga River, the Grand River and the Pine River systems will all be threatened by the mine’s 600 million litre per day dewatering pumps. Massive amounts of toxic demolition explosives will be used to smash the limestone and hundreds of dump trucks per hour will enter and leave the site- 24 hours a day, all year round. The company claims that this is all allowable under Ontario’s aggregate extraction laws but those laws couldn’t be more favourable to the industry or more rigged against communities that want to protect their water.

PLEASE GET INVOLVED

Demand an extension to the ridiculously short 45 day period allowed for objecting to the quarry. Click on this link here to send an email to Premier McGuinty asking for a 120 day extension to allow all parties to study the 3000+ page Highlands Company application.

Support our allies: We have been working with the North Dufferin Agricultural & Community Taskforce (NDACT) and the Citizen’s Alliance for a Sustainable Environment (CAUSE) and we ask you to consider supporting them as well. Please visit their websites: www.ndact.com and www.citizensalliance.ca.

Write a letter of objection: Go to the NDACT website for instructions on how to write your letter of objection: www.ndact.com.

Letters must be received by both the MNR and Highlands by April 26, 2011. Easter weekend is on April 22- 25 so please put your letter in the mail today or you can drop your letters off at the Township of Melancthon office (8:30 – 4:30) 157101 Highway # 10, Melancthon, ON in sealed envelopes addressed to BOTH Highlands and the Ministry of Natural Resources. NDACT will arrange for pickup and delivery on or before April 26.

Join the Facebook group: STOP THE QUARRY www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=98096578979.

Participate in the Walk to Stop the Quarry- starting at Queens Park in Toronto on Friday April 22nd at noon and each day until it arrives on April 26th in Melancthon township. Come for any part of any section or come and walk the whole way! For more details: www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=217379224946300.

If you have any questions about writing a letter or joining the Walk to Stop the Quarry, please contact Mark Calzavara at mark@canadians.org or 1-800-208-7156.

Once again, please click here to ask Premier McGuinty to extend the comment period until Aug 26th.

Your attention and support will make a difference in this campaign.

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.

wpirg job 2

2011-04-19T16:08:00.002-04:00

WPIRG Job Posting
Climate & DisAbility Justice Campaigns Coordinator
Submission Deadline: May 24, 2011, 9am

Position: Climate & DisAbility Justice Campaigns Coordinator
This is a 13-week summer student position from June 6to September 5, 2011 for 32.5 hours/week at a rate of $13.00 per hour.

Organization:
WPIRG is a student funded and directed environmental and social justice organization based at the University of Waterloo.

Background:
WPIRG’s mission is to engage students and community members to become active citizens and volunteers on environmental, human rights, and social justice issues. To strengthen this aim, we are seeking to hire a student to carry out two different community campaigns in summer 2011: the KW Climate Change Adaptation Working Group and the KW Strategy for DisAbility Justice.
The objective of this position is to raise awareness and facilitate community action on these two projects and to build collaborative relationships with various organizations in the Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) area.

Duties:  
Under the direction of WPIRG’s full-time staff, this position will be responsible for two (2) campaigns and is expected to devote equal time, energy and commitment to each project:

KW Climate Change Adaptation Working Group (approximately 16 hours per week)
The successful candidate will work to create the KW Climate Change Adaptation Working Group with an environmental justice lens. Responsibilities will include: inviting local professors, students, and community stakeholders to Working Group meetings; coordinating Working Group actions; developing a strategy for WPIRG’s involvement in climate change adaptation in KW; creating links with similar campaigns at the local, provincial and federal levels; & updating the WPIRG website with relevant stories on the intersections between climate change, and environmental and social justice.

KW Strategy for DisAbility Justice (approximately 16 hours per week)
The successful candidate will be equally responsible for creating a strategy for raising awareness about disAbility justice in Kitchener-Waterloo and at the University of Waterloo. This position will work with existing groups working on disAbility justice and look for gaps in local policy and community organizing around this issue. The ultimate goal for the position is to create a strategy for WPIRG’s involvement in disAbility justice for the coming 2011-2012 year. Responsibilities will include: developing and planning a cohesive disAbility justice strategy in partnership with stakeholders; identifying speakers and events for future terms; meeting community partners doing similar work - both locally and in nearby cities; creating links with similar campaigns at the local, provincial and federal levels; & updating the WPIRG website with relevant articles on disAbility justice.

The successful candidate will write and design a report (summary of findings) for each of their two projects, which will be presented to the WPIRG Staff and Board of Directors by the end of the placement. The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing other information or communication needs and other tasks as required.

Qualifications:
- Interest in social and environmental justice issues
- Experience in event coordination and community activism
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong problem solving skills
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a group setting
- Outgoing, positive, enthusiastic & creative
- Proficient in Word, Excel, internet/email applications
- Skills in event coordination, group facilitation, community activism, and community-based research.

Eligibility:
This position is made possible through partial funding under the federal government’s Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) initiative. As such, applicants must be students who meet the following criteria:
- be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusively) at the start of the employment;
- be a student in a secondary, post-secondary, vocational or technical program;
- have been registered as a full-time student in the 2010-2011 academic year, and intend to return to school on a full-time basis during the 2011-12 academic year,
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
- be legally entitled to work according to provincial legislation and regulations;

How to apply:
Applicants must provide a resume with three references and a cover letter.
Deliver to: The Hiring Committee, WPIRG, Student Life Centre room 2139, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1. Email applications must be submitted as a single pdf file and can be sent to info@wpirg.org. We regret that only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified.
Deadline for submissions is Tuesday May 24, 2011 at 9am.
Interviews will take place between May 30 and June 3, 2011.
Employment Equity Statement:

WPIRG welcomes the contributions that individuals from marginalized communities bring to our organization, and encourages people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, people of colour, women, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, queer-oriented people, single parents, members of ethnic minorities, and immigrants to apply.

In their cover letter, we encourage applicants to describe the contributions and experiences they, as individuals who identify with marginalized communities, would bring to WPIRG.

pirg work in waterloo

2011-04-19T16:07:00.000-04:00

WPIRG Job Posting
Provincial PIRG Network Researcher
Submission Deadline: May 24, 2011, 9am

Position: Provincial PIRG Network Researcher
This is a 13-week summer student position from June 6to September 5, 2011 for 32.5 hours/week at a rate of $13.00 per hour.

Organization:
WPIRG is a student funded and directed environmental and social justice organization based at the University of Waterloo. WPIRG’s mission is to engage students and community members to become active citizens and volunteers on environmental, human rights, and social justice issues.

Background:
WPIRG is a member of OPIRG Provincial, which is comprised of 11 university student -funded and -directed, non-profit chapters that conduct research, education and action on social and environmental justice issues.

The OPIRG Network of Public Interest Research Groups is composed of 11 autonomous PIRG chapters based at the following universities in Ontario:

OPIRG-Brock - Brock University
OPIRG-Carleton - Carleton University
OPIRG-Guelph - University of Guelph
OPIRG-Kingston - Queen’s University
OPIRG-McMaster - McMaster University
OPIRG-Ottawa - Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa
OPIRG-Peterborough - Trent University
OPIRG-Toronto - University of Toronto
Waterloo PIRG - University of Waterloo
OPIRG-Windsor - University of Windsor
OPIRG-York - York University

The OPIRG Board of Directors is comprised of one staff and one board representative from each PIRG member. All PIRGs in Ontario are members of the OPIRG network, except the Laurier Students PIRG that formed 4 years ago. WPIRG left the OPIRG network previously, but subsequently rejoined.

The primary goal of this position is to evaluate the way OPIRG functions, identify opportunities for growth, and current challenges faced by the network. The aim is to provide recommendations on increasing the effectiveness of the network, creating stronger partnerships within and outside the network, and maintaining the long-term sustainability of the OPIRG network.

This position will be responsible for developing recommendations that will be presented to the OPIRG network and WPIRG. This may include, but not be limited to: conducting interviews with OPIRG staff and affiliates across Southern Ontario; attending any OPIRG Network summer meeting/retreat; creating web-based material for the OPIRG website; researching funding programs and grants for the network; and, researching OPIRG historical documents and archives.

NOTE: Before applying, please read OPIRG’s Mission Statement at the OPIRG website at http://www.opirg.org/

Duties:
Under the direction of WPIRG’s full-time staff, this position will be responsible for:
- researching the OPIRG Network in order to document the history of the Provincial Network / inter-PIRG relations as well as identify present opportunities and challenges faced by the network;
- developing a set of recommendations for the future sustainability of the OPIRG network in consultation with the OPIRG Coordinator, as well as current and past OPIRG representatives (staff & board) from the 11 autonomous chapters;
- archiving all material studied for future reference;
- updating the OPIRG website;
- writing and designing a report (summary of findings) which will be presented to the WPIRG Staff and Board of Directors by the end of the placement;
- managing other information and communication needs; and other tasks as required.

Qualifications:
- Interest in social and environmental justice issues
- Strong research and critical analysis skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong problem solving skills
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a group setting
- Outgoing, positive, enthusiastic & creative
- Proficient in Word, Excel, internet/email applications

Eligibility:
This position is made possible through partial funding under the federal government’s Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) initiative. As such, applicants must be students who meet the following criteria:
- be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusively) at the start of the employment;
- be a student in a secondary, post-secondary, vocational or technical program;
- have been registered as a full-time student in the 2010-2011 academic year, and intend to return to school on a full-time basis during the 2011-12 academic year,
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
- be legally entitled to work according to provincial legislation and regulations;

How to apply:
Applicants must provide a resume with three references and a cover letter.
Deliver to The Hiring Committee, WPIRG, Student Life Centre room 2139, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1.  Email applications must be submitted as a single pdf file and can be sent to info@wpirg.org. We regret that only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified.
Deadline for submissions is Tuesday May 24th, 2011 at 9am.
Interviews will take place between May 30 and June 3, 2011.
Employment Equity Statement:
WPIRG welcomes the contributions that individuals from marginalized communities bring to our organization, and encourages 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.
In their cover letter, we encourage applicants to describe the contributions and experiences they, as individuals who identify with marginalized communities, would bring to WPIRG.

hamilton seen

2011-04-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

Former OPIRG McMaster student resource staff, Arts-Sci flag-bearer and all round great soul Tings Chak has produced a graphic novella about her time in Hamilton, a must read for students venturing into this great city looking for excitement and poetry in everyday places.

Now OPIRG McMaster has copies of this new work for sale at our office. And why wouldn't we? We're in it! (plus we love Tings)

Stop by and pick up a copy, you will thank the steeltown gods you did!

Natural Health?

2011-04-11T19:01:00.000-04:00

Shawn’s explanation of the corporate takeover of Canada's Natural Health Products Industry is both alarming and informative. All those concerned with democracy and freedom of choice need to hear this message, and learn what to do about this atrocity.

HEALTH FREEDOM 2011: THE TURNING POINT

TUESDAY APRIL 12 2011 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM AT MCMASTER UNIVERSITY STUDENT CENTRE 3rd Floor "CIBC Hall"

2011 – is this the year we finally let Health Canada restrict our access to natural health products, or the year we stand up together and say 'No'.

Government policies are restricting personal freedom to choose, more than ever before. The restrictions are most overt, to date, with regard to our access to natural health products (NHPs) and ordinary consumer products, but our very personal sovereignty is under attack. Our ability to make choices in how we live, and nourish ourselves and our children, is subject to ever more regulation; much of which is fundamentally unconstitutional. If we are to value our freedom to make sustainable living choices, preserve a healthy environment for our children and retain the right to choose how to manage our health in ways which do no harm, we must begin where the regulations do...with natural health products.

The current regulatory climate is not only in direct contravention of the will of the Canadian people, who called overwhelmingly for increased access to NHPs during consultations in 1999. Since the then Health Minister accepted recommendations for increased access to NHPs, the current situation, in which Health Canada criminalizes safe and effective products, is in direct opposition to the will of Parliament.

Shawn Buckley will describe how the Natural Health Product Regulations permit Health Canada to raid legitimate business, pull products we’ve taken for granted off store shelves, and drive small and medium companies out of business*. Hear the latest information about the criminalization and seizure of natural health products and the life and death implications of removing NHPs. Come and sign a nationwide petition, contribute to a legal challenge and find out how to plug into the initiatives that can lead the NHP industry back to health.

With regret, Shawn will also report on the December 2010 passing of Bill C-36, Canada's Consumer Product Protection Act, into law.

* With coming enforcement in 2011, private industry businesses can obtain NHPPA's Emergency Kit for Health Canada Raids - a guide that includes actions retailers, distributors and manufacturers can take to save their businesses.

SPEAKER BIO

Shawn Buckley, LLB (Kamloops, BC)

Shawn Buckley is a constitutional and criminal lawyer with expertise in the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. He is president of Canada's Natural Health Products Protection Association (NHPPA), a non-profit organization devoted to protecting Canadians' access to natural health products. In 2010, the NHPPA launched its Three Part Action Plan to focus attention on Canadians' constitutional rights. This plan includes the Charter of Health Freedom (www.charterofhealthfreedom.org). The NHPPA is solely supported by concerned natural health products manufacturers, retailers and public advocates. www.nhppa.org

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.

expert un-expert advice

2011-04-10T17:14:00.000-04:00

winner of the PIG

2011-04-07T16:50:00.000-04:00

The Public Interest Research Grant of $1,000.00 was awarded to the OPIRG Working Group Hamilton Womyn's Bike Fixin' Collective for their proposal. Read about what they have in store here.

The award was given by the OPIRG Board of Directors to the group at OPIRG's Annual General Meeting, held April 5/11.

polit-actics

2011-04-06T13:39:00.001-04:00

Stephen Harper in Hamilton: Leader or Bully?

Stephen Harper's government is the first in Canadian history to be found in contempt of Parliament. This Prime Minister and his government harassed and deceived lawmakers and public employees. Our democracy is in peril. Help us defend it.

Harper will be speaking downtown at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Join us at 4:15pm near the Willy Dog Stand and come with us to show him how you feel.

Location: Willie Dog Stand

Date: Thursday, April 7

Time: 4:00 to 5:00 pm

McMaster Students for Social Justice

opirg table visits vagina monologues

2011-03-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

Theatre goers attending the McMaster production of the Vagina Monologues can stop and visit the OPIRG display set up in the lobby of the Robinson Memorial Theatre (Chester New Hall) before the show, and at the intermission. Find out about some of our initiatives including applications for board of directors, working groups and our annual PIG grant. More at opirg.ca

Cootes Clean Up Poster

2011-03-24T13:33:00.000-04:00

Cootes Clean-up postponed due to weather

2011-03-23T22:55:00.001-04:00

Hi - we previously advertised the Cootes Clean Up for March 26 - but due to the winter storm covering all the waiting litter in a white blanket of snow, organizers have rescheduled the clean-up for April 16. Same hours, same places.

Watch for more details later!

models for a meaningful life...

2011-03-23T18:54:00.002-04:00

balm-making workshop

2011-03-22T19:02:00.001-04:00

OPIRG Board member Amina led 10 participants in a Do It Yourself "cosmetics" workshop last night, which included a coffee body scrub (pictured above) a facial scrub, and bath bombs (pictured below) using all natural ingredients that are simple to find and cheap to buy.

Why DIY?

Making your own cosmetics is a good idea because:

you know what's going in to your product
you can avoid toxic ingredients, harsh chemicals or ingredients you are allergic to
it's cheaper than buying pre-made in store
there is little regulation about what "natural" means in a store product
they are quick, easy and fun to make
biodegradable
make great gifts

to name only a few benefits.

For a useful database on the dangers lurking in over the counter cosmetics, check out this site.

COFFEE BODY SCRUB INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups cane sugar

1/4 cup ground coffee beans

1/4 cup shredded coconut

3/4 cup oil (olive, almond, etc)

1 tsp honey

3-5 drops essential oil of choice

A tin or jar with lid

METHOD

- mix sugar, ground coffee, coconut oil in a bowl until fully combined. Add honey, followed by the essential oil

- transfer mixture to a closed container (it will keep 1-2 weeks sealed at room temperature)

- Rub a generous amount of the scrub over your body, scrubbing medium to hard depending on your sensitivity (skin should be moist when applying scrub)

- Rinse off in the shower under warm water, ensuring that the sugar crystals disintegrate completely. Pat dry to allow the oils to soak into your soft glowing skin.

HOW THE INGREDIENTS WORK

- Coffee Grounds - - reduces cellulite

- Sugar - exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells

- Olive Oil - - moisturizes skin, makes it soft and gives an over-all glow

- Honey - brings blood to the surface, removes impurities, smoothes and softens the skin

- Coconut - adds to the aroma and the buffing/exfoliating action of the other ingredients

Waterloo PIRG Job posting

2011-03-18T12:42:00.000-04:00

WPIRG Job Posting – Volunteer Coordinator

Application Deadline: April 11, 2011 9am

The Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG) is seeking a dynamic, personable, and creative individual who is committed to issues of social and environmental justice. This individual will provide mentorship and support to WPIRG volunteers through the permanent position of "Volunteer Coordinator".

The Organization

WPIRG is a student funded and directed organization that provides support for volunteers to research, educate, and take action on environmental and social justice issues. WPIRG endeavours to foster a non-hierarchical working environment by following consensus decision-making processes. WPIRG strives to be an anti-oppressive working environment by proactively opposing all forms of oppression such as those based on gender, race, class, sexual orientation, age, cultural heritage/ethnicity, religion, gender orientation, and ability.

WPIRG has a high turnover in volunteers and the two to three permanent staff provide continuity and stability in this ever-changing organization. They carry out critical support work that maintains the integrity of the organization, assists volunteers in their activism, and provides connections to other activists and organizations. WPIRG is a small office and a highly collaborative work environment. The primary support for staff is one another, with additional support from the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

Working in consultation with the board, staff, and volunteers, primary responsibilities of the Volunteer Coordinator include:

1) volunteer outreach and engagement;

2) volunteer training and mentorship, and;

3) volunteer support and appreciation.

Additionally, this position is to assist in the continuing development and maintenance of the organization so there will be other responsibilities.

Qualifications

- Demonstrated interest and experience in social and environmental justice and familiarity with contemporary issues and their interconnections

- Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, demonstrated ability to work well with students, volunteers, and co-workers

- Anti-oppression analysis and proficiency in applying this throughout your work

- Demonstrated skills and training in inclusive process: theory and practice of consensus decision-making; group dynamics; and conflict resolution

- Demonstrated ability to recruit, engage, coordinate and support volunteers

- Self-direction and ability to take initiative in a dynamic work environment

- Ability to prioritize work, problem solve, and manage numerous tasks simultaneously

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

- Familiarity with a university/college environment

- Experience with not-for-profit organizations

- Ability to create promotional materials

- Comfortable learning new technology and software (PC & Mac, Wordpress, Adobe Creative Suite)

Employment Terms

The Volunteer Coordinator is a permanent full time position with a 6 month probationary period; 35 hours per week at a rate of $20.01 per hour, with extended health care benefits and four weeks paid vacation per year. Permanent staff are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1281. The anticipated employment start date is May 16, 2011.

Because WPIRG is located on a university campus, it follows the cycles of university life - four month terms (the busiest terms being Sep-Dec and Jan-Apr with the slowest term being May-Aug). Within each term, another cycle exists, with the beginning of term being the most active and the end of term quieter. Work time allocated to the various areas of responsibility will vary greatly, depending on the time of term. Evening and some weekend work is expected.

How to Apply

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

Also in their cover letter, all applicants are asked to provide a brief statement on their views of power and oppression.

Applicants must provide a resume with 3 references, a cover letter, and a response, no longer than 500 words, to the following question:

- How do you envision your role in supporting volunteers working towards social and environmental justice?

Deadline for Submissions is Monday April 11 at 9am

Interviews will be held April 19-21

Deliver submissions to The Hiring Committee, WPIRG, Student Life Centre room 2139, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1; or email applications to info@wpirg.org.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

heat and health

2011-03-18T11:03:00.001-04:00

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.

Boarding

2011-03-16T15:40:00.003-04:00

OPIRG McMaster Board of Directors Nomination Period

The Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) McMaster aims to link research with action on a broad range of social justice and environmental issues, both locally and globally. Through research, proactive education, community networking and action, OPIRG empowers individuals to become active participants in the decisions which affect their lives. If you are interested in having the “OPIRG Experience”, consider joining our Board of Directors.

Please contact OPIRG for further information on:

*the role and responsibilities of a Board of Director

*the nomination form and the election process

March 15-29 for nominations.

Election Date

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, April 5 @ 6:00 P.M.

McMaster University Student Centre, Room 318

Join us for good food and good company.

All Welcome!

opirg@mcmaster.ca

905-525-9140 ext. 27289

MUSC 229

whole job

2011-03-16T13:17:00.000-04:00

Business Opportunity - CSA GARDEN MANAGER– 2011

Position: Organic CSA Garden Manager

Organization: Whole Village Ecovillage www.wholevillage.org

Apply by March 10, 2011 Employment Dates: March - Dec. 31, 2011

Location: Whole Village Farm, Caledon (40 min. east of Guelph)

We are looking for an experienced organic gardener with strong entrepreneurial and management skills to run an independent CSA and Market Garden business in co-operation with our intentional community, operating through a lease agreement. Interested applicants would have access to 8 acres of existing gardens, 2 greenhouses, a packing shed, sheltered wash station, and root cellar space in the basement of the farmhouse. Barn space can also be rented.

The Whole Village CSA business has been operating since 2002, building to a membership of 90 in the summer and 35 in the winter. The farm manager will live on site in the farmhouse which has adequate space for apprentices and volunteers. Our farm is a member of the CRAFT network which supports farm visits and tours. We have an established clientele at the local Orangeville Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. Knowledge of biodynamic gardening and permaculture is an asset.

Send resume and application letter to info@wholevillage.org Call Brenda at 519-942-4010 for more information.

cleaning cootes

2011-03-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

Biannual Cootes Clean-Up March 26^th 10am-1pm

The McMaster Outdoor Club* welcomes you to help us clean up Cootes Paradise on Saturday, March 26. This clean-up aims to remove the garbage from Cootes Paradise to give visitors a more enjoyable nature-experience and, most importantly, to preserve the habitat of many plants and animals.

The event starts at 10 am and finishes around noon for a free BBQ. There will be prizes for the oddest junk collected, and gloves, bags and maps are provided.

Stations with gloves and bags include:

® McMaster University Ivor Wynn South Entrance
® Princess Point, Cootes Drive, at the bridge
® Dundas bus lot across from Canadian Tire at Cootes Dr. and Dundas St.
® Westdale at Churchill Park by the aviary

We would love to see you there!

*Made possible by a caring community including the Friends of Ian Gray, the Bay Area Restoration Council, the Official MSU Cootes Paradise Club, and Biosphere.

For more information, or if you would like to get more involved, contact Meghan at meghandertinger@gmail.com.

stuffed up?

2011-03-15T12:24:00.000-04:00

The Story of Stuff (Brought to you by CVA and Just Stop!)

Time	Begins at March 16th 12:30 PM EDT ending on March 16th 2:30 PM EDT
Location	Clubspace
Organizers	Community Volunteer Action
Posted by	JUST STOP

Film and Discussion

Do You like STUFF?

Want to know where STUFF comes from?

Where STUFF goes when it turns to trash?

And what it does along the way?

Watch this 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled, humorous look at the
underside of production and consumption. It explores the connections
between a vast array of environmental and social issues, and points
the way toward a more sustainable and just world.

Come Join Us!!

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

stopping exploitation, one blockade at a time: Grassy Narrows

2011-03-14T11:13:00.000-04:00

get your tickets!

2011-03-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

bloody strikes

2011-03-10T20:24:00.000-05:00

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.

PIG Out on saving the planet with OPIRG McMaster

2011-03-09T14:40:00.002-05:00

THE PUBLIC INTEREST GRANT, Sponsored by OPIRG

P I G

opirg.ca/pig

Applications due on March 31^st, 2011

bring it!

2011-03-08T22:51:00.001-05:00

Deadline for Working Group applications, March 28, 2011 - changing the world starts here!

Poster by Janie Ginsberg!

journalists unite!

2011-03-06T11:10:00.000-05:00

Each term OPIRG McMaster puts together a print edition of PIRGspectives - we need volunteers to interview working groups, write about OPIRG-related issues, review our resource material, interview board or staff, etc.

We also need proof-readers to edit the submissions that come in, and, finally, we need people with an interest in layout and design to help put it all together for printing.

Last term we had a very successful volunteer group who met a few times to ensure the job got done, and we are looking to build on that success.

If any of this interests you, please contact randy.opirg@gmail.com and we can arrange a first meeting to get started.

(This is also available for people to do over the internet - you could do an e-mail interview, or edit from home, for example)

Kae Sun and steel drums: celebrate Black History Month with us!

2011-03-03T23:27:00.000-05:00