About VIPIRG
The Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (VIPIRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, advocacy, and other action in the public interest. Located in the Student Union Building of the University of Victoria, VIPIRG is a place where students and community members connect to work together on social justice and environmental issues. VIPIRG has been operating since 1983, when UVic students voted to join BC PIRG.
VIPIRG's achievements include:
- successfully lobbying UVic to create a recycling program on campus
- research that was the basis for the establishment of a community dental clinic
- putting cruise ships on the map as a local environmental issue
- organizing the campaign that kicked NATO out of town
- getting students course credit for doing research for community groups
- establishing a native plant garden and supporting a community garden at UVic
History of PIRGs
In October 1972, US consumer advocate Ralph Nader gave a lecture about pollution and corporate irresponsibility at the University of Waterloo. Inspired by his vision of a network of organizations free from government or corporate control that would do research, advocacy, and education in the public interest, students at the University of Waterloo met a few days later to organize support for a student fee to establish the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG). There are now 20 PIRGs at universities across Canada.
In 1980, student organizers with BC PIRG began a drive to get PIRGs set up at campuses on the Lower Mainland. In a referendum held at UVic in March 1983, students approved a $5 levy for UVic to join SFU in BC PIRG.
Through the Canadian PIRGs, thousands of people have benefitted from hands-on experience with community-based research, grassroots activism, advocacy and lobbying, and media work. As non-profit organizations, PIRGs provide an opportunity for students to gain experience working in the non-profit sector and to learn skills relating to consensus building, group facilitation, and governance.
Be part of the action!
Every student at UVic is automatically a member of VIPIRG; community members are welcome to join. See get involved for more information. You can also call us at 472-5170, email us at outreach@vipirg.ca, or stop by the office at SUB B122.
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