The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) is a student-funded and directed resource centre dedicated to environmental and social change. We are a dynamic organization of students and community activists, researchers and educators working together from diverse progressive political perspectives. We use consensus decision making as the basis of our work towards a just and sustainable world. SFPIRG has its own constitution and bylaws and is a registered non-profit organization. SFPIRG is pronounced 'ess-eff-perg'.
The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) is a non-partisan, student-funded and directed campus resource centre. We promote critical thinking through education, action, and research. Areas of focus include the environment and social justice. We support groups and individuals by providing resources, training and other opportunities for skills development. Our mission is to work toward a just, sustainable and meaningful world. Click here for our Constitution and Bylaws.
SFPIRG values: anti-oppression, decolonization and indigenous sovereignty; collective and collaborative working methods; space for continual learning and growth; self-representation and self-determination; an inclusive and safe space to build community on campus; mentorship, health and sustainability; accountability to our membership, our communities and ourselves; self-reflectivity and continual learning and growth. Click here for a full explanation of our values.
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Bring research, education, and action to the SFU community
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Providing resources and skills training to students and the wider SFU and lower mainland community
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Foster links between social justice and environmental issues; the local and the global; the university and the wider community.
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Support student and community issues.
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Provide access to alternative resource materials through our lending library.
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Foster alternative voices and social perspectives.
Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) were initiated by American consumer activist Ralph Nader. They began organizing on American and Canadian university campuses in the 1970s. The PIRG at SFU was created by students in 1981 through a cross-campus referendum and was originally called BC PIRG. Currently, there are PIRGs at university campuses in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia. BC has three PIRGs - SFPIRG at Simon Fraser University, VIPIRG at the University of Victoria, at PGPIRG at the University of Northern BC (in Prince George).
Over the years, SFIRG has grown into an established organization that provides students with a place to apply their knowledge in their personal lives and in the community at large.
Members
SFPIRG is a student-funded non-profit organization, autonomous from both the University and the Student Society. We receive $3 each semester from each full time student and $1.50 from each part time student. Therefore, after paying their student fees, all students are members of SFPIRG and can use the resources available through our office. Non-students can also become associate members of SFPIRG and get involved with us. We realize that not everyone believes in the goals of SFPIRG so we do offer students the ability to revoke their membership. We offer a fee refund period about the 4th week of each semester. More info on opting out.
Volunteers
Usually students get involved with SFPIRG through Action Groups. General Volunteers also support SFPIRG's work and shape the organisation with their voices and commitment. The Board of Directors are students who also volunteer at SFPIRG.
Board of Directors
The role of the board at SFPIRG is to act as a decision making body responsible for most of the major decisions in the organisation. Monetary decisions, staff supervision, legal responsibilities, ensuring the long term viability of the organisation and creating long term plans are all part of the ongoing work of the Board of Directors. Read more.
Staff
Permanent staff provide continuity in this ever-changing organization. They carry out critical basic tasks that maintain the integrity of the organization, assist participants in their work, and provide connections to the wider community. They also recruit and train volunteers, maintain the library, maintain and create administrative systems, and try to ensure that laughter is heard in the office at least once every day.
Committees
Committees help run SFPIRG at a more administrative and organizational level and are a great way to get involved. While the Action Groups look at working at issues that reach out to the community at large, committees focus on working on keeping SFPIRG running. Read more
SFPIRG uses consensus decision making as a basis for our work. It is a philosophy that works to include everyone's input into decision making processes. Find out more in our 12 page brochure on Consensus Decision Making and Facilitation. (designed to be printed up doubled sided and folded over). We also offer workshops on consensus and how to run effective meetings. Contact us for more details.
Open House
At the beginning of the fall and spring semesters SFPIRG has an open house and everyone is invited to come by and eat food, meet people involved in SFPIRG, find out what SFPIRG has to offer and how to get involved. (usually the third Wednesday of the semester from 12:30-2pm)
General Orientations
Come by and find out more about SFPIRG and how you can get involved. Volunteer opportunities, how to use the resources (Library, Bike Tool Co-op, Lounge) and more of student research opportunities through our Action Research eXchange program (ARX). Scheduled orientation occur during the first six weeks of the term (see home page for details). Feel free to contact us to set up an orientation time at any other time of the term.
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