A couple weeks ago I sent a letter to the Meliorist regarding what LPIRG is and what it can do for students. I'm reposting it here for the same reasons.
Sir,
Hello! My name is Cody Sharpe, and I'm on the board of directors for the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group. With the school year just beginning I thought that now would be an excellent time to inform everyone as to what exactly LPIRG is and what it can do for them.
LPIRG is a student run non-profit organization directed by seven volunteer elected board members and one employee, which operates to advance the public interest and increase public education on a wide variety of subjects. Topics range from the environment, minority rights and social justice issues. In the past we've conducted workshops on media relations, public lectures about the SPP and a week long film series on water use issues.
In addition to running events LPIRG also provides funding and other resources to students to pursue their own research, attend conferences, construct events and organize working groups. These funding dollars are an excellent way for students to take their education beyond the classroom and express their creativity through their work. Working groups are one of the most exciting ways for students to do this; they're groups of students working together on researching a specific topic towards a specific goal, such as publishing a paper or advocating that a particular public policy be enacted or modified. LPIRG also offers an alternative library with books, magazines and DVDs available for students to sign out.
The major criteria that all funding applications must pass is that the proposal must be in the public interest and serve public education. The board members of LPIRG are completely willing to assist anyone who wishes to apply in writing a successful application. Application forms for all of the different types of funding we provide can be picked up at the LPIRG office, which is located inside Galileo's gallery. Come on in to chat with Shelia, LPIRG's sole staff member, check out our wide range of literature, pick up an application or suggest an event we should run or service we can provide you. And don't forget to drop by our Rush Week table in the Atrium with your questions!
Yours truly,
Cody Sharpe
