OPIRG Kingston has a working group system wherein we partner with specific community-based groups/projects whose work broadly aligns with our social and environmental justice mandate to offer various supports, while maintaining autonomy and separation in operation, governance, and function.
Many important Queen’s University and Kingston community groups such as Loving Spoonful, ReelOut Queer Film Festival, and Queen’s Backing Action on the Climate Crisis began as OPIRG Kingston working groups. However, many more of our working groups have been based around a campaign or a response to pressing issues in our communities such as Queen’s Against Killer Coke, Queen’s Black History Month, and the Free School. Our working groups have ranged from short-term campaigns and projects, to multi-year, multi-partner efforts.
Working groups are volunteer-run, and are generally focused on a specific issue pertaining to social and/or environmental justice. Working groups can receive support from OPIRG Kingston including, but not limited to:
- limited funding
- access to off-campus meeting space
- help with promotion
- training and skill development
- assistance organizing
Although OPIRG Kingston works closely with the Queen’s University community, we strive to blend student organizing with community activism to address broader issues of social and environmental change beyond the university campus. As a result, we encourage applications from working groups with a broad vision, especially those who come from marginalized communities.
Application Process
OPIRG Kingston accepts applications for working groups on a rolling basis. Fill out this form to submit your groups' application. Groups will be contacted by a member of the OPIRG Kingston Board of Directors for a meeting and a follow up discussion to finalize a working group proposal.
Working group proposals will then be considered by the Board at their next meeting and their decision communicated shortly after.