Have an idea for a project, group or initiative and need help getting it off the ground? Or maybe you need some extra support for your existing work?
Apply to become a working group of OPIRG Kingston!
Working groups are groups that are supported (and sometimes started) by OPIRG, while remaining autonomous and separate. This gives groups freedom to work in the way that is best for them, but also the support that it takes to carry out their initiative.
About Working Groups
Working groups play a foundational role in the work of OPIRG Kingston, as well as the wider OPIRG network. Many important Kingston community groups such as Loving Spoonful, Reelout Queer Film Festival, Yellow Bike Action, and Queen’s Backing Action on Climate Change 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, Bike Free Queens, 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 will receive support from OPIRG Kingston including, but not limited to: funding, access to an off-campus meeting space, help with promotion, training and skill development, and 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.
Click the button below to learn more about our past and present working groups!
Application Info
OPIRG Kingston accepts applications for working groups on a rolling basis. After filling out the form below, 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.
What OPIRG Kingston can do for working groups
- Administrative, financial, and logistical support including assistance when available from staff, volunteers and our Board
- Workshops, training sessions, and skill development opportunities for activists
- Provide off-campus space, pending availability, for events or meetings
- A small amount of funding
What OPIRG Kingston Expects from working groups
- To operate on a basis of reciprocity with OPIRG Kingston and our working groups
- To engage, support, and participate, when possible, with OPIRG Kingston programming and campaigns (such as our major programming series, Alt-Frosh, or our annual general meeting)
- To operate within an anti-oppressive framework, or a willingness to integrate and grow an anti-oppressive framework into the work of your group
- To work with a non-hierarchical and consensus-based decision making framework
APPLY TO BECOME A WORKING GROUP NOW!