Susana Roque: SFU's SFPIRG has crucial role to play in democracy and social change

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      Can we enjoy our democracy without participating in society in a meaningful way?

      Having a space to talk openly about social issues, gather research, and organize ideas about social change is necessary to build a democratic society that values knowledge, tolerance, and the possibility of a better future. Societies are built on knowledge and dialogue. In ancient Greece, the collective space where democracy was built was called a polis, which meant a citizen, citizenship, and a body of citizens at the same time. The definition reminds us that through the efforts and contribution of every member, the city could be built to represent them. This space that holds the potential for peace and justice still exists today when everyone is given an equal opportunity to be heard and participate in the community to build it. Organizations promoting learning, dialogue, and community engagement about social and environmental justice should be cherished because they allow our society to strengthen with the values they represent.

      The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group is a place at Simon Fraser University to imagine a vision of a better world and create it. It is a place where knowledge is responsible, communal, and engaging. The SFPIRG community has active volunteers, action groups, board members, and community organizations outside of the university who all work together to support communities struggling with poverty, racism, homophobia, war, colonization, environmental destruction, and other forms of systemic violence.

      Last year, SFPIRG had its annual general meeting abruptly interrupted by conservative students. This year, on February 9, when SFPIRG held its AGM to discuss its projects and make new proposals, it was challenged again with questions from conservative students, with no prior involvement or interest in the organization, about the budget, the election process for board members, and the hiring process of staff. The SFPIRG community came together during the AGM and answered them with knowledge about the organization. SFPIRG successfully passed their new motions to improve their use of technology, the election process of the board members, and the membership fees. Because of the tireless efforts of the SFPIRG community, SFU students will be able to bring valuable practical and communication skills, progressive research, and democratic values to what they learn in university back into the community.

      Currently, SFPIRG has five action groups: Ancient Forests, Society Advocating for Marine Animals, Dzaleka Project, Voice for Animals, and Open Media.

      Through its growing library of 5,000 DVDs, books, and magazines, students and community members can access current information about social justice. SFPIRG offers excellent progressive research by pairing up students who need course credits with community organizations that receive their research, through its ARX program. The research and communications skills that are learned at SFPIRG are brought back to the community when students enter into the workforce.

      To support the environment, SFPIRG offers a bike tool co-operative space to fix bicycles that is free for everyone. All the programs and services at SFPIRG are also available to community members by signing up as an associate member.

      Democracy is meaningful if it is built on the collective dialogue and participation of its citizens. Organizations such as SFPIRG that promote social and environmental rights are crucial. Democracy is not a privilege; it is what we make it. It is a system of rights that can only be enjoyed through collective responsibility. The polis is us.

      Susana Roque works in art, graphic design, and communications at Sketchbook Communications.

      Comments

      2 Comments

      Roger Flowers

      Feb 22, 2011 at 7:51pm

      Are men allowed?

      PIRG friend

      Feb 23, 2011 at 11:52am

      Long ago, conservative students tried to destroy the newly-found UVIC PIRG. They did this by distributing phony beer money, mimicking a refund on the PIRG fee, and very nearly succeeded in their sinister plans. I can't see that anything has changed in their nefarious activities in the 30 years since. There are just more of them trying to sabotage government in general now. Anyway, the SFU PIRG staff was instrumental in setting up the UVIC PIRG. So, a belated thank you! Best wishes,
      a friend.