PIRGspectives fall winter 2010-2011

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pirgspectives

Fall Winter 2010-‐2011

INSIDE

Fall/Winter 2010-‐2011 p i r g s p e c t i v e s

p i r g s p e c t i v e s

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. True Confessions of a PIRG Coordinator of Volunteers Randy Kay.........................9

C. Working Group Spotlight: FreeSkool..........................11

D. Book Review -‐ Rethinking Schools: An Agenda for Change

E. Meet Your OPIRG Board

A. Working Group Spotlight: ThreadWorkDorina Simeonov...............2

B. Tech Free for Change & Poverty Awareness

C. Facing the Crisis of Biodiversity LossMaria Strybos....................4 D. Inter-‐City Humanitarianism

A. The Key to Change is to Stop Fearing ItMcMaster Students for Social

B. Rain Drops and Burning CarsHarjot Atwal.........................18

C. Working Group Spotlight: McMaster Students for Social

Dorina Simeonov..................19

Volunteering: Why Do We Do It? Arum Choi...........................20

Live Learn

About OPIRG

-‐

-‐

GET INVOLVED

Subscribe to our e-‐mail events list to stay informed about our many public events, including

Visit us in: MUSC room 229Or call: (905)-‐525-‐9140 ext. 27289

: [email protected]

Harjot AtwalDorina Simeonov

Eric CollinsHarjot AtwalDavey T. Hamada

Visit our website at:

opirg.ca

LIVE

ThreadWork... pg.02Tech Free for Change... pg.03

Biodiversity Loss... pg.04Inter-City Humanitarianism... pg.06

2

Fall/Winter 2010-‐2011p i r g s p e c t i v e s


“How many of the one billion text messages sent each day are sent by you?” this is what many posters around the campus asked the students of McMaster University. Tech Free for Change, an event sponsored by Open Circle,

United Way, McMaster Poverty

2010. McMaster students were invited to give up one or more pieces of technology for a day and explore life without being plugged in. 47% of students say their social life would worsen if they didn’t

these people pledged to go without their cell phones,

of them thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Clubspace -‐

nological devices was prohibited. There were various workshops held in Clubspace throughout the day,that allowed one to have fun without the use of technology. There were workshops on how to crochet, how to mend your own clothes, and access to technology while living in poverty. Various fun tables were also set up around Clubspace. A group of students sat at the clay table for

Another group had fun making their own toothpaste. A Cootes hike with Cootes Paradise Club and

people took pleasure in stepping out of the campus

did not do a lot of. The goal of this event was not only to challenge oneself to go without a favourite piece of technology for the day but also to

-‐puter. A guest speaker for one of the workshops

child about how all the student in their -‐

ments. When he asked how she knew that she replied, “The teacher asked the class that whoever doesn’t have

a computer at home please raise your hand and no one raised their hand”. To this he replied, “Would you have raised your hand if you didn’t have a com-‐

that would have been bad”. This story shocked some of the listener while others had heard it before in one form or the other.

discussion dinner. Apart from the

the people involved in the event

talked about how challenging it was to give up a piece of technol-‐

other hardly missed their gadgets. Regardless, most people agreed that they had more face-‐to-‐ face conver-‐

a sense of peace to them. The day and the discussion raised a lot of

dependent on technology and how this dependence is

students to unplug, and in one day McMaster students -‐

ed pledges. McMaster accepted the challenge and did they ever deliver and made the day a successful event.

Open Circle and CVA is now

on January 11 at

Wednesdays at

19 , so come out for free food,

ClubSpace!

POVERTY AWARENESS THROUGH DITCHING TECHNOLOGY By Sabah Khan

This new OPIRG working group is already making an impact with its do-‐it-‐yourself attitude that promotes sustainability and an alternative economy of buying less and reducing consumer

waste. Despite the stigma of bed bugs and sani-‐tation associated with used clothing, members collected over 700 pounds of garments that were displayed at the McMaster University Student Centre atrium recently. There, individuals could use their swap points, obtained from donating their own used items, to get new (to them) items just in time for Halloween. Over the past month, ThreadWork has been collecting everything from shoes to t-‐shirts, which help you add to your swap points. These points will carry over to the next clothing swap in the Spring, if you didn’t get a chance to use them up this time around.

A Swapping of ThreadWork By Dorina Simeonov

ThreadWork began in September with three members and already has an active volun-‐teer group that helps out at events. Equipped with a small budget and a progressive idea, Davey Hamada, one of the core members, and his co-‐collaborators are happy to know that “people can make a change in their community from one idea.” They are currently working On a list of brands, retailers and thrift stores that are in line with the group’s core values of fair labour and community. This will allow students and Hamilton citizens at large to make use of their purchasing power and send a message that supports the fair trade of ethically sourced clothing. All of the items that are left over from the Clothing Swap event are being donated to a local charity, and members will also be holding Sewing 101 workshops to help students turn their large, ripped, and/or button-‐less clothes into useable wears without mom’s handiwork.

If you want to stay in the loop or get weaved into the world of ThreadWork by

facilitating a workshop, contact the group at [email protected].

4



services provided by ecosystems will be increasingly threatened. The causes of these losses of biodiversity are varied, but are universally united in that their root cause is the human species. Biodiversity loss is impacted through human behaviours via habitat

species and the spread of disease. These problems are expected to be exacerbated by global climate

-‐perature is expected to be higher by an average of 1-‐-‐2 degrees Celsius. The levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are also expected to increase, by 100-‐-‐200 parts per million. These increases repre-‐

-‐logic and nutrient cycles and invasive species areal coverage. In the face of this crisis of biodiversity loss, it

-‐

growth through gender equality, economic develop-‐

-‐

Guild, we aim to address the lack of environmental

that every part helps contribute and every person

crisis due to biodiversity loss.-‐

sity depends more on the way we use our environ-‐ment, the amount we consume and where we live,

-‐

through responsible food choices, energy choices and family planning. We need to address inequality between the developed and developing world, en-‐deavouring for maximal quality rather than maximal

environment we have to closely examine our ef-‐

-‐

-‐

-‐

can make. As a community, we will work together -‐

natural environment and happiness rather than on what popular culture tells us.

-‐[email protected] or check us out on

the OPIRG website.

Mary StrybosMaria Strybos is the president of the OPIRG Biodi-‐versity Guild. She is in her last year at McMaster,

I am in my fourth year of the Physiology program at McMas-‐ter University. I have been involved

Volunteering with CVA compelled me to explore life outside of the university campus and made me

University has brought invaluable experiences into my life. It was

pursuing a career in the medical

The existence of life and its diversity is the most striking feature of Earth. This biological diversity,

-‐

microorganisms that are working parts of our life-‐support system is an inconsolable loss.

of systems and services humans require for life. On average, greater diversity of life leads

greater ecosystem stability. Conversely, lower -‐

pacts on ecosystems.-‐-‐

logical advances have unleashed an unprec-‐edented assault on natural cycles and global ecosystems that supply indispensable goods and services to humanity. The value of servic-‐

-‐-‐

-‐

FACING THE CRISIS OF BIODIVERSITY LOSSby Maria Strybos

Sabah Khan

7



replicate the successes of the MPH in Brampton. The FRESH campaign will commence in January as well. Frequently, donated foods are rich in sodium

supplement the diet of homeless persons with fresh fruit. ICHO is partnering with Food For Life, another OPIRG McMaster Working Group, for this project. Finally, we are using our experiences in Toronto

-‐

housing, and, importantly, drug use and abuse. To date, the downtown core of Hamilton has re-‐

trying to change that.

-‐sons in downtown Toronto since she was 10 years old. Her parents volunteered to help Father Joseph

help Father Joe and the Sisters of the Good Shep-‐herd. Throughout high school, she co-‐ordinated the youth volunteers for MPH. She founded Inter-‐City Homeless Outreach by applying to OPIRG McMas-‐ter’s Working Group program, and received approval

-‐teers to help her strengthen ICHO’s Hamilton Region.

travel for volunteers and prepar-‐ing food. There are also a few high schools that occasionally col-‐

Hamilton, ICHO’s newest focus, is served by

-‐marily from McMaster) who want to connect academic research and resources to the problem of homelessness. This winter, ICHO Hamilton launched the BELOW

the end of February. Warm win-‐ter-‐wear and sleeping bags will be collected in blue cardboard boxes all over the McMaster campus. Penny drives will raise money to purchase new socks, underwear, thermals, and toiletries. In January, the group will map out where downtown “regu-‐

Inter-‐City Home-‐

connects the volunteer

resources of sev-‐

needs and interests of homeless persons in the downtown cores of Toronto and Hamilton. The program was born primarily out of Chris-‐

programs, but over the years has expanded to include volunteers of all beliefs.

Fr. Joseph Macdonald

outreach program in downtown -‐

ago. The program included a drop-‐in centre and a soup kitch-‐en. He heard about homeless

services regularly, so he went to them. He began driving his van around in the evening with about

soup, and his beloved German shepherd, Maggie, to keep him

-‐

become unstable and the Sisters

his work in the same fashion, on

group eventually stopped their -‐

States.

: An unnamed group of volunteers in Brampton, who had helped Fr. Joe and the sisters over the years, decided to

known to their parish as the Mis-‐sion to the Poor and Homeless

mobile) served in Toronto than a decade ago, and there are more young people and women on the streets. Due to the current economic recession the presence of the MPH will be even more important for this coming winter,

and heart-‐to-‐heart visits.

MPH con-‐nects several volunteers and schools in Mississauga that gener-‐ally operate under the Brampton Region’s framework. Today, there

INTER!CITY HUMANITARIANISM?

9

Fall/Winter 2010-‐2011 p i r g s p e c t i v e s

This is one of the best years I’ve had at OPIRG in

years have let me down, mind you, just that this

our future as a place where students can contribute their energy

pressing social issues.

As any good PIRG will do, we start at the root – and for me that means our volunteers. Like all volunteers, OPIRG volunteers are expected to freely give

many voluntary posi-‐

an OPIRG framework of Consensus Decision Making

Both within our working groups and at the

While we are asked to respond to outside forces,

fully engages its members.

vortex that draws other students in to their circle. This is because working groups are the outward expression of OPIRG’s core mandate to engage stu-‐

do the research are encouraged and empowered to act.

constant barrage of support requests overwhelm-‐

Thus OPIRG has moved to a mid-‐month deadline for

alternate between OPIRG McMaster planning and handling of support re-‐quests.

At the board level -‐-‐ all of whom are volun-‐teers -‐-‐ some remarkable dynamics include the fact that three of ten mem-‐bers are engineers and two are from commerce, with the result that half of the board originates

-‐ing with an MBA class from the business school to

-‐

indeed, non-‐students too, a good year unfolds. I will

-‐haps most directly applicable to the current experi-‐

we’ve had such an engaged group of volunteers, and that is something to celebrate.

person responsible for herding cats and volunteers

cat/volunteer with OPIRG as a founding member of -‐

-‐

TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A PIRG COORDINATOR OF VOLUNTEERSBy Randy Kay

Randy Kay

LEARN

Confessions of a PIRG Coordinator... pg.09OPIRG Creations... pg.10

FreeSkool... pg.11Rethinking Schools...pg.12

OPIRG Board Representatives... pg.13

10 11



FREE YOUR

FROM ARABIC TO

By Dorina Simeonov

Hamilton Freeskool is an OPIRG working group that

-‐age university curriculum.

of anarchist philosophy, egalitarianism and peace

learning that doesn’t involve buying doorstopper textbooks. In fact, Hamilton Freeskool’s price tag

students are choosing to learn the ancient healing

available for university students of all ages, as well as members of the Hamilton community interested

The goal of Hamilton Freeskool is to promote a

where individuals can come together and discuss ways in which they can engage and learn about topics of common interest. By now you might be asking: Where can I sign up? How do I get involved? Can I check out the courses? If you simply want to take a class that doesn’t involve prerequisites or

org/courses. Don’t see anything you like? You’re in luck, because Hamilton Freeskool is always look-‐ing for new facilitators to coordinate courses. You can hold weekly, biweekly or even monthly ses-‐sions on any topic you choose, from exploratory movement to speaking French as a group. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert. All you need is a passion for learning-‐-‐-‐one of the coordinators for this working group can help you set up your

Solidarity course and a Freeskool coordinator, is

constantly working with the Freeskool crew to make

the space and materials required for running all of

a course on storytelling so we are in the process of

said.

-‐

are currently helping to raise awareness about the -‐

The idea of Freeskool is catching on and students and community members from Hamilton and other

-‐ton Freeskool is faced with challenges, Devonrelishes in her experiences with a course on explor-‐atory movement, where she was free to explore all the planes in which her body could move. While

about “[being] brave together to learn and try new things”.

Dorina is a Masters Students studying health policy and health services research. She is a new member to OPIRG McMaster and loves to paint, draw and create.

Broken promises

Mama don’t you cry

Shuttered dreams


Withered hopes


Cos shades of grey run by

When we stand high

There aint no summer without the scent of a rose

We need your beautiful colors to be whole

I hear you petals fall, covered in the dirt

It don’t matter how long they put you down

Restless hands, empty minds it aint your fault

So lift your hands up high and watch them tumble down


Shuttered dreams


Withered hopes



When we stand high

Restless nights turn the days into nightmares

Scarlet tears down your face it breaks my heart

I hear your tears fall, drowning all the roses

There aint no room for rainy days

Battered hearts, trampled souls, there’s a way

So lift your hands high and watch them tumble down

Broken promises

Baby don’t you cry

Shuttered dreams


Withered hopes



When we stand high

By Kojo Damptey

Broken Promises

CREATIVE

EXPRESSION

Over 500 murdered and missing Ab-

original Woman in Canada...

Stop the violence

Art by Harjot Atwal

“ A r t is n o t w h a t yo u se e , b u t

w h a t yo u ma k e o t h e r s se e .”

- Georgia O’Keeffe

12



Meet the Opirg

Board

KOJO DAMPTEY

me Kojo. I am a Chemical Engineering graduate from McMaster University. I am also a Music Producer/

-‐

life experiences and how I view the world.

-‐

weeks, I decided to sign up to be a board member.

-‐

I felt it was an opportunity to get involved in various issues that OPIRG coordinated on campus, espe-‐cially with regards to the environment. Consequently

always been a challenge for me. Hence joining the board would eventually give me the adventure of working with other people due to OPIRG’s inclusive atmosphere. I am also very passionate about social

-‐

would give me the full experience.

it will trickle down into the community OPIRG is

PIRG’S).

In my opinion the world will never be free of oppres-‐sion. There will always be some form of oppression in

-‐

-‐

-‐

a) I use public transit to reduce my carbon foot print

c) I am working on making my own laundry detergent and toothpaste

OPIRG BOOK REVIEW

RETHINKING SCHOOLS: An Agenda for Change

R ethinking Schools is a remarkable tool for edu-‐cators and students alike, to change paradigms

Though the work is heavily based on American re-‐search, its conclusions are applicable to the Canadian context as well. In the book, interviews with leaders

racism, xenophobia and is-‐sues of social equity. How-‐ever, it is crucial to note

days or cuisine, do not ad-‐dress power struggles,

and other deeper issues. -‐

audiences with widespread ignorance of problems eth-‐

This is why the authors

to push for a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusivity in public schooling. Curriculum is one

history overshadows histories of other peoples, other

events, world problems or world history. This one -‐

lead them to become? It hinders embracement of

sets the standard for what is the norm, and status -‐

The authors look at the importance of diverse

having an ethnic teacher, to including toys and books

-‐ever, is when systems stop at one stage. For instance,

languages and cuisine is only a start. Understanding

pushes students to think about how to implement

Rethinking Schools does a marvellous job of look-‐

educators and students must read, to understand the

-‐

Preeti Nayak

14


Samantha liang

My name is Samantha Liang and I am enrolled in the third year Honours Commerce program. I am hoping

the future. Apart from being in OPIRG, I am heavily in-‐

the McMaster community.

and Cecilia, I instantly became drawn to OPIRG’s mission statement and goals. OPIRG is an excellent resource for students, as well as independent work-‐ing groups that require funding and support in their

Over the summer, I was told that OPIRG was seeking a

and applied simply with the hopes of becoming more involved.

would be a great way to open doors and to meet

-‐passed. So far, it has been a great experience being a

-‐

intense.

I do believe that one day the world will be free from oppression! I believe that ‘tyrants’ or those who op-‐press others learn that type of behaviour from the

people around them, or from the society they were

minded and more socially aware of the issues from the past and present. With that in mind, people are

-‐-‐

of what’s going on in the world. Ideally, having all this knowledge and knowing the pain it has caused in the

for an oppression free world to teach our children the

teach their children. It’s possible, but maybe not plau-‐sible for awhile.

-‐

-‐

lights, make sure appliances and outlets are un-‐plugged when things aren’t in use or won’t be for awhile, recycle as much as possible and I take REALLY quick showers! This may seem like a bunch of really small things, but these things add up if everyone tries to do their part.

If you’re interested in being a part of OPIRG Mc-‐Master’s Board of Directors don’t fret. You simply

near the end of Second Semester. Check the OPIRG

Experiencing the G20... pg.18

TAKE

ACTION

“

“

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo by Harjot Atwal

17



THE KEY TO CHANGEIS TO NOT FEAR IT

7 Days. Canadian Tax payers money. For What?Apparently, it is the priority of Ste-‐phen Harper to arbitrarily spend

money to host the G8 and G20 World Summits, without the con-‐

And what would be the end result of such imprudent spending? To reach a consensus -‐ on a global

reach a conclusion on how to cut a

In the words of Globe and Mail columnist John Ibbitson: “Kudos in order as PM shepherds G20 to surprising consensus… The major economies have agreed to

-‐

What does this mean? Governments of the most power-‐ful economies in the world have reached a consensus of further butchering government expen-‐ditures. All of this will be done in austerity measures. Greece’ emergency bail-‐out ear-‐lier this year is a vibrant example

-‐

to adopt austerity measures in -‐

cial bail-‐outs; all of which came at the expense of slashes to pension, wages, tax reforms and increased

This consensus of reduced gov-‐ernment expenditures in the next

repercussions for everybody in our society. We are currently in the year 2010,

thinking – how is this relevant?

when soldiers of the war returned home to their loved ones, there

value of life. The best way people -‐

ment was by doing so physically, and the end result was a massive baby boom. This demography of baby boomers took place between

this demography of baby boom-‐

Canada. Understanding this reality, many

-‐ing the point in their life where

the development of our Canadian society.

However, it appears to Prime Min-‐ister Harper that this demographic

The G20 Toronto Consensus of re-‐duced government expenditures is

on pensions across this province and the country. As an example, in Mid-‐July, 2 to

made at the G20 Summit in Toron-‐to, Ontario’s Ministry of Finance called on all university labour unions to suspended contract

the acceptance of a 2-‐year wage -‐

Ministry of Finance publicly stated that the call for the suspension of

-‐ployers, labour unions and faculty members on how to make pension plans ‘more sustainable’.

Photos by Davey Taigen Hamada This is not a coincidence. Pensions and wages are the pri-‐mary components that auster-‐

no coincidence that wages, and especially pensions are currently

because the reforms being made to pensions are not to increase government investment, but how to alleviate government contribu-‐

-‐

to pension plans is for workers to invest in RRSPs. This recommenda-‐

to the stability of workers, because RRSPs are market-‐based invest-‐

the market and the ‘invisible-‐hand’. And what is it that drives markets?

Therefore, the advice being given to the majority of society is to give

hands of speculators... and that the ‘invisible hand’ will be there to make sure they are socially secured and stable. We don’t need to look that far to see what happened to our global

the midst of recovering from the catastrophe of the current reces-‐

by speculators. The G20 – Toronto Consensus is

security that has been persistently diminishing since the neo-‐liberal free-‐market agenda was brought forth by former Prime Minister

[and the individual who sold this country out] Brian Mulroney.

-‐ing to need greater government investment in healthcare, nursing homes, old-‐age care, a concrete pension system that will guarantee

and over all greater social security for a demographic of our popula-‐

-‐

government expenditures. But ac-‐cording to Prime Minister Harper, this is not the case. Intead, he has

world) to do the exact opposite. This consensus cannot go unchal-‐

ourselves up for a grave future.

With that being said, I will leave

McMaster at The G20 Discussion Forum:

official declaration-‐

September 28, 2010 -‐ McMaster University, Canada to profoundly denounce the Toronto G20 consen-‐sus. The intrinsic abstract forces of capital; reinforced by the G20 Summits, have once again demon-‐strated to be absolutely incapable of abiding and adhering to moral and ethical principles.

security; -‐

tack on the working class; The erosion of liveable wages;

The use of hegemonic mechanisms such as the mass media to manipu-‐late and deceive public opinion; The arbitrary and imprudent spending of social resources to the

individual self-‐interest over the col-‐-‐

ciety has resulted in the erosion of

-‐ments to promote compliance with established social agreements.

For all these reasons, we call on all students to strengthen the bonds of unity, altruism, solidarity and

were fought for with the blood, sweat and tears of working-‐class

As leaders of tomorrow, it is imper-‐

bring about the required change necessary to preserve the Canada we all wish to construct – one rooted on adhering to ethical

-‐

a more just and equitable society

The Key to Change is to Stop Fear-‐ing it.

18 19



Raindrops & Burning carsExperiencing the G20 protests

By Harjot Atwal

hen people took to the

year to protest the G8/G20 sum-‐mits in downtown Toronto, I was extremely excited to be in their midst. Gathering at Queens Park at 1pm for the scheduled People First march was almost surreal. There were vibes of solidarity and common interest circling through the colourful crowds, no one felt deterred by the incessant rain. As speakers came up to the mi-‐crophone and incited hope in the people, cheers of a found common cause rent the air. I felt at peace. Music was played on recycled instruments as people danced and

I shared smiles as I tried to locate -‐

tude of bodies.

At most, I felt that there was hope in the air. A common belief had brought these people together. Their belief was in-‐tertwined with their hope that

through their common dissent of

be a move to change. The groups that I felt most in tune with were the women who marched in soli-‐darity at the fore of the Peoples

workers union and other groups throughout displayed their un-‐happiness with events that were occurring in the world without the

displayed their distaste with the leaders of the G20, whom they felt were failing to get their jobs adequately done. When the People First

hanging out for a bit at Queens Park, I knew that I was ready to head home. Sadly the city was in a state of lockdown, and the subway south of Bloor was not in

that point and had to hail a cab. The driver took me to the edge of Adelaide and York Street. There I

without any assistance because the streets had been reclaimed by the people. I knew it was a short walk and so I sauntered on towards King

unassumingly become a part of the

A Snake march is where there is

the territory. I slowed my pace down as I heard noises at the end of the street and could see crowds of people, mostly young and in a variety of outerwear, showcasing their annoyance with the system. When smoke began to bil-‐low up from the end of the street

-‐ken shop windows and now some sort of smoke at the end of the

to me like a use of police force;

the heads of the crowd. Something

The sirens rang out and I turned back to Adelaide to see the riot police swarm down the street towards the crowd that was

Looking up to the sky there was a helicopter hovering that added to the surrealism of the scene. Many of us were running at that point. Running out of the street, hoping not to get cornered by the police for a crime we did not commit.

Photos by Harjot Atwal

That was the irony of the day and of the weekend it seems. The police were able to corner those few who had perpetrated these acts of violence and vandalism, but in doing so they indiscriminately

people as well.

There were many more who were innocent than there were guilty. The message that had come from the People First march had been drowned out by the small incidents of vandalism that were perpetrated by a very select

-‐tests, however I know from experi-‐ence, as do many of my friends,

environment for civilians. Those who used violence against the

threatened any fellow protestors or civilians, and that is why I cur-‐rently do not stand against those who used force against authority.

buses were forbidden to enter the city due to the violence. I was

I walked through the rain soaked streets. However it was ironic that

around the city.

fend for themselves despite men-‐

there for our safety. Two billion

afraid of the police than of the violent protestors. In the end I was luckier than others when it came to

change to grab another taxi to -‐

journey home became an inter-‐

hearts.

the G20 protests can be best ex-‐plained by an elderly women who had earlier stood in the rain with

before us at Yonge and Adelaide.

shelter under her umbrella and

of the number of young who had come out to protest. “When the youth are not

happy with the government it is up to them

to protest and let their voices be heard.” I was surprised by her

and noted that if we ever gave up our freedom of speech and our ability to dissent then we would lose our power as free people. Certainly the G20 protests were full of mistakes made by both sides which over powered the mes-‐sage of many. But we must under-‐

to struggle for what we have been struggling for for centuries. Change.

A DOSE OF SOCIALJUSTICE ON CAMPUS

By Dorina Simeonov

Previously known as

Campus Choice and the group behind the Coca Cola Referen-‐dum, the newly named McMas-‐ter Students for

working group is no stranger to the univer-‐sity community. Whether being praised for their successful rally to gather support for the Local 2 Service Employees

Socialists by the campus media, there is no doubt that this group is raising important and controversial issues.

the founders, believe that we have -‐

involve more students in social and -‐

in Toronto, the McMaster Students for So-‐

on the way protests were handled during

Canada a police state?” but Kerem makes a convincing argument that “you have

started.”

the Canadian govern-‐ment, Kerem and his team hope to tackle more issues in the future.

If you wish to get involved in social jus-‐

“There were many more who were innocent than there were guilty”

20 21


p i r g s p e c t i v e sBy Arum Choi

Pin their society or the broader world. Some are com-‐pletely devoted to the cause they represent, while oth-‐ers simply wish to play their small part in volunteering whenever they can. On a day like any other I began to wonder about rea-‐sons why I have been volunteering since junior high, even though I have consistently complained about my packed schedules. I also wondered why some of my vol-‐unteer members are willing to volunteer even though they do not seem to enjoy it. Much to my dismay, I have seen people volunteer just because it would look good on their resume or they needed a network prior to applying for fancy schools or programs, such as an MBA or Medical School. The term “volunteering” also seems like it is meant to be for or about the volunteer themselves. My own understanding of “volunteering” is that it is one of those things that you are giving yourself without

from volunteering itself being the priceless experience

I understand clearly that volunteering is mainly formed

by giving, not directly taking or receiving something. However, to face reality or to consider my career, I

from a volunteer placement for professional school

The only thing I could say is, “I enjoy volunteering be-‐cause I am glad that I can help someone out. However,

-‐

From a number of years full of volunteering experience,

jobs or anything related to accomplishment of person-‐

-‐ing someone but also helping yourself to acknowledge

Those are all great reasons to volunteer.

Many thanks to ALL who have been volunteering with

-‐ence in the Hamilton community. You mean a fortune to CVA and to Hamilton!

To sign up for a volunteer group go to www.opencircle.mcmaster.ca/volunteer today or email community.vol-‐

-‐teering groups with a facilitator for each group who leads

group to travel together from Mac to the placement each week.

W h y D o We D o I t ?

Arum recently graduated with Honours from the Life Scienc-‐

the Pediatrics Department at McMaster Children’s Hospital. “My big plans are to be a pediatrician and researcher so that

also want to volunteer as a member of a medical aid team in an impoverished area.”

ARUM CH

OI

opirg mcmaster’sALTERNATIVE RESOURCE LIBRARY

OPIRG McMaster established an ALTERNATIVE RESOURCE CENTRE in order to provide the McMaster and sur-‐

that explore current issues regarding social and , environmentalism, animal and human rights, and .

NEW RESOURCES now available

For more informatrion check the Events calendar on

working groups

OPIRG CORE VALUES WORKSHOPS (Free with Pre-Registration)

to 12:00pm.

-‐

Biodiversity Guild

Body Equity

Dominican Republic Self Help

Food For Life

Guatemala

Hamilton Freeskool

Inter City Homeless Outreach

Migrant Workers Resource

Save More Students

ThreadWork

BECOME AN OPIRG MCMASTER COMMUNITY MEMBER!

Your Membership contributes to the ongoing work of OPIRG McMaster, our Resource Library, and our front-‐line volunteer working groups.

In Person: Room 229 McMaster University Student Centre.

J

ontario migrant workers awareness

7 -‐ 9 pm followed by a discussion.

temporary foreign workers in Canada.

the people vs. u.s. steelHamilton City Hall -‐ 71 Main St. West

1 -‐ 4pm

and the Hamilton community.

consensus decision making workshop TSH 719 -‐ McMaster University

gain skills in small group dynamics.

Indigenous Studies Open House

-‐

your busy schedules and come and enjoy yourself at ISP!

The Change We Knead Now! Bake Goods Not Bank Bailouts Tour

-‐

Tuesday Feb 8th, 2011.

Find us on Facebook by searcing: ontario public interest research group (opirg)

mcmaster

Visit us at

OPIRG McMASTER

PIRGspectives fall winter 2010-2011

Documents

Transcript of PIRGspectives fall winter 2010-2011