Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact us at info@lspirg.org and we'll be happy to answer it for you!
What does LSPIRG even mean?
LSPIRG (pronounced L-S-PURG) stands for Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group. Super long name - that's why we use the acronym!
What is a Public Interest Research Group?
A Public Interest Research Group (or PIRG) is a politically-oriented and social-justice minded organization. PIRGs focus on issues that are chosen by their volunteers and relevant to their community. PIRGs traditionally focus on social and environmental activism, community organizing, research, and public education on social issues. LSPIRG is a chapter of Ontario PIRG Provincial Network.
Who is a member of LSPIRG?
All undergraduate and graduate students at Wilfrid Laurier University are automatically members of LSPIRG through their student fees unless they opt-out. People who are not WLU students are also welcome to become members by applying online for Community Membership. That said, anyone is welcome to attend our events!
What does being an LSPIRG member get me?
Being a member provides opportunities such as:
Access to programs such as Distro
Events and initiatives focused on the social and environmental issues our members care about
Funding for your campus or community initiative
Opportunities to join our Research & Action Groups or start your own
Many kinds of volunteer opportunities
The chance to run for our Board of Directors to gain leadership experience governing our organization
Access to our Radical Resource Library
Guidance on how you can achieve your goals of wanting to make changes on or off campus
You say LSPIRG is student-funded, what does that mean?
It means we are a non-profit funded through an independent third-party ancillary levy undergrad and graduate student pay as part of their fees that come on your Laurier invoice. This levy was voted into existence through a student referendum. The majority of Laurier students voted to start and fund our organization for student activism and community engagement! This means we are not a University department or in any way part of the University but an autonomous incorporated entity directly run and funded by Students. Students can opt-out if they do not want to be members through Service Laurier. The small fee students pay adds up to allow our organization to run vital programming such as Distro. You can see how our funds are spent on our Governance page.
Who makes the decisions at LSPIRG?
As a non-profit organization, LSPIRG is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of both student and community Directors. We use consensus-based decision making which means every Director has to feel comfortable with a decision in order to move forward. Our staff regularly give input to the Board and our members can also provide input such as at our Annual General Meeting.
Where is LSPIRG located?
In Waterloo, we are located at 165 Albert Street on the 3rd floor. We are the big yellow house on the corner of Albert and Seagram. We acknowledge and apologize that our office is not physically accessible. It requires walking up three flights of stairs. Please notify us of your accessibility needs so that we may accommodate you accordingly.
In Brantford, we are located at OM 207-19, an accessible space in One Market.
If you would like to come to the office, reach out to staff so we can meet with you! Email: WaterlooPrograms@lspirg.org for Waterloo campus and BrantfordPrograms@lspirg.org for Brantford campus.
How can I get involved?
We have many opportunities to get involved. You can volunteer with our volunteer program, get involved with a Research and Action Group, join the Board of Directors, or email us and we can talk about other ways to get involved! We want to support you and your advocacy. Everyone is always welcome to reach out - contact info@lspirg.org