Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) Information

The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) is a student-funded and student-directed resource centre dedicated to social and environmental justice. PIRG's were established across North American campuses in the 1970's and 80's as a way for students to advocate for social change. SFPIRG was set-up by students on SFU's Burnaby campus in 1981! SFPIRG has done loads of amazing work over the years and has positively impacted the lives of students and the wider community. Our mission is to engage students in social and environmental justice. Areas of work include education, action, research and community. We are non-partisan, which means we are not allied with any particular political party. SFPIRG brings together a diverse range of people and our work is all centered on a shared set of values. This includes a commitment to anti-oppression, decolonization and indigenous sovereignty; collective and collaborative working methods; self-representation and self-determination; an inclusive and safe space to build community on campus; mentorship, health and sustainability; accountability to our membership, our communities and ourselves; self-reflectivity and continual learning and growth. We are a registered non-profit organization with our own constitution and bylaws. We are governed by a student-lead board of directors and we use consensus decision-making as the basis for our work. We have a team of three unionized staff who carry out the work of the organization. SFPIRG is a certified Living Wage employer. We are independent from both the University and the Simon Fraser Student Society. SFPIRG is funded through student fees - all SFU students are members of SFPIRG and can use the resources available through our centre. Non-students can also become associate members of SFPIRG and get involved with us. For more information, please visit our website: www.sfpirg.ca