Address real problems and get meaningful results. If you want a job where you can work to solve problems each day, consider a job with the state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs). The state PIRGs are a national network of nonprofit organizations that advocate on behalf of the public interest. Starting with thorough research, we tackle problems that need to be solved.
The U.S. has more problems than it should tolerate, and more solutions than it uses. That phrase captures the spirit with which the state PIRGs were founded. But it is hard to imagine things changing with so many people sitting out the elections and alienated from government. And to make matters worse, our educational system has become more focused on producing skilled employees rather than training effective citizens. That is where the PIRG campus organizer comes in. PIRG organizers recruit students, faculty and community members to investigate problems and build support for solutions. PIRG organizers, and the volunteers they train, research issues, build coalitions, work with the media, educate the public, and generate citizen support on issues ranging from poverty to environmental protection. Through their actions, they win concrete reforms, acquire the skills necessary to be a leader in the public interest movement, and leave a legacy of skilled, trained leaders capable of tackling society's most pressing problems. For more information about the OSPIRG’s student chapters, visit www.ospirgstudents.org.
Run public interest campaigns. Campus Organizers lead a variety of public interest campaigns on their campuses, giving students an opportunity to solve pressing social problems. Among the many recent examples are: OSPIRG’s Protect the Oregon Coast Campaign where students and Campus Organizers gained enough media attention and grassroots support to block an attempt to lift a moratorium on new offshore drilling, and as part of the Student Vote Coalition, OSPIRG Campus Organizers helped register over 18,000 students to vote in Oregon in 2006. In targeted precincts in Eugene, coalition efforts increased voter turnout by over 40%. OSPIRG’s spring 2006 campaigns include the Campus Climate Challenge, Hunger and Homelessness, Make Textbooks Affordable, and Keep Oregon Wild.
Educate students and train new leaders. Campus Organizers develop educational programs to teach citizenship skills and inform the campus community about important public interest issues. Campus Organizers also oversee an internship program, through which students can earn academic course credit for public interest research and advocacy.
Build an organization. Campus Organizers build active, cohesive and highly visible campus chapters that are recognized by faculty and student leaders as an asset to the campus community. In the summer months and over the winter break, Campus Organizers learn to canvass and run effective citizen outreach campaigns.
Salary & Training
Recent college graduates earn $23,750 in their first year on staff. In addition, full-time staff can opt into our state health care coverage, are eligible for paid sick and vacation days, and can apply for our college loan assistance program. Our staff accrue two weeks of vacation by the end of their first year and three weeks by the end of their second year. Staff are also eligible to join our 401(k) program in their second year.
Location(s)
Portland, OR; Eugene, OR
Application
To apply, e-mail your cover letter and resume to Jeff Woodward at . We'll carefully consider your application and if we think you're a good fit, we'll be in touch.