APIRG: Alberta Public Interest Research Group

What is AP!RG?

APIRG is an incredible resource based at the University of Alberta for student- and community-based research, education and social activism. We provide the administrative, informational and technological resources to help student working groups to transform social concern into effective action. read more

Latest News — Fall 2008

2008/2009 Speakers

Eli Clare's biography describes him as “white,
disabled, and genderqueer, has a B.A. in Women’s Studies, a M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and most importantly a penchant for rabble-rousing. Mr. Clare’s presentations are as follows:

Keynote – Gaping, Gawking, Staring: Living in Marked Bodies - November 21

Friday, November 21 , 2008, 3:00-4:30PM, Room HLC-3
Gaping, Gawking, Staring: Living in Marked Bodies
Eli Clare, Writer, speaker, and activist

Disabled people, trans people, fat people, and people of color all know what it's like to be stared at. Through words and images, Clare explores the internal experiences of living in marked bodies and the external meanings of oppression and bodily difference. http://www.ismss.ualberta.ca/speakers.htm

Trans Day of Remembrance featuring Eli Clare - November 20
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 7:00pm, Enterprise Square

This evening brings together the poetry of Eli Clare, the voices of EVM and members of the Edmonton Trans community to honor the memory of trans identified people who have passed away due to stigma, discrimination and violence.

Presented in partnership by AP!RG, the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services and Exposure: Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival

Transformative Stories: Crip and Queer Art as Activism – November 21

Friday, November 21 , 2008, 1:00-2:00PM, Tory 1-91

Join four crip/queer artists as they present their work, and discuss its relationship to activism, theory and personal experience.

Featuring:

A reading by Eli Clare – Visiting poet, essayist, activist and author of Exile and Pride and The Marrow's Telling.

Spoken word by Lucas Crawford – Poet, performance artist, and PhD student in U of A's Department of English & Film Studies.

Screening of G.I.M.P. Boot Camp, a short satirical film by Danielle Peers and Melisa Brittain – Danielle is an activist, Paralympian, and Master's student in U of A's Faculty of Physical Education & Recreation. Melisa is a drag artist and instructor in U of A's department of English & Film Studies.

Everyone welcome! The room is wheelchair accessible. Please contact Ariel at ariel@apirg.org or 780-492-0614 for other accessibility arrangements.

Upcoming Workshops:

Next workshop - Media Workshop - Wed Nov 19, 5:00-8:00pm, Humanities Centre 2-15

Hosted by APIRG and presented by CJSR this workshop will provide valuable information and skills for promoting your group, projects or events.

Please pre-register by Monday November 17th.

Come learn tips and tricks from CJSR news media mavericks!

2008/2009 Workshop Series

APIRG is focusing on offering a workshop & training series to its members this year. These are designed to be especially beneficial to our Working Groups but are open to members who are not part of a group as well. (FYI- if you are an undergrad student who has not opted out of APIRG- you are a member!). Community memberships are available at the APIRG office.

All workshops run from 5-8 pm. Workshop locations will be posted as they are confirmed, as will materials provided and materials needed. There is no cost to register.

Decision making (Consensus with APIRG and Rusty's Rules with SWAG) - Wed Nov 12, 5-8pm, Business 2-9
Media training - Wed Nov 19, 5-8 pm, HC 2-15
Creative fundraising - Dec 3, 5-8 pm
Recycled holiday card/collaging - Dec 17
"Know Your Rights" -TBA
Volunteer management (winter term TBA)
Conflict resolution (winter term TBA)
Transitioning between boards (winter term TBA)

To register for these workshops, please download this pdf and bring it to the office. You are welcome to email it to lise@apirg.org.
Workshops will not run with less than 5 participants so please register early to avoid disappointment. A maximim numer may be implemented for some (TBA)

Upcoming Events

State of Mine launch:
The Dominion News Cooperative presents an investigation of Canada's extractive industries

Friday, November 21, 2008, 7:00-9:00pm, Education 106, University of Alberta Campus

Canadian mining and exploration companies have created conflict from Northern BC to Thailand to Congo and back to rural Nova Scotia. Around the world, anti-mining networks have sprung up, spearheaded by communities who realize they have more to lose than to gain from open-pit megaprojects on their lands.

State of Mine: An investigation of Canada's extractive industries is the collected work of dozens of independent journalists, our effort to jump-start a much needed national debate about the future of mining. We include stories from communities spanning the globe – more stories than we could fit in this, our biggest issue ever.

Join Dominion editors Dru Oja Jay and Dawn Paley for the launch of State of Mine, Friday, November 21 at 7pm in Education Building Room 106. Come out and learn how you can participate in Canada's grassroots news cooperative!

This event presented by APIRG with help from Oil Sands Truth.