APIRG: Alberta Public Interest Research Group

APIRG Board Member Election 2008

Candidate bios

Lee Solotki

I’m a fourth year student studying Philosophy and Sociology, and I’m particularly interested in community and social movements, and I feel that APIRG is a genuinely good organization insofar as it has the ability to bring local initiatives together, as well as to provide support for student-run initiatives for the sake of students themselves, the community at large, and for the betterment of the world in which we inhabit. I look forward to working on the APIRG board; I’m well suited to the task due to my knowledge of social movements and initiatives that I have acquired in pursuing my own interests. As a Board Member, I hope to gain experience working for the public interest, and to accomplish effective action. I would also like to work closely with the research aspect of APIRG. Like many other students, I’ve spent the last few years walking past the APIRG office without knowing anything about it; however, now I feel it is time for me to get involved within the student community, and I hope that others will feel the same.

Ian Wright

Why should you vote for me? Because the very fact you’re reading this means two things: 1) You care enough about the campus political environment to read and 2) I care enough about active healthy citizenship to run. What will I bring to the board table? Devotion to the cause, an interest in expanding the APIRG library, and a mindset unorthodox in the politically active student body. What mindset is that? An unflinchingly community oriented policy. It’s not about what I’d like to see implemented. It’s about what serves the campus community best.

Brooke Leifso

Hi! My name is Brooke and I am a 3rd year Arts student! I was on the board this year and I learned many valuable skills I wish to carry over to next year. I want to show APIRG for what it is—an unbiased, non-partisan resource for students.

I would like to increase our availability by enhancing our library service, and creating more APIRG events. I want to implement long term planning schemes, so we can grow stronger and more stable as an organization.

Virginia Dowdell

Hello/Bonjour! My name is Virginia Dowdell and I want to become one of your APIRG board members. I’m currently in my third year as an Arts student, studying sociology and French. Why do I want to become an APIRG board member? I believe that open communication about the diverse community in which we live is a privilege granted to us as university students in a (relatively) democratic country. I want to learn more about the issues that are important to my peers and those in my community, and use what I learn to help anyone willing to ask. As well, APIRG is a great resource! Their library is brimming with invaluable (read:free) information. Their working groups advocate for issues from public transportation to poetry. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved with something but didn’t know where to start, to do something for your community (or the world!), or just learn something your professors didn’t force on you, check our APIRG. And come election time, vote Virginia!

Ela Przybylo

I’m currently completing a Women’s Studies degree, and I see an acute need for students to combine their theoretical knowledge with real, day-to-day activism.

I encourage you all to become active pursuers of change!

Thanks for your support!

Derek Warwick

I am a second-year Women’s Studies major and enthusiastic feminist. I believe that building knowledge and advocating for important issues is absolutely necessary, and so I believe APIRG is a fantastic group, and am very excited to be a part of it.

I have a strong passion for activism and different forms of creativity, so I hope to be able to bring exciting new ideas to APIRG.

Jackie Ferner

Hello! My name is Jackie Ferner, and I am in my fourth year of Arts, majoring in Political Science. I am currently involved in many student-run organizations, and have had previous experience volunteering with APIRG student groups. I believe this involvement in the campus community makes me an ideal candidate for the Board of Directors. If elected as a member, I will be committed to ensuring student interests are maintained, and to sustaining the close working relationship APIRG has already established with undergraduate students.

As a member of the Board, I will find innovative ways to encourage involvement, and work hard to support and implement the first-rate student programs that enhance the University of Alberta undergraduate experience. Thank you for your support!

Jeff Williams

My name is Jeff Williams and I’m in my third year of a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History.

In addition to school, for the past two years I have been on the board of executives for my fraternity. As such, I have been responsible for delegating funds, planning social events, and helping to organize philanthropic fund raisers.

I plan on bringing this experience to the Board of Directors of APIRG to help support the interests of students.

Debrah Bergin

As a current member of the APIRG Board of Directors, I am seeking re-election this year. I will provide continuity on the board and look forward to pursuing APIRG’s long-term goals and projects. Specifically, I want to ensure that APIRG’s resources are available to and useful for all undergraduates on campus. We need to discover how we can better serve you.

I will work hard to ensure that the working groups and events APIRG funds will receive the best support APIRG can provide. I am reliable and efficient, and I will use my exceptional writing and communication skills to keep you informed of opportunities that will benefit you.

Please vote for me if you want an experienced, responsible voice on the APIRG Board of Directors.

Patrick Law

Knowing your representatives is important; so a little about me. I’m a student at the U of A, currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program. I’m majoring in design with a minor in history, which I believe is helping me achieve a well rounded view of the world, and will help me to make informed and quality decisions.

I am an honest caring person who will stick to my guns when it comes to making tough decisions on the APIRG Board of Directors.

General Information

APIRG Elections are overseen by APIRG Chief Returning Officer, Liz Durden, to make sure they are fair, accessible, and follow APIRG Bylaws.

Any U of A undergraduate student who is sincerely committed to APIRG's mandate, feels they would make a competent board member, can fulfill board member duties and has not opted out of the APIRG levy, is welcome to run for one of nine board positions.

Please download a Nomination Package for more detailed information on what it means to sit on the APIRG Board of Directors.

Forum

Monday, February 25 @ 12:00 – Forum in SUB (SUB Stage)

Candidates will speak for 2 to 3 minutes, ask other candidates questions and entertain questions from the audience.

(More forums may be scheduled based on candidates’ availability.)

Voting

March 5 and 6, 2008, at all Students' Union polling stations.

Please ask for an APIRG ballot if you are not offered one.

Election Timeline

Wednesday, February 13 @ 17:00 – Nomination deadline

Monday, February 19 – Campaigning begins

Monday, March 3 – Campaigning ends

Wednesday, March 5 & Thursday, March 6 – Voting

 

 

 

APIRG Board Section