APIRG: Alberta Public Interest Research Group

APIRG Board Member Election 2010

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APIRG Board Member Election 2009

There are 9 equal voting positions on the APIRG Board. These people are seeking your vote on March 4 & 5.

Candidate bios

Rafael Sumalinog

I’m a second year Political Science student focusing on issues of the Global South. I’m running to be an APIRG Board Member because I strongly believe that organizations that encourage social change and voicing out local issues are important in maintaining a responsible citizenry and a healthy society. My past experience includes working with Gawad Kalinga, a leading non-government organization in the Philippines that strives to eliminate poverty in slums by rebuilding communities through empowerment and by rebuilding sustainable infrastructures. I also spent some time at Operation Smile where I helped doctors, nurses, and other health volunteers reach out to local communities who otherwise can’t afford cleft lip and palate operations for children. It was from these experiences that I learned the importance of listening to local communities and understanding that change happens—and matters—when their voices are converted into organized action. I have had experience in advocacy, research, and development and hope to use these skills with APIRG and its working groups. Aside from my attempts at intense social action, I also enjoy playing the piano, saxophone, scuba diving, and swimming.

Sahro Osman

My name is Sahro Osman and I am going to my fourth year in the faculty of Social Work. My background in Political Science and Social Work has taught me about the importance of activism and social justice. I have been on the APIRG Board previously. I also work in the community especially in inner city Edmonton communities. APIRG exists to engage students in the community and make a positive change. My hopes are to increase awareness of both the student body and the larger community needs in order to create effective change. I am looking forward to become more involved on campus through students groups, Community learning and other APIRG projects.

Justin Benko

Hello, My name is Justin Benko and I am a third year English Major and Sociology Minor. I’ve been involved in a number of activism and awareness campaigns including Walk for Darfur, Stand, and Project Hope. I was one of the Walkers who walked from Edmonton to Calgary to raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur and I have been active in the parliamentary engagement team of the UofA Stand chapter. I’m passionate about social issues and I believe APIRG is an incredible resource for students who want to change the world. Being on the board would allow me to help shape the direction of APIRG in a way that benefits as many students as possible. I have extensive board experience, which I developed while I was President of the Students’ Association of Grant MacEwan college. I’m excited to work with the diverse members of the board and the staff of APIRG to ensure we can still provide services students need. Get involved, get informed, and vote for me!

Aditya Rao

A second year undergraduate student of Political Science and Economics, I have been on the executive of student groups and enjoy being involved in the community. I have been a supporter of APIRG for two years, and hope to be able to play a role in providing you with the tools you need to be an active citizen by joining APIRG’s Board of Directors with the help of your vote. My experience includes being on
the executive of the University of Alberta’s Stand and WUSC chapters as well as being involved as a volunteer with other student groups and
organizations in the University.

As part of the Board of Directors for APIRG, I will assist the endeavour to enhance the application of APIRG’s vision to provide working group, student and community members with funding for research
and social engagement projects working in the public interest. A vote for me is a vote for a more accessible APIRG and therefore more tools for activism and a more engaged student body.

Brennan Blomm

Hello to all studfents and volunteers! My name is Brennan Blomm and I have been volunteering for APIRG off and on over the past couple years. As of this semester, I am an official Friends of the Lubicon Alberta (FOLA) member, and I am now running for the APIRG Board of Directors. I am an Education student studying theatre and acting, and I can’t wait to add this experience to my University career. I look forward to meeting anyone and everyone, as APIRG is open to all!

This could be you!

There are 9 equal voting positions on the APIRG Board, but only 5 people are running! This means there is still an opportunity for you to become an APIRG Board member. A by-election will be held to fill the vacant positions at the APIRG Annual General Meeting in October.

Drop by the APIRG office, 9111 HUB Mall, for more information.

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