About Working Groups

One of the primary focuses of APIRG is to provide funding and support for Working Groups (WGs).WGs represent the diversity of the membership and often introduce people to the organization. WGs are collectives of U of A students and community members who work together on an issue of public interest. Their focus may be on research, events, actions, publications, or other diverse activities. They are required to maintain a membership and hold regular meetings. WGs tend to have long-term goals with activities and membership that continue beyond the current academic year, often requiring many of the services that APIRG provides. WGs must maintain a membership that includes U of A undergrad students. Working Groups are required to have regular communication with APIRG staff, and to submit year-end reports.

Specific requirements are outlined in the Working Group Agreement and Terms of Reference.

See the list of active and archived working groups.

Who oversees the Working Groups?

The APIRG Working Group Coordinator is the main contact person at APIRG for Working Group members, and for individuals seeking involvement in Working Groups. The Working Group Coordinator acts as a liaison between the APIRG board and the Working Groups and also helps to promote Working Groups on campus and on line. For more information about the role of the Working Group Coordinator or to contact the current staff person
click here.

To find out what current Working Groups are up to,
Check out Working Group News

HOW TO BECOME AN APIRG WORKING GROUP

1. First download these files.

(You can right-click the links and choose "Save Links as" to download them directly to your computer). They are in PDF format:

2. Application:
  • Download and submit a Working Group Application by the next Working Group proposal deadline.
  • The home page of the APIRG website will inform you of when our next deadline is. There is usually one funding round at the beginning of each academic term.
  • The current Working Groups may continue to apply for funds and support at eachfunding round. To do so, use the Existing Working Group Funding Form
3. Review process:
  • The APIRG board uses the General Assessment Guidelines, to assess the feasibility of proposals. The board may contact the applicant(s) for clarification on key points during the review period.
  • Interviews are set up with main applicant(s). The interviews will typically be conducted within two weeks of the application deadline. Applicants will be informed of interview times by email and/or by phone. Applications that are deemed unfeasible may not be granted an interview.
  • The APIRG board will then approve or reject the proposal, based on the results of the interview and the application. Applicants will be informed of the board’s decision in a timely fashion.
  • If the proposal is approved, the group will be asked to sign a Working Group Agreement, and agree to the Working Group Terms of Reference, as well as plan to attend a General Working Group Meeting. The Working Group Coordinator will contact the applicants and set up an appropriate time to sign these documents. It is a good idea to be familiar with these terms before applying for Working Group status.
  • If the proposal is rejected, you may download and submit this Appeal to the board. The APIRG board will review the appeal application in a timely fashion. The Working Group Coordinator will contact the applicant(s) regarding the board’s final decision.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for the entire application, review and approval process.

Remember, you can find all of APIRG’s forms and policies in the handy forms cabinet.