About Working Groups

One of the primary focuses of APIRG is to provide funding and support for Working Groups (WGs). Our Working Groups are collectives of U of A students and community members who come to us with their ideas and passion for change. They work together on an issue that falls within the APIRG mandate, with a focus on research, events, actions, publications, or other diverse activities.

For current and historical perspective, see the list of
active and archived working groups. Or to find out what current Working Groups are up to, check out the Working Group News page (quick links are also on the sidebar).

WGs represent the diversity of our membership and often introduce people to the organization.

Please review the Services that APIRG Provides to its Working Groups

We like you to know in advance what our expectations are, before you apply to join us. For full details refer to the Working Group Agreement (see 'acceptance'). In a nutshell, APIRG Working Groups are required to:

  • Maintain a membership that includes U of A undergrad students and hold regular, accessible meetings and/or events.
  • Have long-term goals with activities and membership that continue beyond the current academic year.
  • Take advantage of many of the services that APIRG provides and help to promote our organization as well as the group's goals and events.
  • Have regular communication with APIRG staff,
    submit year-end reports and maintain financial accountability to the group and to APIRG.

HOW TO BECOME AN APIRG WORKING GROUP

1. First download these pdf files.

(You can right-click the links and choose "Save Links as" to download them directly to your computer).

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.
  • Current Working Groups may continue to apply for funds and support at each funding round, using the general Application 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 may be set up with main applicant(s). The interviews will typically be conducted within two weeks of the application deadline.

  • Applicants will be informed of the board’s decision to approve or reject the proposal in a timely fashion.

  • If the proposal is approved, the group will be asked to sign a Working Group Agreement, 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 this document. No funding disbursements will be made until this document has been signed. 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.

4. Acceptance

Once you have been accepted as a Working Group, you will receive a letter outlining the funding and services that you will receive.
All Working Groups must sign the Working Group Agreement before funding and services can be granted. (download this pdf)

At the end of each academic term, you will be asked to fill out an Evaluation form (download this pdf)

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

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.