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2020 Projects

Bleed Free McMaster

Bleed Free McMaster focuses on women’s reproductive health and ending stigma surrounding menstruation.

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Threadwork

Threadwork is a counter to the “fast-fashion” industry. Hosting clothing swaps, focusing on fair trade, the local economy “thrifting” and DIY fashion skills are ways to make change.

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Warm Soles

New in Winter 2020, Warm Soles is a student-run sock drive initiative for people experiencing homelessness in Hamilton. All socks will be donated to the Good Shepherd.

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Divest Mac

New in Winter 2020, Divest Mac is a student group dedicated to getting McMaster to divest from the fossil fuel industry through panels, advocacy, and lobbying.

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Free Store McMaster

New in Winter 2020, this student group is dedicated to getting essential goods to students who may not be able to afford them, such as books, school supplies, home goods, and more, through a donation-based system.

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Meals With Purpose

Meals With Purpose is a student-run organization with the goal of feeding anyone who is hungry in an open and respectful way.

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Eco-Friendly Mac

Making battery recycling more available to students as well as provide students with easy and student-friendly tips
for a sustainable lifestyle.

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Turtles of Cootes

Turtles of Cootes are actively working to protect turtles at risk of being extirpated in Hamilton because of the destruction of habitat, predators, road-side death, and invasive species. 

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Public Interest Project Event Reports

Details about Project events including outcomes, evaluation, budget, and more
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SUBMIT YOUR PUBLIC INTEREST PROJECT PROPOSAL
Read Project Policy

What OPIRG provides project teams:

  • Orientation to OPIRG McMaster

  • Skills Development Workshops

  • Base funding ($300)

  • Special Project funding (up to $1250)

  • Access to campus room booking and OPIRG Resource Centre

  • Networking opportunities

  • Tools – button maker, projector, computer programs (CS) etc.

  • Promotional support – web – social media – campus posters

  • Space on OPIRG’s Web Site and event calendar

  • Use of OPIRG McMaster’s name and connections

  • An @opirgmcmaster.org email account

  • The support of the entire OPIRG organization (Staff, Board, Volunteers)

Tips for project proposals

  • You clearly identify a public interest problem

  • Your Project will be led by McMaster undergrads

  • You should have set clear goals and objectives

  • Your goal should be achievable given demands of school/work/family

  • Your overall strategy will address how to make meaningful change

  • Our policy does not allow outside groups to open McMaster “chapters” through our working group process. Take a look at a potential partnership or shared programming options.

Annual Project Reports

PROGRAMMING AND PARTNERSHIPS

Don’t qualify for a public interest project? We are redeveloping other avenues of support for potential campus and community partnerships and joint programming.

Go to our Partnership Page

Explore ways to partner with OPIRG McMaster

Not a full-time undergraduate? Have an event you want to partner on?
Go to our Partnership Page
Go to our Programming Page

Explore our Programming Opportunities

Have a one-off event you want our help with? Want to explore options?
Go to our Programming Page

Apply to Start a New Public Interest Project

SUBMIT YOUR PUBLIC INTEREST PROJECT PROPOSAL

OPIRG McMaster accepts applications for McMaster undergraduate-led public interest projects with a clear focus on impactful outcomes.

OPIRG provides project teams with funding and ongoing support as well as free training workshops each term to assist students with developing practical skills.

Public Interest Project Teams are expected to operate using anti-oppression and consensus decision-making models.

Applications open each term in the academic year.

Read the appropriate policy before applying. Contact Randy, OPIRG Coordinator of Volunteers, at randy@opirgmcmaster.org or 905-525-9140 x27289 if you want to talk about your ideas first. When you are ready, fill out our application!

Applications are reviewed by the OPIRG Board of Directors who meet with applicants to ask questions about the proposal before recommending which projects will be accepted. Groups not accepted are often able to access the support they need in other ways from OPIRG ( scroll down to see opportunities for Partnerships or Programming support). We want you to succeed!

IMPORTANT DATES

Not set yet. Currently accepting new applications.

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