Students are traditionally at the forefront of movements for positive social change. U.S. PIRG campus organizers tap student idealism and energy, and help student volunteers and activists channel their concerns in the most effective ways. Campus organizers work on three to six campaigns in a semester, which could include: working to pass a clean energy bill in the state Legislature; increasing youth voter turnout in an upcoming election; or fighting hunger and homelessness in the local community. The role of a campus organizer is two- fold: achieve concrete social change victories while developing the next generation of leaders. Through this approach, campus organizers organize the kind of power it takes to solve our country’s current problems while ensuring that legacy continues well into the future.

For more information about the state PIRGs' student chapters, visit www.studentpirgs.org.

Responsibilities include:

Organizing Projects And Campaigns: Campus organizers work on three to six projects or campaigns on their campuses, giving students an opportunity to solve pressing problems. Here are a few recent examples of victories on our campus chapters: At the University of Massachusetts, Campus Organizer Molly Chafetz and student leaders worked to ensure that their state senator stepped up to the plate to lead the way in passing the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act. The bill passed and was signed by Gov. Deval Patrick in 2008 and is one of the strongest global warming laws in the country. At the University of Northern Iowa, Kathleen Cogan worked with student leaders to make sure the presidential candidates campaigning in Iowa were addressing the issues that are important to young people in the state. Thanks to her work, the students spoke to nearly every presidential nominee candidate and made an impact on their campaigns. At Evergreen State College, WashPIRG campus organizer Blair Anudson worked with students to get the campus to commit to buy 100 percent renewable energy through a student fee.

Educate students and train new leaders. Campus organizers play a critical role in informing the campus community about important public issues. They also work closely with student volunteers and leaders, teaching them critical skills that help them make their voices heard. Organizers help students build expertise on the issues, learn how to conduct research, work with the media, recruit volunteers, build support among other groups, and influence decision-makers. Campus organizers also oversee internship programs, through which students can earn academic course credit for public interest research and advocacy.

Build an organization. Campus organizers build active, cohesive and highly visible campus chapters that are recognized by faculty and student leaders as assets to the campus community. During the academic year, campus organizers learn to canvass, and during the summer months, campus organizers run our highly effective citizen outreach campaigns.

Salary & Training
Recent college graduates earn $23,750 in their first year on staff. In addition, full-time staff can opt into our state health care coverage, are eligible for paid sick and vacation days, and can apply for our college loan assistance program. Our staff accrue two weeks of vacation by the end of their first year and three weeks by the end of their second year. Staff are also eligible to join our 401(k) program in their second year.