CALPIRG is a statewide student-directed and funded non-profit that works to protect the environment, end hunger and homelessness, protect consumers and make college more affordable
We train students in grassroots and political organizing skills so they can run campaigns that make a huge impact.
For example, we convinced President Obama to increase federal financial aid for college students by $36 billion, the record since World War II. We helped protect our oceans by banning plastic grocery bags, first here in Santa Barbara and then statewide! We also won our Charge Ahead California campaign to get a million electric vehicles on the road over the next ten years.
The thing that makes us able to get results on these issues is that every quarter thousands of UC students pledge $10 a quarter on their BARC account to fund CALPIRG. This allows us to hire our own professional staff who research solutions, teach students to run effective campaigns on campus, and advocate full time in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. on our behalf, giving us a voice in Congress to affect change.
We offer volunteer opportunities, as well as internships for course credit. Interns can learn skills in grassroots organizing, media outreach, lobbying and advocacy, and event planning.
