ASU West's campus club, Arizona Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), has been holding events to broaden the student community's knowledge on problems within the community.
"Students for Arizona PIRG is a statewide student group working on issues relating to the public sphere - civic engagement, consumer rights and environmental issues, to name a few," said Imran Kirkland, student leader of the group.
The club works with professional staff like scientists, lawyers and organizers who work for students. They help form research solutions, draft policies and run local, statewide and national campaigns.
In PIRG's recent event - "How much did publishers rip you off" - students raised awareness of the price of textbooks.
"Students spend an average of $900 a year on textbooks, and prices keep going up. Here at ASU West, students expressed rising textbook prices as their top concern this fall," said Robin Averbeck, ASU West campus organizer.
Raising concerns about this problem could really help out the community and make college more affordable.
This semester the program will be working on public awareness of the problem and work with faculty and administration to call attention to the issues that need solutions.
"We have big plans for the semester, but we can only make them a reality
with a lot of help," Averbeck said.
"I like emphasizing community, so working with PIRG has helped me further sharpen my leadership and organizational skills, which is pretty much invaluable," Kirkland said.
PIRG is currently working on a project to raise awareness of global warming. It will start to put pressure on the new U.S. Congress to begin aggressive national power shifts on global warming, Averbeck said.
Group members are planning to have a panel discussion that will address the problem at university and state levels.
Panelists include Diane Brown, executive director of Arizona PIRG, and Jim Buizer and Bonny Bentzin, executive and assistant directors of ASU's Office of Sustainability Initiatives.
"Arizona has the largest potential for solar in the country," Averbeck said. "We get over 300 days of sunshine each year and have the ability to get all of Arizona's energy needs from solar. All we need now is the leadership to make it happen."
"We are also working with the governor's office on statewide clean cars legislation," Averbeck added.
Arizona PIRG is taking internship applications for campaigns they will hold. The group needs students to work with the professional staff to put its plans into action.
Sarah Holtz, psychology senior and intern, said, "I am learning a variety of leadership skills and promotional strategies, and working with a great group of motivated individuals."
"I believe in the causes. We are the future," Holtz said.
Whether it is an internship, a position or volunteer work, Holtz said she believes that it is important to get the information out there that global warming, poverty and clean water are issues that need to be acknowledged and solutions need to be found.
If you are interested in learning more about the internship program, please call the ASASUW office at 602-543-8151 and ask for Robin or Imran.
Reach the reporter at: cristina.boccio@asu.edu.
