As one of MPIRG’s original campuses, MacPIRG has been going strong since 1971 teaching students the skills they need to effect positive change in their communities. This year we have four task forces.

Affordable Housing and Homelessness // The Affordable Housing and Homelessness Task Force’s primary goal is to ensure the passage of the Housing Solutions Act, state legislation that would create a trust fund to assist low-income Minnesotans pay for the housing they need. The Task Force has also put on a number of successful education and service events including a sleep-out, hunger banquet and midnight run. Task Force Leader: Daniel Kerwin, dkerwin@macalester.edu.

Democracy // MacPIRG’s newest Task Force, Democracy, was formed in fall 2007 to build student interest in the upcoming presidential elections through a series of debate watching parties and a trip to Iowa for the Heartland Candidate Forum. This semester they’ve shifted their focus to St. Paul’s campaign for instant runoff voting, an alternative voting system that ensures accurate representation and makes it easier for third party or independent candidates to participate. They’ll also be building the groundwork for MPIRG’s 2008 youth voter drive. Task Force Leader: Kim DeLanghe, kdelanghe@macalester.edu.

Environment // MacPIRG’s Environment Task Force has focused on the Detox MN campaign, working to protect Minnesota families by phasing out dangerous and unnecessary toxins from common consumer products in favor of safer alternatives. Last fall they organized a forum with doctors and organizers working for chemical policy reform that drew strong support from the community. This semester they’re bringing together residents, business leaders and elected officials in Ramsey County to ban phthalates and bisphenol-A, two particularly dangerous chemicals, from products intended for children under three. Task Force Leader: Zach Lazar, zlazar@macalester.edu.

Macalester College students speak with Senator Dick Cohen at Clean Energy Lobby Day

Fair Trade // Fair trade has long been one of MacPIRG’s most popular and successful Task Forces. Last year they worked with Macalester’s dining service to bring 100 percent fair trade coffee to the cafeteria. This year they’re working with the school’s Social Responsibility Committee to sign the school onto the Designated Suppliers Program, which would ensure that all clothing bearing Macalester’s name is made by manufacturers that pay decent wages and respect worker’s rights. Task Force Leader: Federico Burlon, fburlon@macalester.edu.

For more information email MacPIRG chair/state board representative Thom Boik at tboik@macalester.edu. Or check us out on Facebook, http://minnesota.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4737658951.
Meetings: Tuesday, 9-10 p.m., Campus Center 215
Skills trainings before every meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Campus Organizer
Peter Starzynski, extension 304, peter@mpirg.org

www.Macalester.edu