WashPIRG hits UW to rally for signatures

With its aim of attracting the attention of at least 15 percent of the student population registered for winter quarter, the UW chapter of the Washington Public Interest Group (WashPIRG) kicks off its three-day reaffirmation signature drive today.

By collecting 5,626 signatures -- 15 percent of the total number of students registered for winter quarter -- WashPIRG will secure its place on a referendum for the ASUW elections in May. The referendum would allow students to choose whether or not to maintain the $3 donation option on the UW's online registration system.

WashPIRG's contract renewal process occurs once every four years to ensure at least 15 percent of the student body supports the organization, the minimum requirement for the group to solicit student donations during registration. WashPIRG has been funded through the registration process since it was founded in 1976.

Every year, students donate between $3,000 and $4,000 through the registration portal. WashPIRG receives 100 percent of its funding from student donations, according to senior Rachel Liston, a four-year WashPIRG member and state board chair. The money raised goes toward campaigns, posters and materials and to pay the professional staff that works at WashPIRG.

WashPIRG has 60 to 70 regular members and a mailing list of about 500, according to Liston. The group's purpose is "to give students a vehicle for civic learning, community service and social change campaigns," she said.

The group's projects include campaigns to protect the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, textbook price reduction, hunger and homelessness issues, clean car legislation and tsunami relief.

About 150 students will be involved in this week's campaign for student support. The signature drive has been the focus of the group, said senior and vice chair Alicia Boulet, a two-year member of the organization. Boulet, who ran the Hanford clean-up campaign last quarter, said the referendum took precedent this quarter.

"Obviously it's going to take a lot of effort, but we're optimistic," said Liston, adding she and Boulet have devoted a lot of time and planning to the project during the past few months.

WashPIRG plans to set up signature-gathering centers at several campus locations, including Red Square, the HUB, the quad and Drumheller Fountain. Booths will be themed according to WashPIRG campaigns.

The fountain will be the backdrop for the organization's Tsunami relief booth, which will raise awareness about WashPIRG's involvement while also attracting signatures.

In Red Square, Boulet's booth will have a 90s theme. Boulet said she hopes hot pink and Vanilla Ice will attract students to sign their support to WashPIRG.

Signature gatherers are looking at long days, Boulet said. Booths will be set up by 8 a.m. and will probably remain open until 8 p.m., depending on the cumulative number of signatures collected.

Boulet said she hopes students will be supportive in the next few days.

"It's really important," she said. "I think a lot of times people think it's going to take a long time if they're stopped, but it really only takes a second and WashPIRG is a really important organization that's doing a lot for social justice and the environment."