The state PIRGs have openings for entry-level and experienced staff throughout the nation, and they recruit about 150 college seniors every year to join their staff after graduation. These graduates work as campus organizers, fellows, administrators, communications directors, or issue advocates or in media production and online organizing. Other positions exist for college graduates as well.
The federation's website details several recent campaigns, including Florida PIRG, which is working to encourage the Food and Drug Administration to crack down on misleading drug advertisements, to allow Congress to negotiate drug discounts for the Medicare program, to end inappropriate gifts to doctors, and to require drug companies to disclose information and studies about the effectiveness and safety of their drugs.
Another campaign, CALPIRG: Fight Political Corruption, is dedicated to making sure the office that polices ethics issues in Congress is free from special interest influence. In a bid to stop energy waste in Michigan, the campaign PIRGIM: Energy Efficient Michigan is calling on state leaders to provide incentives such as tax breaks and standards for energy-efficient services and products, to require utilities to meet mandatory reductions in electricity and cooling and heating energy usage, and to update building codes to ensure energy efficiency.
Related organizations which individuals pursuing careers in public interest may look into include the Toxics Action Center, Ecopledge, The Green Life, Pesticide Watch, and Green Century Capital Management, all of which strive for environmental awareness and safety in public health.
The US PIRG website presents staff profiles of positions in its federation for those interested. It explains the duties of campus organizers, who recruit students, community, and faculty members to investigate problems and provide support for solutions. The organizers train volunteers, and together they work with the media, build coalitions, research issues, generate citizen support, and educate the public.
The public interest campaigns the organizers lead span a wide range of issues. Students at the University of Connecticut recently organized community service projects that raised more than $10,000 to fight homelessness and hunger. Students from the MASSPIRG chapters convinced the state senate to preserve public land.
Issue advocates are responsible for media exposes, advocacy and litigation, grassroots organizing, and investigative research. They are also involved in lobbying, policy development, fundraising, media outreach, and campaign strategies.
See US PIRG's website for more information about the kind of work they do and for a complete listing of job availabilities in your area.
