The Wisconsin Public Interest Group applied for funding eligibility for the next two academic years from the Student Services Finance Committee Monday. WISPIRG is a state-based organization that works to address and find solutions to issues of public interest.
WISPIRG member Mariella Televen said the group’s mission is to “engage students on public interest campaigns” and to do “the research, advocacy and grassroots organizing that it takes to make big changes at the local, state and federal level.” Last year, campaigns centered on issues such as public transportation and sustainable foods.
In order to receive funding, groups must demonstrate they provide a direct service, which constitutes educational benefits available and customizable to the needs of any University of Wisconsin-Madison students.
Televen said the group’s campaigns and the skillsets students develop from taking part in campaigns and leadership roles are the direct services because all students have the opportunity to get involved and “make a difference in the skills that they care about.”
WISPIRG has received funding from SSFC previously, but had controversies over the past two years with former Chancellor David Ward.
Ward denied WISPIRG funding of professional staff for academic years 2012-’13 and 2013-’14. In a March ’13 statement, Ward said WISPIRG needed to seek out funding through other means than SSFC for its professional staff.
Televen said WISPIRG hires professional staff to help students make changes as far as the federal level by assisting students with writing bills and developing effective campaigns.
WISPIRG will receive their eligibility decision on Thursday.
