OPIRG Community Activist Training (O-CAT) (formerly OPIRG Board Training School, BTS) is an opportunity for OPIRG network members to get together to build connection, skills and solidarity. OCAT 2026 will take place in Guelph, Ontario, from May 22-24.
OPIRG Community Activist Training (O-CAT) will be a chance to meet all the other amazing OPIRG-involved organizers and Board members from across the Province. You’ll get to learn about other Chapters’ programs and campaigns, attend sessions to solidify your skills, troubleshoot common problems together, and socialize with other radical change makers. The people you meet at O-CAT will likely continue to be sources of support, friendship, and comradeship for years to come.
Tell me more!
At OCAT, you’ll meet amazing organizers from across the Province. You’ll get to learn about other Chapters’ programs and campaigns, attend sessions to solidify your skills, troubleshoot common problems together, and socialize with new and old radical friends. The people you meet at OCAT will likely continue to be sources of support, friendship, and comradeship for years to come.
Event Information
Who is this for? This weekend is for OPIRG board members, action group members, volunteers, and staff. We also welcome friends from Guelph’s campus and community who want to learn more about OPIRG and/or take part in training sessions that help them in their own work.
What is the cost? We want to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to anyone, and so the sessions, accommodations, and meals are all FREE, courtesy of Ontario PIRG and this year’s host OPIRG Guelph. We welcome donations! The expected cost of food per person is $100, and the expected cost of accommodation per person is $100, so any help covering those costs would be appreciated. You can donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-an-ontario-pirg-chapter (when prompted, choose the “Ontario PIRG Network Overall” option). Any donation to OCAT qualifies for a charitable tax receipt. Registered charity number: 11906 8187 RR0001
What is the program schedule? The weekend will kick off starting Friday, May 22 at 6pm and close on Sunday, May 24th at 6pm. Take a look at the program here: OCAT Program Information
You’ll have a much better experience if you come in-person, but we will have some virtual participation options for those who are unable to come.
How do I register? Registration is quick and simple. Click the following: https://forms.gle/f9Coa2XZsmu2NxtT9
The deadline to register is May. 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm
Logistics Information
Food: Meals will be provided throughout the weekend (except for Saturday breakfast). Attendees will have access to a kitchen space as part of their accommodations where they may prepare breakfast.
When registering, please ensure you list allergies, dietary restrictions, and food accommodation needs.
Room Accommodations: All attendees may register for room accommodations. OCAT organizers have booked rooms on the University of Guelph campus with room layouts that are mostly single dorm rooms (with a few doubles) in clusters of 10.
To take a virtual tour, select East Residence -> East Towers – Lanark Suite or East Towers – Dundas Suite on the following link: https://www.uoguelph.ca/housing/tours/
Important: Please inform OCAT organizers if you have additional accessibility needs when registering for room accommodations. Also, you should check in with your Chapter in case they have other accommodation plans.
Transportation: Please reach out to your local OPIRG, as each Chapter will be responsible for planning and coordinating transportation for their Chapter members. OCAT organizers will support each Chapter with registration numbers for facilitating transport.
Childcare: On-site childcare will be provided for attendees responsible for children. Attendees who require childcare throughout the OCAT weekend may indicate so when filling out the registration form.
Other Important Information
Would you like to volunteer? OCAT organizers are looking for volunteers to assist with set-up/take-down, staffing the registration/info table, meal support, tech support, facilitation, note-taking, assisting people from out-of-town to find their way around, and ensuring all session rooms remain clean and stocked. If you’re willing and able, please indicate on the registration form.
Here is a google doc link for a more accessible reading format: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yUKtw8oo_ctZbVTPDNSaoM21828xEDu4HaHKhdz8Z2c/edit?usp=sharing
Need to get in touch?
The OCAT Organizing Committee is Joseph (OPIRG Ottawa), Mandy (OPIRG Guelph), Kaitlyn (OPIRG Brock) and Angela (LSPIRG). If you have questions or need more information, please reach out to us through Joseph at admin@opirg-gripo.ca.