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. This year it will take place in Ottawa, ON and is being hosted by OPIRG Provincial and OPIRG Ottawa GRIPO. And we’re so happy to introduce the new name and acronym, O-CAT!
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.
Who is this for?
All OPIRG Board members, action group members, volunteers, and staff are all welcome! We will also invite OPIRG Ottawa community members to join and register this year (on a separate registration form)
The name OPIRG Community Activist Training (O-CAT) refers to how this event emphasizes growing the capacity of student/community organizers to act effectively as Board members at PIRG Chapters, and we are also hosting workshops that are relevant to student/community organizers in general so we know folks will get a lot out of it even if your role at OPIRG isn’t as a Board member.
DATES/TIME: Friday May 23 – Sunday May 25th, Ottawa, ON
Friday, May 23 (6pm – 10pm)
Saturday, May 24 (9am-6pm, with an evening activity
Sunday, May 25th (9:30am-3pm, with optional afternoon activity)
What are the logistics?
- Travel expenses: Please check in wiht your indivdual chapters as the know the process of travel, accomodations and food for O-CAT. ou can also reach out to our Provincial Coordinator and she can provide you this information: opirgprovcoordinator@gmail.com.
- Accommodations: If you aren’t local we will work to connect you with a billeting option for your accommodations for Friday and Saturday night. If you have your accommodations, great and please let us know! Ask your friends in Ottawa if they would be willing to billet (allow folks to stay at their houses/apartments), and if they say yes, please contact our Provincial Coordinator so she can add them to the list opirgprovcoordinator@gmail.com.
- Understanding that not everyone can make it to the in-person meeting, we will have virtual participation options as well as recordings for many of the sessions.
- We will ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to anyone.
Need more information? Please reach out directly to Victoria, OPIRG Provincial Coordinator at: opirgprovcoordinator@gmail.com.