If you're looking for a powerful experience that helps change America for the better, consider U.S. PIRG (U.S. Public Interest Research Group). U.S. PIRG is a federation of state-based, nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations that work for the public interest on issues ranging from our nation's energy policy to the future of the Internet to the strength of our democracy.
We all know that our country has no shortage of problems. We also have a surplus of solutions. Clean energy can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and our role in global warming. "Net neutrality" can keep our Internet free from corporate control. Paper trails can help make sure that every vote counts. Our professional staff focus on finding good ideas and pushing for real change, even when a powerful corporation or politician or other interest stands in the way.
We've built a 30-year track record of overcoming these obstacles to achieve real results, due in part to the fact that we hire dozens of smart, talented staff and give them plenty of responsibility from day one on the job. Here are just a few examples of our recent campaigns:
PIRGIM: Energy Efficient MichiganWith skyrocketing energy prices, increased reliance on foreign and out-of-state oil and natural gas, and increasing environmental destruction from our current energy path, now is the time to stop wasting energy in Michigan. PIRG In Michigan (PIRGIM) is working to implement simple, smart solutions to save energy. Go to PIRGIM's campaign site >>
Florida PIRG: Prescription Drug SafetyThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently very limited in its ability to identify dangerous prescription drugs and inform doctors and consumers about drug-related health risks. Florida PIRG is working to give the FDA the authority it needs to protect consumers from unsafe drugs. Go to Florida PIRG's campaign site >>
CALPIRG: Fight Political CorruptionAll the scandals, indictments and resignations have cast a cloud over Congress. They have also opened the door to real reform. CALPIRG is calling on Congress to set up an independent group to enforce the rules that are meant to prevent special interests from unduly influencing laws, and urging Congress to adopt tough new reforms. Go to CALPIRG's campaign site >>
Learn more about U.S. PIRG, the federation of state PIRGs, here. >>
Learn more about the student PIRGs here. >> Related OrganizationsThe state PIRGs have also played a role in establishing a variety of other organizations over the years, including:
The Fund for Public Interest Research, founded in 1982 by the state PIRGs, fills many support roles for the PIRGs, primarily in the fundraising, membership development and recruitment, financial management, and human resources departments.
National Environmental Law Center is a non-profit litigation center dedicated to enforcing anti-pollution laws and promoting long-term solutions to the nation's most pressing environmental problems.
Toxics Action Center works with neighborhood groups across New England, helping citizens wage effective campaigns against toxic pollution in their communities.
Ecopledge organizes students, consumers and investors to create positive changes in the environmental practices of corporations.
Pesticide Watch is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to ending the use of toxic pesticides in California by empowering communities to protect their environment and promote safe alternatives.
The Green Life helps the growing number of environmentally aware, health conscious Americans make informed lifestyle decisions. Through education, outreach and advocacy, The Green Life supports a demand-driven movement toward sustainable consumption, while guarding against supply-side greenwash.
Green Century Capital Management is the administrator of a family of environmentally responsible mutual funds. Founded and owned by non-profit environmental groups, one hundred percent of Green Century's profits fund the work of non-profit advocacy organizations.