Here are the 2023 Board Candidate Profiles!
There is room on the Board for all four candidates. Members will be asked to vote Yes or No to each candidate at the 2023 election, taking place during the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday March 29th.
GRACY GO
Are you running as a student or community member?
Student member
What kind of skills and experience (volunteer, work, life) would you bring to the OPIRG Board?
I have previously been employed with OPIRG Guelph as an undergraduate work study student in 2021 and as a community member in 2022. I am already familiar with the type of activism OPIRG Guelph is involved in and love the work they do as an organization. I feel that my work as a history graduate whose thesis is focused on the centering of marginalized folks, specifically queer, and/or transgender, women of colour (QTWOC) could contribute to how we understand systematic oppression and how we choose to approach our advocacy of those who are pushed to the margins, both in the context of academia (across all disciplines), as well as in wider society.
Why are you interested in becoming a Board member?
I want to be on the OPIRG Board because I have felt disconnected from practicing “active activism.” Working with OPIRG has given me time to reflect on my values, which include accessibility, inclusivity, and intersectionality. OPIRG welcomes expressing feelings about systemic injustices in so-called Canada, and on RadiOPIRG I was given the opportunity to talk about anti-Asian racism that immigrant workers faced by White settlers, and how anti-Asian sentiment still exists to this day. What was most important was that I was able to reflect on the ways that not only my communities are oppressed, but the ways in which we are the oppressor. My ultimate goal in being a board member would be to continue learning from others’ experiences of discrimination, and what work needs to be done to actively challenge these cultural and social inequities.
List three goals that you would like to see accomplished by the OPIRG Board?
- I would love to attend more workshops or even just have more discussions on environmental justice. I am aware of the wonderful work that has been done with the Speed River Cleanup and 2Rivers projects, but I have yet to be involved in these types of events. Environmental justice and social justice are linked, and I think it would be beneficial to highlight their ties to one another. One major example that comes to mind happens in so-called Canada, which is the lack of effort settlers put in understanding Indigenous peoples’ and their relationship to their land, and how settlers continue to contribute to its destruction. The ways in which colonization, and the capitalistic systems that derived from it have been destructive to the environment due to the abuse of resources, inaccessibility to adequate living conditions (i.e., lack of clean drinking water) and the hoarding and exploitation of stolen land by settlers.
- Continue funding for anti-oppression workshops and make them regular events. Reflection of the ways we have privilege can help our activism as both an organization and as individuals. Privileged individuals may be unaware that their biases influence their perceptions of those with less privilege, leading to comments that are harmful to Black, Indigenous, and other racialized people, i.e., microaggressions.
- Radical Reads should be started up again! OPIRG has the best library, and I think there could be some really productive conversations if meetings are held consistently – having an online chat-based version of this (such as through a text-based platform like Discord or Slack) may help those who wish to participate but don’t particularly like talking in-person. OPIRG also has a zine collection, and since zines are a large part of my thesis research, I would be more than happy to facilitate some sort of discussion about these!
OPIRG is continuing to work on issues of anti-oppression, which include, but are not limited to, racism, heterosexism, classism, sexism, ableism, and ageism.
What are some of the ways that you think oppression can affect our work on social and environmental justice?
Oppression is inherently tied to this type of work, which is why intersectionality is so important. We must address that the efforts needed in social and environmental justice work will not be the same across contexts. Privilege blinds us from seeing how oppression affects others and impacts the level of effort we put in to understand its complexities. Not only should we try to recognize social barriers and how we can challenge them, but we should also acknowledge how we may contribute to upholding these barriers and limiting the spaces that should be afforded to marginalized folks.
In a similar vein, we should also recognize when it is not our time and/or place to speak in the place of someone else who has experienced and lived through oppressive systems in a specific social, cultural, national, etc. context that we do not identify with. It’s good to recognize when we need to be silent and listen to others as much as it is to know when it is acceptable to contribute to certain conversations.
Do you have any experience(s) or ideas that you can contribute to our work on anti-oppression?
Again, my academic work is a motivating factor in learning how to practice true anti-oppression. Women’s voices have been and are still actively being silenced or erased. Women’s histories are forgotten because of this; their narratives are left untold, and any contributions or work they provided goes uncredited. The erasure of women’s histories increases if they are women of colour and is further compounded if they identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
My own experiences as a queer Filipina growing up in an area of mostly white people was isolating, and the racial discrimination I faced shaped how I interacted with others. I felt like I could never fully fit in anywhere, so I really appreciate safe and welcoming spaces that value inclusivity.
My experiences are of course only one facet of the numerous experiences of all marginalized women, so I can never speak for someone else. Still, I hope that I can 1. Provide a different perspective to discussions of anti-oppression and 2. Help ensure that OPIRG continues to hold events that are accessible and inclusive to all.
EFFA ALI
Are you running as a student or community member?
Student
What kind of skills and experience (volunteer, work, life) would you bring to the OPIRG Board?
I believe the intersectionality of my identity as a queer hijabi would be valuable to the OPIRG Board as I can help specifically address the needs and promote greater inclusivity and representation of individuals who often fall into the gaps between queer and Muslim communities. I also believe that my Afghan heritage and my position as the founder of the Guelph Afghan Student Association at the University of Guelph will help encourage opportunities to connect with other like-minded individuals and organizations striving towards similar goals and values.
Why are you interested in becoming a Board member?
I am applying for this position as I would love to see more people like me represented on the Board to facilitate discussions and promote awareness around the communities I identify with.
List three goals that you would like to see accomplished by the OPIRG Board.
Promoting inclusivity of and fostering a safe space for queer Muslims
Justice and awareness of the ever-changing political scene of Afghanistan, including the oppression of women and minorities within the country
An overall intersectional approach towards anti-oppression and social and environmental justice
OPIRG is continuing to work on issues of anti-oppression, which include, but are not limited to, racism, heterosexism, classism, sexism, ableism, and ageism.
What are some of the ways that you think oppression can affect our work on social and environmental justice?
Marginalized groups may be excluded from decision-making processes due to explicit or implicit biases resulting in their concerns being overlooked or ignored, which can perpetuate existing inequalities and obstacles. Additionally, the lack of diversity and representation within social and environmental justice organizations and movements can result in limited perspectives on certain issues, resulting in a lack of understanding of the experiences and needs of marginalized groups. Oppression can also create power imbalances, making it difficult for marginalized groups to assert their needs and concerns, perpetuating systems of inequality. Moreover, oppressed individuals and communities may experience burnout and trauma as a result of their experiences, impacting their ability to engage in social and environmental justice work effectively. Overall, the active empowerment and representation of marginalized groups is essential in fostering an intersectional approach towards social and environmental justice. This includes addressing power imbalances and providing support and resources to marginalized individuals and communities.
Do you have any experience(s) or ideas that you can contribute to our work on anti-oppression?
I believe that I will help to represent the voices of my communities in discussions of anti-oppression, facilitating a more intersectional approach towards social and environmental justice.
PAUL COSTELLO
Are you running as a student or community member?
I am running for re-election as a Community Member of the Board.
What kind of skills and experience (volunteer, work, life) would you bring to the OPIRG Board?
I spent much of my life in sales and food distribution.
In 1998 I decided to spend my last few years (12) in the working world, owning and operating two taxis in Guelph. It was something that I did from time to time on a part time basis over the years and eventually decided that it was something that I would enjoy on a full time basis.
Sitting in the taxi, I got to talk with a lot of people who were courageously fighting their way through some daunting but ordinary challenges. Someday, I said, I would get out of the taxi and try to help.
For the last three years I have been volunteering at least once a week at the Guelph Food Bank and for over four years, I’ve been supporting Ed Pickersgill’s Bench, visiting weekly with donations and conversation. Before the pandemic, the conversations were much longer. I look forward to seeing that again. I’ve recently begun helping to give out food and drinks at Rachel’s Kitchen, also located at The Bench. I’ve also been serving dinner two nights a week at the Royal City Mission.
The hands on volunteering came after years of political activity:
- Wellington Water Watchers since 2009
- Council of Canadians since 2011, (Board member since 2011)
- Guelph Against Pipelines (GAP) since 2012
- Fossil Free Guelph while it was in existence
- Guelph Wellington Coalition for Social Justice since 2015
- Hamilton350.org since 2017.
- Extinction Rebellion Guelph 2018-19
Why are you interested in becoming a Board member?
I’ve already served two terms on the Board and have been active in OPIRG action groups since 2012. I was even part of Symposium cooking crews before becoming a Board member. You could say that I’ve worked my way up from the slop pail. I sit on the Programming and Funding Committee and have sat on Hiring committees as needed. I’m currently a signing authority for the organization. I’d like to remain on the Board because I have a lot of connections with an older, off-campus demographic and I have a lot of time and energy to give to OPIRG. As a long-term Board member I can also provide some continuity and mentorship.
List three goals that you would like to see accomplished by the OPIRG Board.
Our main goal from here is to understand that a post pandemic OPIRG will be, like similar organizations that survive, a reinvented OPIRG. It will be easy for a well funded organization to think it’s doing fine because the lights are on and the door isn’t locked. Finding a way to be visibly more radical without breaking from funding criteria will be a challenge, while we toil under this extremely oppressive provincial regime. Building blocks and new goals will appear, while we move the goal posts without apologies. By definition, a Community Board Member’s task is to maintain and improve OPIRG’s relationships with other people and organizations who will be in the same thralls of post pandemic reinvention.
OPIRG is continuing to work on issues of anti-oppression, which include, but are not limited to, racism, heterosexism, classism, sexism, ableism, and ageism.
What are some of the ways that you think oppression can affect our work on social and environmental justice?
This extremely oppressive provincial government must face the wrath of action groups like others that have been inspired and nurtured by OPIRG in the past.
Do you have any experience(s) or ideas that you can contribute to our work on anti-oppression?
In the past few (4-5) years, I have developed mobility issues that make ableism a personal issue. I could add ageism to that.
ENNA MARKS-GRANT
Are you running as a student or community member?
I am a community member.
What kind of skills/experience would you bring to the OPIRG board?
I have worked in the customer service industry for 7 years, I am enthusiastic, genuine and love working in a community-based environment. I have an extensive background in anti poverty and anti-racism systems, as I am a PGM and have completed a degree in Anthropology at the University of Guelph. This being said, I do recognize that this program is highly colonial and should be criticized.
I have also worked as an administrative assistant with the GBHS (Guelph Black Heritage Society). The GBHS is a not-for-profit that focuses on BIPOC community building, maintaining Black history and PGM landmarks within Guelph, and educating allies. I now have proficiency in organizing schedules, delegating calendars and understanding how to properly promote, organize and execute events.
As a person of the global majority, I am compelled to fight for the equality of all individuals and to thrive for a better world for women, PGM, Indigenous and LGBTQ communities. I take pride in my self-awareness, creativity and how this has helped my overall internal growth. I have experience organizing people, relaying information and creating long lasting relationships as I have trained many individuals and have planned many events with the University of Guelph.
I believe that the strengths and experiences listed above will bring value to OPIRG.
Why are you interested in becoming a board member?
The number one reason that I am interested in becoming a board member is because I’d like to be able to advocate more for the people of Guelph. Specifically, the population that is home insecure. As we know there is a housing crisis in Guelph, and I personally feel the need to do so much more for this population.
Number two: I have always wanted to work more closely within the not-for-profit sector, and I have genuinely been looking for an opportunity where I can learn about coordinating programs, funding and policy. This generation (and me) are in need of more spaces where like minded individuals push each other to do better for the community and with the community. I believe that OPIRG is this place.
Number three: I was lucky enough to volunteer for and participate in the OPIRG symposium March 4th-5th. This was a life-changing experience for me as I have never felt so heard and understood as a PGM. I am truly looking for more ways where I can advocate and support the community of Guelph and perhaps give someone what I received during the symposium. I believe that this opportunity is the way to begin.
List three goals that you would like to see accomplished by the OPIRG board?
- Create events that incorporate how art and environmental justice intersect
- Create an action group for Guelph BIPOC to access to food/housing/health care more easily
- Collaboration with the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library for BIPOC to find more community and do activities together (capture the flag, manhunt, hikes etc.)
OPIRG is continuing to work on issues of anti-oppression, which include, but are not limited to, racism, heterosexism, classism, sexism, ableism, and ageism.
What are some of the ways that you think oppression can affect our work on social and environmental justice?
Oppression will always affect our work on social and environmental justice. They will always be linked; they cannot be parted. I believe that within actions there needs to be a greater emphasis, a greater push, from those creating the action to understand the depths of intersectionality. To know that they cannot treat all individuals that they would like to help in the same way. For example, youth homelessness and starting an action to help the community understand their rights. When this action is created, there must be an understanding that PGM youths that are home insecure are targeted by society to a greater extent. Therefore, during this kind of action, there needs to be even more care and sensitivity, to explain those rights to PGM’s. As well as learning and listening to PGM’s. This must be done within every single action. Remembering that intersectionality always exists and needs to be seen and understood.
Do you have any experience(s) or ideas that you can contribute to our work on anti-oppression?
I understand that this sounds quite simple but putting more effort into purely listening to marginalized people. Marginalized groups are spoken over more often and are not always allowed to finish thoughts, ideas, or sentences, they are usually glossed over in general. Creating space for those ideas to be listened to and respected would drastically change how PGM’s are welcomed into the space. Perhaps implementing a small sign that states “Allow people to finish their thoughts” could help. It is direct and I believe that glancing over at it in the corner of your eye would eventually have a desired effect.