INPIRG uses hot-button issues to draw new members

Students walking around the Indiana Memorial Union on Tuesday could easily read the minds of the Indiana Public Interest Research Group members stationed near to the elevators.\n“What’s your plan on financial security” and “what’s your plan on global warming” were two of the thoughts emanating from students’ heads, both figuratively and literally. \nThe Indiana Public Interest Research Group is an organization dedicated to improving the environment and promoting citizen involvement. The group took pictures of 47 people, including IU Dean of Students Dick McKaig with thought bubbles next to their heads to compile a visual petition that will be sent to the 2008 presidential candidates. The petition is part of INPIRG’s “What’s your plan?” campaign. \n“It asks the presidential candidates about issues that effect our generation,” said INPIRG president Brett Kokot. “It’s going to show them that the 18-24 demographic is a group worth paying attention to.” \nThe college-aged demographic will be making an impact on other things as well, Kokot said.\nThe four major campaigns INPIRG will be focusing on this year are the New Voters Project, “What’s your plan?”, Hunger and Homelessness and Campus Climate Challenge. \nFor the Campus Climate Challenge, Kokot said that INPIRG is trying to organize a Focus the Nation rally. According to Focus the Nation’s Web site, the rally aims to coordinate teams of faculty and students at thousands of colleges, universities and K-12 schools all over the nation. \nFor IU’s rally, Kokot hopes to secure senators, representatives, University administrators, faculty and the mayor as speakers.\nINPIRG will be hosting a membership drive during the week of Sept. 13, when they will petition students to join their group by walking around campus, setting up a table outside of Ballantine Hall and posting fliers around the University, Kokot said. \nIsabel Estevez, media coordinator for the Hunger and Homelessness campaign, said INPIRG provides an extraordinary opportunity for students to get involved on a local, national and eventually, a global level. \n “It’s an easy way to make a difference,” she said. “It doesn’t require a great time commitment – a few hours can go a long way.”\nStudents looking to get involved with INPIRG before next week can sign up on the group’s Web site, www.inpirg.org.