The RPIRG Board of Directors is composed of 8 Student Members of RPIRG. It is the decision-making body of RPIRG, which makes all major decisions regarding finances, long-term goals, long-term viability of the organization, staffing, and funding applications.
Every spring, students vote for their Board of Directors in conjunction with other student group elections. All Student Members of RPIRG who are in good standing will be able to run for a seat on the RPIRG Board of Directors. Typically, terms are two years, and four positions are available every election. This cycle ensures a mix of four out-going and four-incoming members, to ensure continuity and organizational memory on the board.
To contact our 2012-2013 Board of Directors, please email board@rpirg.org
Meet Our 2012-2013 Board of Directors
Piper Burns
I’m a second year Arts student at Luther College. I have been interested in social justice and environmental issues for the past few years which led me to RPIRG’s Generating Momentum camp in the summer of 2012. The camp was a really amazing experience for me and opened my eyes to the importance of social change now! In the past I have been active politically as a volunteer in civic and provincial elections. I am very excited to be contributing to the RPIRG board this year and have found it to be a great tool in staying informed on local and global issues. Oh and I like riding my bike! Also I am looking forward to what is sure to be another great semester on the RPIRG board and hope to take what I learn and use it to teach others in my community.
Kay Niedermayer
Hi, my name is Kay Niedermayer and I am thrilled to be a part of the 2012-2013 RPIRG Board of Directors! I am in my fourth year of International Development studies. During the last several years I have participated in many social justice and environmental campaigns on campus. I am especially passionate about food sovereignty, composting, and love to get my hands and feet dirty in the garden. I feel that as students we have an obligation to stand in solidarity with peoples around the world as we struggle for social and environmental justice. I believe that our university campus is the ideal location to start discussions and initiatives for building a stronger community and that as students, we have a huge role to play in this movement.
Andrea Nelson
Presently wrapping up a Campion History degree, I feel fortunate to be continuing another year with this inspiring organization. To me, being a part of the RPIRG Board of Directors means serving as an involved member of a meaningful and necessary agent in our community. I’m happy to offer active leadership, student governance experience, and a deep yearning for a just and sustainable future. In the next year, I would like to see RPIRG continue its great work in advancing the social justice movement and empowering eager participation in campus and community life. I would also like to see a continued emphasis in sparking increases in sustainable and active transportation use, sprouting holistic understandings of food sovereignty and healthy living for all, as well as inspiring meaningful shifts towards a truly sustainable campus.
Devon Peters
My name is Devon Peters and I am super excited to have the opportunity to work with the RPIRG team this coming year. Let me tell you a bit about myself. First, the basics; I’m a 20 year old, 2nd year education student majoring in French immersion and I’m currently on an exchange in Quebec that ends in May. I love rock climbing, debating social issues and being an active part of the student community. I’m also a returning board member; In my first year on the RPIRG board I worked on two committees: the Applications Assessment Committee and the Staff Relations Committee. I was also a part of the team that put on the Apathy into Action Conference and a dedicated volunteer for many other RPIRG events including Stephen Lewis’ presentation. I hope I can use my experience to make this year a great success!
Kent Peterson
Kent Peterson graduated from the University of Regina in 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 2011 Kent was elected as the president of the University of Regina Students’ Union for the 2011-2012 academic year. He also sits on the national executive of the Canadian Federation of Students. In addition to his activism and organizing within the student movement, Kent also works as the Director of Communications and Research for the Saskatchewan Building Trades Council, a body which represents thousands of unionized construction workers throughout Saskatchewan. Kent’s involvement in the labour movement also includes serving on a number of boards and committees.
Sonia Stanger
A second-year English Major with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, I am a proud member of the student movement and an avid reader. Since getting my first taste for student politics in the 2010 CFS Referendum, I have become actively interested in social justice and activism, both at the U of R and in our community, with a specific interest in youth engagement. I headed up the “Vote for Change” campaign in conjunction with the 2011 URSU general election, and was the volunteer coordinator for this past year “Our Future is Now” student advocacy campaign. Having twice attended Generating Momentum, the activist leadership training camp put on by RPIRG and the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation, I have seen firsthand how RPIRG can be an agent for change in our community and am ecstatic to get the chance to be a part of the organization. I look very forward to the year to come, and to working with such a choice group of fellow young activists!
Patience Umereweneza
My name is Patience Umereweneza and i am a third year Health Studies student. I have spent the last two years as a Sponsored Student Mentor and Co-chair for World University Service Canada (WUSC) Regina. I have also been a peer chaplain at the Luther College chaplaincy team. I am very passionate on issues regarding human development such as preventative healthcare, environmental sustainability, economic stability, and social engagement. I believe that by being a part of RPIRG, I will be able to offer my passion, skills and experience in grassroots organizing in our community.
Anna Weber
My name is Anna Weber and I’m in my fourth year at the U of R studying International Development. I am passionate about social justice and I believe in the importance of a strong community. I am looking forward to being on the RPIRG board of directors, and feel confident that I can help make decisions that support the long-term goals of the organization. I would like to see RPIRG continue to flourish in the next year, in providing support and resources to student groups, and organizing events for the community centered on social and environmental justice.
