Start a PIRG Chapter
Together, we can build a better future. Our society has always relied upon its colleges, universities, and students to lead the way in addressing society’s problems. It is a significant part of the mission of every college to teach students how to solve societal problems and give back to their communities.
For forty years CALPIRG students have been standing up to powerful interests. CALPIRG students is an independent state-based student organization that works to solve public interest problems, protecting our public health, our environment, our rights as consumers, and our democracy.
Fill out our contact form for more information on forming a PIRG chapter on your campus.
When consumers are cheated, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by powerful special interest lobbyists, we speak up and take action. By teaming students up with professional advocates and organizers, we make our voices heard and have an impact locally and nationally. We learn how to build a relationship with the media and get coverage on issues that concern us, how to register voters, how to engage in public policy decisions, and so much more. Students involved with PIRG campus chapters have had a chance to face up to society’s big problems, take action and win concrete changes that improve the quality of our lives. In so doing, we’ve helped fulfill our Universities’ Service missions, and taught countless students how to be active participants in our democracy.
Get Involved!

Work on important issues, learn valuable skills, get hands-on experience, and make a difference.
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Students from across the state organize a press conference to STOP CUTS to CalGrants in Sacramento with their elected officials. -
UC Berkeley Intern Kat Lockwood speaking to students at Cal about the NO on 23 campaign to protect California’s clean air and global warming law with Van Jones. -
UCSB interns host the Textbook Rebellion as part of a national tour to fight high prices and successfully get both TV and print media to report on their event. -
Actress Amy Smart speaks at the CALPIRG Statewide Organizing Conference about activism and banning plastic grocery bags. -
Four TV, two radio, and two print media cover our High Speed Rail Spring Break Tour stop in the central valley. -
UC Davis students kick off a TEXT-2-GIVE table for Somalia Famine Relief on the quad – our efforts statewide raised thousands of dollars for famine relief. -
UC Davis CALPIRG Interns Justin Hassis and Manny Rin take a photo petition during the CALPIRG Alternative Spring Break Tour- gathering hundreds of petitions calling for a statewide ban on single use polystyrene containers and plastic bags -
UCR, USC, and UCLA interns come together for a joint beach clean-up! -
Jared Calinisan, UC Mercd AmeriCorps Member and CALPIRG intern, teaching kids at a local elementary school about energy efficiency (UC Merced educated 1,157 kids in one quarter – way to go!) -
UC Merced intern caulking a window as part of our Energy Service Corps program’s work to save Californian’s energy and money while also saving the environment!