On Fri, 27 Mar 1998, Chris L. wrote:

> 3.  An intuitive objection arises immediately...  Don't we recognize
> professional organizations?  UVM Rescue isn't a club - they are a
> professional rescue organization.  They go way beyond student interest -
> actually, they provide an essential service to the UVM campus and S.
> Burlington community.  Same with Common Grounds - they are a professional
> rescue squad as well!  Perhaps we need to formulate a new definition of
> a club and perhaps downsize?
>

The thing about UVM Rescue and Common Ground is that they were formed by
students without a parent organization at a greater level. I would also
argue that both still serve UVM student interests even though they serve
the community at large as well. Furthermore, in order to be a member of
each of these clubs one must be a UVM student, paying SGA dues.
As for a UVM PIRG, they will most likely be subject to the will of their
parent organizations, VPIRG and USPIRG, organizations which may claim they
serve the UVM student interest, but many students would argue against some
of the things they lobby for (the bottle bill being one example).
Furthermore, their intention is to become a local chapter of VPIRG, and
they may look into admitting non-UVM students, and those who do not pay
their SGA fees, and this against the UVM SGA Constitution. This last bit
is, of course, speculation, but I think it is an accurate assesment of the
situation.
If these students, however, wanted to either focus on "lobbying education"
I would find that a bit more acceptable. In addition, if they wanted to
lobby on behalf of UVM, I am sure COLA would be more than happy to have
non-senatorial assistance.

                                        Brian P. Luti

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