Wisconsin Student Public Interest Research Group — an organization aimed at training student lobbyists – had their contract status for 2010-11 approved by the Student Services Finance Committee Thursday.

According to SSFC Chair Brandon Williams, contract status allows student organizations to hire individuals who are non-students or non-university staff. He added there are three requirements that must be met by the student organization in order for the contract status to be approved.

“There must be a substantial need for the student organization, the organization must benefit all students and it must provide services that the university could not provide itself,” Williams said.

In WISPIRG’s case, the approval of its contract status would allow it to hire professionals — such as lobbyists, fellows and a campus organizer — who have the time to devote themselves completely and have the training to handle the campaigns the organization takes on, according to Williams.

“The contract status also allows the organization to be a part of a national PIRG network so that student voices can be heard in places that change can be made,” WISPIRG Chair Scott Thompson said. “Through this network, all of the PIRGs across the country can pool their resources to be represented in Washington, D.C.”

Thompson added the university has a need for the WISPIRG services because the life experiences that the members bring helps fulfill the university’s goals and the Wisconsin Idea.

“WISPIRG gave me the opportunity to learn about the power of my own voice,” sophomore WISPRIRG member Mariana Berbert said.

To illustrate some of the campaigns that WISPIRG takes on, representatives brought in 1,000 signed petitions and a large banner with an additional 100 student signatures that read, “Senator Feingold, be our global warming solutions champion and vote yes to the American Clean Energy and Security Act.”

Ultimately, the SSFC decided WISPIRG meets all three criteria required and approved the contract status by an overwhelming vote of 9-0-0. Approval of the status moves to the Contract Advisory Committee next, with that decision’s date still pending.

Although SSFC has set the process in motion for WISPIRG’s contract status for the next academic year, their status for this year is still undecided. Although SSFC and the Contract Advisory Committee approved WISPIRG’s contract status for 2009-10 last year, Chancellor Martin has yet to sign off on it. In an interview last month, Martin said contract status for WISPIRG is currently under review by UW legal counsel and a decision should be made in the next few weeks.