Campaign

In 2007, a group of UC Berkeley students came together to author a bill titled “ASUC Bill 61a TGIF,” calling for the creation of The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) at UC Berkeley. The students ran a grassroots campaign, educating the campus about TGIF and encouraging students to vote in favor of the bill during the ASUC elections April 11-13, 2007.

The TGIF campaign team used social media, flash mobs, clever campaign flyers and slogans, class announcements, and news articles to get the word out about TGIF. Dedication and passion of the campaign leaders proved successful, as “ASUC Bill 61a TGIF” passed with 69% of student votes in favor of creating The Green Initiative Fund.

In 2016, a new group of UC Berkeley students came together to host a campaign calling for the renewal of The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) at UC Berkeley. The students ran a grassroots campaign, with the support of then-Coordinator Sharon Daraphonhdeth, thus educating the campus about TGIF and encouraging students to vote in favor of the Renewal Referendum during the ASUC elections of 2016.

The TGIF campaign team used social media, marketing videos, a Vote TGIF website, endorsements, testimonials, T-Shirts, campaign flyers and slogans, class announcements, and news articles to get the word out about TGIF. Dedication and passion of the campaign leaders proved successful yet again, as TGIF passed with 68% of student votes in favor of renewing The Green Initiative Fund.

 

If you’re looking to start your own campus green fund or want more information on TGIF at UC Berkeley, please visit our Resources tab (FAQStart Your Own Campus Green FundGreen Fund Resources).

Mission

The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) provides funding for projects that reduce UC Berkeley’s negative impact on the environment and make UC Berkeley more sustainable. TGIF will allocate funds to projects that promote sustainable modes of transportation, increase energy and water efficiency, restore habitat, promote environmental and food justice, and reduce the amount of waste created by UC Berkeley. Portions of the fund also support education and behavior change initiatives, student aid (via return to aid), and internships. TGIF is supported by student fees and administered through a student-majority committee and a program coordinator.