COPE Meetings
San Carlos: 2nd Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose: 1st Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m.
Visalia: 2nd Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
COPE minutes September 06, 2011 (PDF)
Saturday at the movies with SEIU 521
Third Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
COPE Application forms
Download the COPE application form now (PDF):
English COPE Form | Spanish COPE Form
Download the COPE Homecare application form now (PDF):
Home Care COPE Form in English | Home Care COPE Form in Spanish
What Does COPE Stand for?
COPE is an acronym for the Committee on Political Education. It is our union’s voluntary bi-partisan Political Action Committee used for political and legislative activities. We hold politicians accountable at every level of government, and help our union build the political power to win strong contracts, better benefits and pass laws to protect our jobs.
How do WE Build Power?
Our hard-earned pensions are under fire. Layoffs and furloughs seem to be getting worse.
We’re not big business or a corporation. So how can we get our elected leaders to understand our issues and help protect the jobs and services of hardworking people like us?
Through our Committee on Political Education (COPE) program.
How does COPE work for us?
COPE allows us to dedicate resources behind worker-friendly candidates and help get them elected to school boards and Congress. COPE money is used not only for contributions to candidates, but also voter registration efforts, lobbying, and get-out-the-vote efforts. Funds are also used to introduce and pass legislation that protects SEIU members and our families.
Why is SEIU Involved in Politics?
Public Employee collective bargaining rights, job security, working conditions, and benefits are decided by elected officials. To do an effective job in collective bargaining, SEIU Local 521 must be involved in electing candidates to school boards, city councils, county boards of supervisors, governor, Legislature, president, and Congress, who value, who believe in, and who will stand up for public employees’ issues at the decision making table.
How is the Money Used?
All COPE money goes into SEIU’s Political Account for use in local, state, and federal activities only. It does not become part of the general treasury. A portion goes to the SEIU federal PAC at the International office for use in Congressional or U.S. Senate races. COPE money is used not only for contributions to candidates, but also voter registration efforts, lobbying, and get-out-the-vote efforts. Funds are also used to introduce and pass legislation that protects SEIU members and their families.
Who Does SEIU Support?
SEIU Local 521 supports pro-SEIU, pro-worker candidates in local, state and federal election campaigns. SEIU Local 521 is bi-partisan and supports both Republicans and Democrats who support our issues.
How can we contribute to COPE?
Talk to your worksite organizer and say you can contribute up to $20 a month (that’s only 67 cents a day) to help protect our retirement security and jobs or download and fill one of the forms above.