What is COPE?
AFT 2121 members voluntarily contribute to the Union's fund for political action by authorizing a separate $5.00 or more per pay period deduction to the AFT Committee on Political Education (COPE). Authorization cards to sign-up for COPE are available from the AFT office (415-585-2121) or by clicking here. Sign-up today!
COPE is the political arm of the Union and receives political contributions from faculty in the form of COPE dues which are collected and sent to us as a separate check from the regular fees and dues monies the Union receieves from the Controller. The political position the Union takes is under the jurisdiction of COPE, for instance, endorsements of political candidates, endorsements of state and federal initiatives and propositions, funding of protests and lobbying efforts, etc. COPE has it's own checking account which is used for supporting some of the above.
COPE Constitution
AFT Local 2121 Committee On Political Education
Whereas, the men and women who are our elected officials and who make public policy respond to the needs of special interests and voters who help them get elected;
And, whereas the state legislature has the power to enact collective bargaining laws, to establish state aid formulas to determine teachers retirement system, and to affect local contracts;
And, whereas the policies pursued by the President of the United States and the laws enacted by the Congress affect the education system of the country as well as the daily lives of its teachers;
And, whereas the elected Governing Board of the San Francisco Community College District occupies a vital position in affecting the working conditions within the San Francisco Community College District;
And, whereas the members of Local 2121 wish to establish a living memorial to first President of Local 2121;
Be it resolved that the San Francisco Community College District Federation of Teachers establish a committee on Political Action to work in conjunction with and to support AFT/COPE.
Consitution (Amended 5/2004)
Article I
This organization shall be known as the AFT Local 2121 Committee on Political Education in honor of Al Tapson.
Article II Purposes
The purposes of the Committee on Political Education are:
1. To support and strengthen the commitment of the citizens and the government to excellence in education at all levels.
2. To promote and strive for the improvement of the public Community Colleges by encouraging and stimulating educators to take a more active part in governmental affairs pertaining to public education.
3. To encourage educators to know and understand the nature and action of their government and the important political issues as they pertain to public education.
Article III Executive Board
The affairs of this organization shall be managed by the Executive Board of AFT Local 2121.
Article IV Officers
The officers of Local 2121 shall serve as the officers of the Committee.
Article V Cope Membership
All members in good standing of Local 2121 for 30 days or more.
Article VI Meetings
Meetings shall be scheduled as needed. At least two meetings a year shall be held.
Article VII Parliamentary Authority and Procedure
Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, all meetings of AFT-COPE shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Revised.
Article VIII Amendments
All amendments to this Constitution must be ratified by 2/3 of those COPE members voting in a mail ballot. Constitutional amendments may be proposed either at a general membership meeting or by the Executive Board. If proposed at a general membership meeting, amendments must be approved by a majority of those voting at that meeting and then, within 30 days, submitted to the general membership for ratification. If proposed by the Executive Board, amendments shall be submitted without delay to general membership for ratification.
Article IX Finances
The organization shall be financed by voluntary dues in an amount and manner set forth by the Executive Board. All such contributions shall be deposited in a fund distinct from Union funds. Funds may be disbursed upon approval of a majority of the Executive Board, except that contributions to political candidates or ballot proposition campaigns shall only be made following an AFT 2121/Tapson-COPE endorsement of such candidates or propositions. Contributions of up to $100.00 may be made by the Executive Board between COPE meetings. Such contributions shall be reported at the next COPE meeting. At the beginning of each school year, an accounting of COPE receipts and expenditures for the previous year shall be distributed to all members.
Article X Endorsements
Endorsements of political candidates or ballot propositions shall be made only following a favorable vote of more than 50% of those voting at a COPE general membership meeting. The agenda for this meeting shall contain notification that the vote is to be taken and shall be mailed to all members at least 10 days prior to the meeting.