Posted on July 14, 2011 by lesliemendoza
Members are the driving force in SEIU. Winning requires membership involvement at worksites, in the legislatures and city halls, and in organizing campaigns across North America.
Winning means better wages for workers and health benefits for us and our families. It means laws and policies that respect and reward work, protect seniors, and provide our children wider opportunities. It means overcoming injustices today and having a say in shaping the future.
America’s working families need it. Union members demand it. And SEIU is determined to have it. The best is yet to come.
Sign up to take action for political change with SEIU Local 1.
MPOs are SEIU members willing to volunteer to ensure that workers have a voice on the job and a voice in politics.
“Unions helped build this country and union members had a lot of struggles to win what we have today. I’m out getting people involved and educated on politics because we need people in office who are for the working man and woman. It’s all about the American people– about my grandkids and your grandkids and on down the line. That’s why I’m doing this.”
Phil McClelland
Local 1 Member Political Organizer
St. Louis, MO
MPOs take action at work, in neighborhoods, on phones, and via e-mail to:
- Educate members and their families
- Register members to vote
- Lobby politicians on our issues
- Raise COPE funds
- Build community coalitions
- Recruit volunteers
- Get out the vote on Election Day
Sign up to take action for political change with SEIU Local 1.
Posted on July 13, 2011 by lesliemendoza
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.
Why Is SEIU Involved in Politics?
Collective bargaining rights, job security, working conditions and benefits are decided by elected officials. To do an effective job in collective bargaining, SEIU must be involved in electing candidates to school boards, city councils, county commissions, Governor, State Legislature, President, and Congress, who value, who believe in, and who will stand up for worker 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 1 supports pro-SEIU, pro-worker candidates in local, state and federal election campaigns. SEIU is bi-partisan and supports both Republicans and Democrats who support our issues.
