How COPE Works for Us
Faculty and higher education unions are a favorite target for politicians and policy makers. Funding for higher education has stagnated or even declined, while each year brings new unfunded mandates and regulations on what we can do in our teaching and research. The same politicians attacking higher education also target labor more generally, making it more difficult for workers to organize. FAM’s Committee on Political Education (COPE) works at every level to track legislation and defend all faculty and higher education against more attacks.
What is COPE?
The primary function of the FAM, AAUP-AFT is to work to make sure we have quality working conditions. Our working conditions though depend not just on leadership at Miami University, but also our elected state and federal leaders. The Committee on Political Education, also known as COPE, is our political arm. It is the union’s voluntary political action fund that is used to support pro-worker/pro-public education lobbying and candidates, no matter what their party affiliation.
Why do we need to be political?
Politics directly impacts our working conditions. From the amount of money that is available for salaries, benefits and quality learning environment to the rules that govern research funding, the decisions made by politicians influence our ability to be successful scholars and our quality of life. Since politics directly impacts us, it is important that we have a seat at the table and make our voices heard. This money works to protect us and the work we do.
How do we decide who to support?
We are a non-partisan group. Our goal is to make sure elected officials support higher education and organized labor. Commitment to our values is our motivator, not party affiliation. We ask all candidates seeking our endorsement to fill out a questionnaire where we ask for their views on different subjects, like collective bargaining rights and higher education. As part of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) we also work with higher education and K-12 unions across the state to identify the best candidates for all of us. The OFT Executive Council, composed of representatives elected by each local across the state, including two FAM representatives, votes on who to endorse based on those answers.
Why does COPE need me?
COPE is funded completely by voluntary contributions, not dues money. Our power comes from our solidarity. Having every member contribute underscores how united we are and amplifies our voice. It shows we can not be ignored. The stronger our base of contributors, the more power we have to effect change. COPE enables us to fight for safe working conditions, support for our students, and fund our institutions. COPE gives us a seat at the table during state budget negotiations to push for what is important for our students and our research.
How do I contribute?
COPE contributions can be taken, with your permission, directly from your paycheck. We are asking that you donate $10 per month. This will ensure we can advocate for pro-worker/pro-higher education candidates and policies in Columbus and Washington, DC. Email info@famiami.org to set up your contribution
Our Agenda
- Increased Support for Higher Education. Since 2000, higher education funding in Ohio has stagnated. At the same time higher education institutions are expected to do more and more. The flatlining of funding in Ohio leaves our students and our research behind. We are committed to increasing funding for higher education.
- Overturning draconian and expensive provisions in SB1. The enactment of SB1 set a ripple of fear through Ohio faculty. We continue to monitor how this legislation is implemented and look to overturn its provisions that stifle free speech and increase costs for Ohio’s higher education institutions.
- Fair legislative districts. Ending a supermajority that amplifies the voices of the extremes and ignores the 70% of Ohioans who voted twice for fair districts. We need representatives that care about all voters, not just the few extremist primary voters. Better districts means better policy.
Stand Together, Win Together
Contact info@famiami.org to start contributing today