COPE attracts more members
Before PEF’s 31st Annual Convention in Niagara Falls, delegates were challenged to sign-up more members to contribute to PEF’s Committee on Political Education (COPE).
And it worked.
PEF leaders drummed up 82 new contributors, adding nearly $3,000 annually to the fund.
Members in PEF Region 11 came out on top, winning the COPE Traveling Cup for 2009. They were followed by Region 10 and a tie for third place between Regions 1 and 5.
PEF Division 372 Council Leader Carol Dolan from Region 3 received a special COPE award for her efforts to sign up more members. Her division attracted 16 new members, a 28.6 percent increase for the year.
“COPE is one of the most important things PEF does concerning the union’s federal legislative issues,” said PEF Vice President and COPE Committee Co-chair Pat Baker.
“As PEF dues money can not used for federal election purposes, the COPE fund allows PEF to play an active role in the political arena. The fund helps us support candidates who are labor-friendly and allows the union to push forward with federal issues that are crucial to saving our members’ jobs and benefits,” Baker said.
“COPE has made a difference in past years by giving PEF a stronger voice in the federal political arena,” said PEF Vice President and COPE Co-chair Tom Comanzo. “It’s important we make our voice stronger during a time when the economy is suffering, unemployment is skyrocketing, and the fiscal stability of our country is weak.” — Deborah A. Miles
