The UFT engages in political action on behalf of its members and New York City’s public school students and families. Our commitment is to support quality public education for all city children, workplace rights for the workers we represent and social and economic justice for the communities where we, our students and our patients live. Political action — electing officials who support public schools, working with community allies to ensure these officials act on the union’s legislative priorities and applying pressure when they do not — is essential to advancing these goals. Learn how you can support the UFT’s political work and get more involved. For more information, call the UFT Political Action Department at 212‑598‑6850 or visit the political action section of the UFT website.
What is COPE and what role does it play in political action?
The Committee on Political Education (COPE) is the UFT’s political action arm. It ensures that public school educators’ needs and goals are represented in the political arena. Through COPE, the union supports candidates who deliver for public school students, families and UFT members. COPE contributions help the union advance legislation and policies that protect public education and safeguard or improve member rights and benefits.
Why are COPE contributions separate from union dues?
The UFT cannot use union dues for political action or to support political candidates. COPE is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. The union’s lobbying — from securing state and city funding for public schools to fixing Tier 6 and passing the “RESPECT check” bill — cannot be paid for with dues. The more members contribute to COPE, the stronger our collective voice will be in Albany and at City Hall.
How can I start contributing to COPE?
You can enroll online or in the UFT Member Hub under “My Profile.” When you enroll, you pledge to contribute a monthly amount of your choice. You can give any amount you like, though most members contribute at least $5 per month.
How can I change my COPE contribution?
You can submit a new COPE form online through the UFT website or the UFT Member Hub, or you can fill out a paper form and return it to your chapter leader. The most recently submitted amount will take precedence.
Why does the union endorse political candidates?
Backing candidates who support public education is crucial to the union’s mission. The UFT helps elect candidates who respect its members and work to advance public policies the union favors. The UFT is nonpartisan and uses a thorough endorsement process to vet candidates. The key criterion is a proven commitment to union values and public education. Endorsements tell members which candidates are strongest on these issues, but the union does not tell members how to vote because many factors determine that decision.
What do the union’s political action coordinators do?
Each UFT borough office has a political action coordinator (PAC) who spearheads the union’s political action agenda in that borough.
A borough PAC handles:
- Organizing day-to-day political action activities
- Lobbying City Council members and state lawmakers who represent that borough
- Recruiting member volunteers
- Organizing phone banking and canvassing for political candidates
- Lobbying for school-level funding and for items in the participatory budgeting of Council members in that borough
- Organizing members for UFT Lobby Day in Albany
How can members get involved in union political activity?
You can get involved at any time, even if there isn’t an upcoming election. You can join a union delegation meeting with your elected officials to ensure they understand the union’s issues and support its legislative priorities. You can take part in union campaigns to email or call your representatives, speak to community education councils or local civic groups, attend union rallies and school-based actions or participate in UFT Lobby Day in Albany. In the month before a primary or general election, you can volunteer for a borough phone bank to call fellow UFT members or canvass or leaflet in your neighborhood to help get out the vote for union-backed candidates.
What is the UFT Member Action Committee?
The UFT Member Action Committee (MAC) is a group of UFT members committed to making lasting change in the lives of students, educators and working people. MAC members mobilize around key issues — protecting public education, defending labor rights and advocating for equity and justice. Whether you attend a rally, join a community event or support fellow unions, you help build the schools, workplaces and future we all deserve.
When you join MAC, you’ll receive emails inviting you to rallies, protests and other actions. Mobilizations often happen quickly, but that’s where the committee’s power lies — in its ability to show up, speak out and stand strong together. UFT members can sign up for MAC online or in the UFT Member Hub.
How can I find out about upcoming political actions?
First, make sure you’re subscribed to receive UFT emails. Then look for the “Preferences” link at the bottom of any UFT email. From there, you can opt in to receive politics and advocacy emails on a range of topics.