STEP 1: CANDIDATE ACADEMY
We realize that not every candidate has a strong understanding of the
issues that face today's working families and organized labor. The
candidate academy is designed to familiarize candidates with the
political and policy priorities of working families in the Orange
County. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about pressing
issues from union leaders, rank-and-file members and community
leaders--ranging from wage and contract issues to the environment,
education, health care and affordable housing.
STEP 2: COPE ENDORSEMENT INTERVIEW
After completing a COPE candidate questionnaire focused on the issues
facing today's working families and organized labor, candidates will be
interviewed by the COPE Interviewing Committee made up of union members
appointed by active major unions in Orange County. After the interview
process an endorsement recommendation will be made by a two-thirds vote
of the COPE Interviewing Committee.
STEP 3: ENDORSEMENT
The endorsement recommendation made by the COPE Interviewing Committee
is then reviewed and voted on by both the Orange County Labor Council's
Executive Board and the delegates of all affiliated unions. If a
candidate receives at least a two-thirds vote of both the Executive
Board and the delegates, then that candidate is endorsed by COPE.
(Note: Federal and State Candidates are recommended to the California
Labor Federation Endorsement Convention. This recommendations are final
once the state delegate approve)
STEP 4: CAMPAIGN
Once a candidate is endorsed by the Orange County Labor Council's
Committee on Political Education, a campaign follows that includes at
least one if not all of the following components: direct mail to voters
in support of the candidate, door-todoor voter education, voter
education via phone, and financial contributions.
COPE Endoresement Candidate Application Form
Please fill out the following form to start the process.
