The Committee on Political Education, or COPE, is the political arm of AFT Washington. COPE is a voice for AFT Washington as we advocate for a stronger education system at all levels in Washington and for better working conditions for our members. Lawmakers, whether on local school boards, in the state legislature, or in statewide offices, make decisions that affect our students’ learning conditions and our members’ wages, benefits and working conditions. Through COPE, we work to support candidates and that support our members.

COPE is not funded by member dues. We depend on voluntary contributions to fund this work, which includes:

• Drafting candidate questionnaires for the various offices and positions under consideration
• Evaluating completed candidate questionnaires Interviewing candidates
• Deciding which candidates warrant endorsement and to which candidates we should make a campaign donation

AFT Washington's COPE is a statewide committee made up of contributing members that decide which candidates will best support our members’ interests and makes endorsements and contributions on that basis. By supporting and electing candidates who agree with our members’ priorities, we've racked up an impressive slate of wins.

Now we've made it easier for you to contribute to COPE. We have a secure, online donation website through which you can donate a flat, one-time amount or recurring weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual contribution. As an on-line COPE contributor, you will receive an email receipt each time your contribution is withdrawn from your account.

If you wish to contribute by mail, please click the link below for the AFT Washington Voluntary COPE Contribution form and follow the instructions.

For questions, contact AFT Washington at aftwashington@aftwa.org or (206) 242-4777.

You can also download the COPE brochure here.