Because when we combine our voices, we get real results.

VOTE-COPE is the statewide union’s voluntary, non-partisan advocacy fund. NYSUT member contributions help us advocate for our members' rights and for strong, safe public schools across the state.

Because when we combine our voices, we get real results.

VOTE-COPE is the statewide union’s voluntary, non-partisan advocacy fund. NYSUT member contributions help us advocate for our members' rights and for strong, safe public schools across the state.

Because of VOTE-COPE

We’re able to help protect the things that matter most to educators and union members:
Pensions
Tenure
Collective Bargaining
Contracts & Salaries
Academic Freedom
Strong Public Schools

Everything we value and have fought for depends on our members working together as one. VOTE-COPE turns the separate voices of nearly 700,000 members into a single, united voice for our values.

Because VOTE-COPE puts your donations where they do the most good:

VOTE-COPE funds go to several key places, all designed to help our professions, our students, our schools and communities:

Candidates Who Share Our Values –
NYSUT supports political candidates of both parties who share our belief in the power of public education and show a demonstrated commitment to supporting strong union jobs.

Supporting Issues that Matter to Our Members –
At the state level, NYSUT advocates for issues that matter to our members: Properly funded public schools, safe communities and educational opportunities for all students.

Back to Local Unions to Support Community Issues –
Up to 40% of VOTE-COPE funds go back to local unions to support them in local activities and causes like school board races and the passage of school budgets.

Because of VOTE-COPE, we get results:

Thanks to NYSUT members’ voluntary donations to VOTE-COPE, we’ve accomplished so much for educators, students and entire communities.
In 2024 alone, together we won:

Just this past year, candidates supported by VOTE-COPE have contributed to important victories:

See More About Our Victories
See More About Our Victories

Because VOTE-COPE is a Grassroots Movement of Voluntary Donations:

The total amount of NYSUT dues used to support political candidates. VOTE-COPE is made up of 100% voluntary contributions.
The typical amount of VOTE-COPE contributions that are sent back to local unions for activities, school board races and the passage of school budgets.
The amount NYSUT is outspent by bad actors trying to break up our union and tear down public schools.
How much ultrawealthy and corporate donors are giving to fund anti-public education, antiunion advocacy organizations. They’re doing it right now on the federal level.
The average annual NYSUT member contribution to VOTE-COPE that allow us to push back against the ultra-wealthy.

Contribute to VOTE-COPE
Small Amounts Lead to Huge Results

VOTE-COPE is one of the best investments you can make in yourself, your family, your profession, your colleagues, your school and public education.
Contribute to VOTE-COPE today

NYSUT members: contact your local union leader to find out how to give to VOTE-COPE.

VOTE-COPE is the statewide union’s voluntary, non-partisan advocacy fund. NYSUT member contributions help us advocate for our members' rights and for strong, safe public schools across the state. No member dues dollars are used to support political candidates.

VOTE-COPE is NYSUT’s Political Action Committee. VOTE-COPE funds are used in federal, state and local elections. Contributing to VOTE-COPE is voluntary, and NYSUT members and their immediate family members may refuse to contribute to VOTE-COPE without reprisal. Contributing to VOTE-COPE is not a condition of membership in any labor organization. Contributions to VOTE-COPE will be screened, and any unauthorized contributions will be returned. Contributions to VOTE-COPE are not deductible as charitable
contributions for federal income tax purposes.