Communities – the “C” in COPAWhy Communities? Awareness of a perceived injustice often leads an individual to frustration. “This situation is horrible……….but what can I do?”. Standing alone, there is no ability to correct an injustice.There are many types of communities: parish, neighborhood, urban, work, geographical, etc. It is only when we come together as a community that we create the potential for effective action. COPA organizes communities whose members then become a united voice for social justice.Organizing – the “O” in COPAThe membership of COPA is a mix of institutions representative of the community. Member institutions pay dues to COPA which support the lead organizer(s) and administrative function. There are currently more than 20 organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties who are members of COPA.The work of COPA is done by people associated with the member organizations in conjunction with Joaquin Sanchez, the lead organizer. The work centers around issues affecting our communities.When COPA was formed in 2003, hundreds of one-on-one conversations were held that brought to the forefront the greatest concerns of people on the Central Coast. Six areas of concentration were defined: Economic Opportunity, Education, Healthcare, Housing, Immigration and Safe Communities. Individuals organize into groups around an issue, for which they have the passion to invest their energy, to bring about change.This type of organizing occurs across the United States. COPA is linked to this broader network which provides the resources and opportunities for education and, proven methodologies for action.Power – the “P” in COPAMany regard power as evil. Often it is thought of as promoting self-interest or said to be corrupting. It may result in the abuse or oppression of others. This type of unaccountable power is all too evident in our world.By definition, power is actually neutral or amoral. It’s Spanish root “poder” means “ to be able”.In COPA, we are concerned with relational power. We develop power, the ability to act, when we organize with other people. In one-on-one conversations, relationships are developed and issues of mutual concern are defined. When individuals with shared concerns come together, they can develop power to promote their values and establish a culture with the political will for those values.COPA offers the opportunity to develop a stronger power base by joining with other member organizations to bring shared values to a broader community.It is also necessary to develop relationships with other sectors of society: public and private. Public officials control public monies and have the authority to act on many issues. The private sector engages experts and uses their financial capital to promote their agenda. If the community is not in relationship with these other sectors, they will determine the direction taken. We can only be powerful if we are in conversation with both of the other sectors. In this way we can be sure that our wishes are known and taken into consideration while allowing the other sectors to succeed as well, a win-win situation.Action – the “A” in COPAOnce communities are organized through relational power, it is time for action! There are many forms of action and the amount is directly related to the appetite individuals have to bring about change in an area of interest. Some examples:A one-on-one conversation can be an action. In this manner, relationships are developed, questions are answered, mutual concerns are defined and opportunities to be involved are shared. If this type of action brings together a small group, rather than only two individuals, it is known as a house meeting.Research actions occur when members wish to learn more about the topic they are working on. Most often these involve meeting with a representative of the public or private sector who can provide background information and educate them about the topic.Assemblies bring COPA members and guests together for various reasons. One may be to celebrate achievements. Another purpose would be to create a forum where the sectors of society can declare that they will be accountable to each other for mutual goals. |