
St. Mary’s was one of the founding institutions of COPA (Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action) almost 20 years ago. Now there are 28 institutions, including Episcopal churches in Santa Cruz and Seaside.
COPA brings together institutions across a diverse cross-section of the region, rich and poor, immigrant and citizen, English-speakers and Spanish-speakers, and people of any creed and race. Within these member institutions COPA develops leaders capable of working together to address the issues affecting families in our communities.
By deepening relationships within and across diverse communities, COPA builds power to address issues such as affordable housing, healthcare access, education and economic development, and most recently in Monterey County, the creation of a $4.9 million Community Health Worker program to support and provide resources to families exposed to COVID-19.
If you are interested in becoming part of St. Mary’s core team, talk to us about the upcoming leadership training. You will meet some great people and learn the essential steps of how institutions can live out their values, developing the power to take effective action in public life. It will begin Tuesday, January 25 at 6:30 pm on Zoom, and continue for the four Tuesdays of February.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Jack Herbig at (831) 521-4165, Deacon Scott Taylor at either (310) 738-0084 or scott@stmarysbythesea.org, or Jackie Frey at (408) 602-0098.