The Fall COPA Delegates Assembly will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 7pm-8:30pm via Zoom.

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.

At this meeting, we will have time to reflect, discuss and commit to the following proposals:

  • Fall action with candidates of Santa Cruz and Monterey County,
  • 2023 COPA’s 20th Anniversary Convention,
  • Additional updates on our organizing work around the economy, childcare, housing, etc.

The Delegate Assembly is the foundation of COPAs governance structure and provides critical direction as we decide upon our organizational budget and work ahead.

Pre-registration for the meeting is required here.

If you have questions about COPA or the Walking Together ministry at St. Mary’s , please contact Jackie Frey (montefrau@gmail.com).