CASA’s Community Organizing and Political Action (COPA) Department engages low-income community members in organizing campaigns that encourage leadership development, seek to effect social change, and build power in the low-income Latino and immigrant community. From offices in Baltimore, Wheaton, Silver Spring, Shady Grove, and Takoma Park, COPA develops committees of women, workers, and tenants to advocate for community improvements such as increased repairs and safety in neglected rental housing, increased funding for adult education, access to public services, and immigration reform. Community members elect leadership structures within the committees, and receive key advocacy training in how to speak with the press, how to speak to elected officials, and how to engage others in collective actions. CASA also works in partnership with organizations such as the National Capital Immigrant Coalition and staffs a multiethnic and faith-based initiative called the Friends of New Marylanders to form strong coalitions that support institutional change.
Contact:
Community Organizing and Political Action Department
CASA de Maryland, Inc.
734 University Boulevard, East
Silver Spring, MD 20903
301-431-4185
