About
About Us

COPAL, Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina, is a member-based organization established in 2018 to improve the quality of life of Latine families. Over the past seven years, COPAL has evolved to become a well-known, grassroots power-building, and visionary transnational organization.
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Board of Directors

Leadership and Staff

Reports

Careers

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Advocacy
Advocacy

Amplifying the voices of Latine communities in political processes, actively engaging in issue-based coalitions, and holding elected officials accountable to drive meaningful policy change.
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Legislative Agenda

COPAL’s Legislative Victories

MN Latino Vote
Focus Areas
Focus Areas

Building Collective Power, Transforming Systems, and Creating Opportunities– COPAL works collaboratively to transform Minnesota Into a place where every resident thrives and lives with dignity.
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Environmental Justice

Health & Wellness

Organizing & Leadership

Workers' Center

South Central Initiative

SouthEast Initiative
Press Room
Press Room

Stay Informed: Explore COPAL’s Press Room for the latest news, updates, and media coverage regarding our advocacy efforts and initiatives.
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Recent News

Media Kit
Resources
Resources

COPAL empowers participants with resources and opportunities for better health, prosperity, and community engagement. We provide holistic support, addressing diverse challenges and connecting strengths to new skills for long-term well-being.
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Become a Member

Workers’ Center

Know Your Rights
Events

Resources

COPAL

We Can Support!

COPAL empowers participants with resources and opportunities for better health, prosperity, and community engagement. We provide holistic support, addressing diverse challenges and connecting strengths to new skills for long-term well-being.

If you’re having trouble finding what you need or have any questions, our dedicated Navigators are here to assist you. With expertise in a wide range of resources, they’re just a phone call away at (612) 249-8736.

Legal Resources from LawHelpMN.org

LawHelpMN.org helps immigrants understand deportation proceedings and the process for applying for asylum, how to request a remote hearing and more, providing clear information on their legal options and rights in several languages.

Handbook for Constitutional Observers

Constitutional Observers are trained practitioners of "civil initiative" who: observe and document law enforcement interactions, inform individuals about civil rights, and due process and hare support resources.

Free Tax Support

Get free assistance with tax preparation at the Primero de Mayo Workers’ Center (3521 E Lake St, Minneapolis). Walk-ins available Fridays 4-7 PM & Saturdays 9 AM-12 PM. Bring your SSN/ITIN, W-2s, deduction documents, and last year’s tax return. Call (612) 249-8736 to book an appointment!

Road Test Study Guide

This guide provides key tips for passing your road test, including knowing your vehicle’s controls, following examiner instructions, and practicing safe driving. Common mistakes include improper turns, braking errors, unsafe lane changes, and failing to check traffic at intersections. Defensive driving is essential to minimize risks and avoid accidents.

Volunteer Lawyers Network

Volunteer Lawyers Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to connecting Minnesotans experiencing poverty with some of the top private lawyers in the state at no cost.

HOME Line – Free Legal Help for Renters

HOME Line provides legal assistance for tenants in Minnesota Click to learn more or call HOME Line at English 612-255-8870 (leave a message with your full name, phone number and brief information about your situation and they will call you back.)

Note: If you owe months’ rent, do not wait and request assistance to pay the rent. You are still responsible for paying the months owed. If your landlord is trying to evict you, get legal help right away. These volunteers protect the rights and property of thousands of clients every year by advising them at legal clinics, drafting legal documents, representing them in court or otherwise supporting them in their pursuit of justice.

Free Tax Prep

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs help prepare federal and state income tax and property tax refund returns. There are over 200 free tax preparation sites available across Minnesota. You may qualify for free tax preparation for your returns.

USCIS Case Status

Check your case status online to track an immigration application, petition, or request.

USCIS Naturalization Test Resources

The Citizenship Resource Center provides information about the Naturalization Test requirements; study materials for the English and civics test, including flash cards, pocket study guides, videos, or interactive practices tests; and information on updates or changes to the Naturalization Test. We also offer citizenship resources in other languages.

Minneapolis Renters: Report building repairs and infestations

Call 311 to report building repairs and infestations. Remember to ask for your reference number during the call. The city of Minneapolis will send an inspector out to the building in 10 days or less.

Questions about COVID-19?

COPAL navigators can answer your questions about covid-19 or help with access to: free covid-19 tests, food, health insurance, rental assistance, or other resources.

Food Shelves

Do you need free food pantries? Find the food pantry closest to where you live.

Domestic Violence Hotline

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the bilingual helpline.
CALL Now 651-772-1611

Mental Health Crisis Line

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:
MN Mental Health Crisis Line: ** CRISIS or ** 274747

Computer Skills Classes

Course designed for individuals who wish to enhance their basic software and computer skills, no prior experience required. See our upcoming classes.

Citizenship Classes

Classes in Spanish, with English practice. The course covers the questions and topics necessary for the United States citizenship exam. See our upcoming classes.

GED Classes

If you are a member of COPAL you can create a GEDworks account. GEDworks is a self-directed online system that allows people to earn their GED. Or, call us at (612) 427-2011 to learn more.

United Way 2-1-1: Health & Human Resources

United Way 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit number that families and individuals in Minnesota can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services. 2-1-1 call centers are staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek.

Apply for or renew driver’s licenses in Minnesota

Visit the DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) website and follow the steps to submit your driver's license application.

Certificate of Translation Form

Document issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety certifying the accurate translation of documents written in a language other than English, as required by state regulations.

Request Group Class D Oral Knowledge Test

How to request group Class D knowledge oral exams in Minnesota. Booking requirements, available locations, and participant identification procedures.

Third-party online knowledge test

For institutions interested in becoming third party online knowledge testing proctors must meet these requirements

Minnesota Driver’s Manual

Download the Minnesota Driver's Manual so that you can prepare thoroughly for the knowledge test and successfully obtain your driver's license.

Inflation Reduction Law (IRA) Resources

Resources to help you calculate how much you can receive in electrification incentives and how you can save money with clean energy.

Earned sick and safe time

Sick and safe time is paid leave employers must provide to employees in Minnesota that can be used for certain reasons, including when an employee is sick, to care for a sick family member or to seek assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.

Paid Leave benefits

Paid Leave is a new program launching for Minnesotans in 2026. It provides paid time off when a serious health condition prevents you from working, when workers need time to care for a family member or a new child, for certain military-related events or for certain personal safety issues.

Pregnant workers and new parents

In Minnesota, workers have legal protections to help keep them safe and healthy in the workplace. Most employers are willing to comply with laws that support their pregnant and lactating employees.

Class D driver’s license for new driver age 18 and older

New drivers age 18 and older have different requirements to get a license than new drivers under 18. There are also different rules for drivers age 19 and older.

Questions about COVID-19?

COPAL navigators can answer your questions about covid-19 or help with access to: free covid-19 tests, food, health insurance, rental assistance, or other resources.

Road Test Study Guide

This guide provides key tips for passing your road test, including knowing your vehicle’s controls, following examiner instructions, and practicing safe driving. Common mistakes include improper turns, braking errors, unsafe lane changes, and failing to check traffic at intersections. Defensive driving is essential to minimize risks and avoid accidents.

Apply for or renew driver’s licenses in Minnesota

Visit the DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) website and follow the steps to submit your driver's license application.

Certificate of Translation Form

Document issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety certifying the accurate translation of documents written in a language other than English, as required by state regulations.

Request Group Class D Oral Knowledge Test

How to request group Class D knowledge oral exams in Minnesota. Booking requirements, available locations, and participant identification procedures.

Third-party online knowledge test

For institutions interested in becoming third party online knowledge testing proctors must meet these requirements

Minnesota Driver’s Manual

Download the Minnesota Driver's Manual so that you can prepare thoroughly for the knowledge test and successfully obtain your driver's license.

Class D driver’s license for new driver age 18 and older

New drivers age 18 and older have different requirements to get a license than new drivers under 18. There are also different rules for drivers age 19 and older.

Computer Skills Classes

Course designed for individuals who wish to enhance their basic software and computer skills, no prior experience required. See our upcoming classes.

Citizenship Classes

Classes in Spanish, with English practice. The course covers the questions and topics necessary for the United States citizenship exam. See our upcoming classes.

GED Classes

If you are a member of COPAL you can create a GEDworks account. GEDworks is a self-directed online system that allows people to earn their GED. Or, call us at (612) 427-2011 to learn more.

Inflation Reduction Law (IRA) Resources

Resources to help you calculate how much you can receive in electrification incentives and how you can save money with clean energy.

Food Shelves

Do you need free food pantries? Find the food pantry closest to where you live.

Domestic Violence Hotline

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the bilingual helpline.
CALL Now 651-772-1611

Mental Health Crisis Line

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:
MN Mental Health Crisis Line: ** CRISIS or ** 274747

United Way 2-1-1: Health & Human Resources

United Way 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit number that families and individuals in Minnesota can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services. 2-1-1 call centers are staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek.

Legal Resources from LawHelpMN.org

LawHelpMN.org helps immigrants understand deportation proceedings and the process for applying for asylum, how to request a remote hearing and more, providing clear information on their legal options and rights in several languages.

Handbook for Constitutional Observers

Constitutional Observers are trained practitioners of "civil initiative" who: observe and document law enforcement interactions, inform individuals about civil rights, and due process and hare support resources.

Volunteer Lawyers Network

Volunteer Lawyers Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to connecting Minnesotans experiencing poverty with some of the top private lawyers in the state at no cost.

HOME Line – Free Legal Help for Renters

HOME Line provides legal assistance for tenants in Minnesota Click to learn more or call HOME Line at English 612-255-8870 (leave a message with your full name, phone number and brief information about your situation and they will call you back.)

Note: If you owe months’ rent, do not wait and request assistance to pay the rent. You are still responsible for paying the months owed. If your landlord is trying to evict you, get legal help right away. These volunteers protect the rights and property of thousands of clients every year by advising them at legal clinics, drafting legal documents, representing them in court or otherwise supporting them in their pursuit of justice.

United Way 2-1-1: Health & Human Resources

United Way 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit number that families and individuals in Minnesota can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services. 2-1-1 call centers are staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek.

HOME Line – Free Legal Help for Renters

HOME Line provides legal assistance for tenants in Minnesota Click to learn more or call HOME Line at English 612-255-8870 (leave a message with your full name, phone number and brief information about your situation and they will call you back.)

Note: If you owe months’ rent, do not wait and request assistance to pay the rent. You are still responsible for paying the months owed. If your landlord is trying to evict you, get legal help right away. These volunteers protect the rights and property of thousands of clients every year by advising them at legal clinics, drafting legal documents, representing them in court or otherwise supporting them in their pursuit of justice.

Minneapolis Renters: Report building repairs and infestations

Call 311 to report building repairs and infestations. Remember to ask for your reference number during the call. The city of Minneapolis will send an inspector out to the building in 10 days or less.

United Way 2-1-1: Health & Human Resources

United Way 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit number that families and individuals in Minnesota can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services. 2-1-1 call centers are staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek.

Free Tax Support

Get free assistance with tax preparation at the Primero de Mayo Workers’ Center (3521 E Lake St, Minneapolis). Walk-ins available Fridays 4-7 PM & Saturdays 9 AM-12 PM. Bring your SSN/ITIN, W-2s, deduction documents, and last year’s tax return. Call (612) 249-8736 to book an appointment!

Free Tax Prep

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs help prepare federal and state income tax and property tax refund returns. There are over 200 free tax preparation sites available across Minnesota. You may qualify for free tax preparation for your returns.

United Way 2-1-1: Health & Human Resources

United Way 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit number that families and individuals in Minnesota can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services. 2-1-1 call centers are staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek.

Earned sick and safe time

Sick and safe time is paid leave employers must provide to employees in Minnesota that can be used for certain reasons, including when an employee is sick, to care for a sick family member or to seek assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.

Paid Leave benefits

Paid Leave is a new program launching for Minnesotans in 2026. It provides paid time off when a serious health condition prevents you from working, when workers need time to care for a family member or a new child, for certain military-related events or for certain personal safety issues.

Pregnant workers and new parents

In Minnesota, workers have legal protections to help keep them safe and healthy in the workplace. Most employers are willing to comply with laws that support their pregnant and lactating employees.

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We want to create community, empower individuals, build power, and inspire meaningful action. Your participation is crucial in achieving these goals. Join us!

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Donate today to empower the Latine community, continue building community power, foster participatory democracy, and enhance the quality of life for Latines in Minnesota!

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