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About COPAL

We are a force for social change with a shared vision of a better future.

Our Mission

We lead social impact initiatives to improve the quality of life for Latine families.

We do this by building collective power, transforming systems, and creating opportunities for a dignified life. Learn more about our key focus areas.

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We Have A Dream

We envision a prosperous and inclusive Minnesota that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Our Vision

By 2025, COPAL MN will be recognized as a statewide leading force for social change and as a key partner in the fight for progress inspiring, organizing, and mobilizing efforts to build an inclusive Minnesota.

Our Legacy

By 2025, our community will be prepared to lead and drive significant change by influencing public policy and advancing civil, political, and labor rights.

COPAL

Strategic Roadmap

COPAL

History Timeline

2018

COPAL was created to build a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Latines in Minnesota. In our first electoral campaign, we obtained over 10,000 pledges from Latines across the state.

2018

2019

COPAL continued to grow, and was granted 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) status. As a result of our electoral work in 2018, we expanded our organizing efforts, bringing together more people in the Twin Cities and beyond.

2019

2020

COPAL responded to the needs of frontline communities when the pandemic started, ensuring people were equipped with masks, food, and other important resources.

2020

2021

COPAL continued to ensure our communities had access to important resources during the pandemic, now hosting frequent vaccination clinics. In May, the Primero de Mayo Workers’ Center was launched to organize immigrant workers. In October, our satellite office in Mankato, MN opened to reach Latines in Greater Minnesota.

2021

2022

COPAL’s growth continued, with a team now located in Rochester, MN. We also created our first-ever endorsement campaign during the midterm elections, led by our membership. We endorsed 20 candidates, 17 of whom won.

2022

2023

COPAL, now with around 30 staff and 300 members, led legislative efforts to help pass laws such as Driver’s Licenses for All, Cumulative Impacts Legislation, and more. We also purchased a property on Lake Street that is the future home of the Latino Center for Community Engagement.

2023

2024

COPAL started the year with over 40,000 individuals in its base. We also launched our capital campaign to construct the Latino Center for Community Engagement, and are planning our biggest electoral and endorsement campaign to date.

2024

COPAL

Jemez Principles

As COPAL participates in building a just society, we are aware that our work needs to be guided by principles that center the well-being of the community. Therefore, in 2019, COPAL adopted the Jémez Principles for Democratic Organization as a guiding compass for building relationships with organizations and/or individuals who share our common dreams. These principles were collectively written in 1996, in the city of Jémez, New Mexico, by a multi-racial group of activists working on issues of globalization

Help People Now

What’s next for COPAL?

COPAL IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TRANSFORMATIVE COMMUNITY SPACE — THE LATINO CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (LCCE). THIS 24,000-SQUARE-FOOT SPACE AT 2905 E LAKE STREET, A BUILDING DAMAGED DURING THE 2020 SUMMER PROTESTS IN MINNEAPOLIS, SIGNIFIES MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL RECONSTRUCTION.

This project represents a pivotal step in empowering our community. It symbolizes the return of land ownership to local residents and reinforces Latines’ historical presence along Lake Street. Unlike the former out-of-state investment owners, this initiative represents a true commitment to our community’s social and cultural vitality, enhancing a sense of belonging and pride in Minnesota.

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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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