Melody Arteaga: Finding Power in Community within COPAL
Ines Visa and Vi Danahy
Amid ongoing environmental challenges, Melody Arteaga’s dedication to Environmental Justice demonstrates how passionate individuals can drive meaningful change and advocate for equitable access to nature. In our Zoom interview with Melody Arteaga, we found her insights on her Environmental Justice-related work to be relatable and inspirational.
Melody is a recent alumnus of Macalester College class of 2023, where she studied mathematics and computer science. As first years, speaking with Melody provided an opportunity to learn about efforts we could become involved in post-college. Born to Mexican immigrant parents and raised in Southern California, Melody’s passion for Environmental Justice sparked from her long-standing engagement in community organizing. Her experiences as a youth worker, mentor, and facilitator during her time at Macalester let her see the power that young individuals have in changing systems and creating more equitable communities. During her formative years, Melody wished she had guidance on drawing connections between her personal life and the world around her, which currently serves as a driving force in her work.
Melody served as the Environmental Justice Coordinator at COPAL (Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action), a prominent grassroots non-profit based in Minneapolis. Melody’s position allowed her to engage local communities in dialogue, illuminating the intersections between environmental inequities impacting the Latine community. Furthermore, it let her see first-hand, the collective influence that Latine voices have in advocating against systemic disparities.
Recently, Melody’s work involved planning outdoor events which emphasized access to green spaces and nature. Melody described nature as a place where “everyone should have a right to feel comfortable,” striving to ensure that outdoor opportunities are enjoyable and accessible to all. One event she helped coordinate was centered around tapping Maple trees to collect maple syrup. The event served as an opportunity to navigate and bridge the barriers that come with communities who are unable to easily access outdoor spaces. The barriers range from transportation access, language access, and fees associated with outdoor activities. She noted even appropriate seasonal clothing could be a barrier for attendees, a factor not often considered in making natural spaces equitable and accessible for everyone. The work towards creating equitable access to the natural environment aligns with broader discussions surrounding controversies regarding the displacement of Indigenous communities in the name of conservation. Historical actions that have compromised the sanctity of natural landscapes, such as establishing Mount Rushmore, or transforming natural parks into tourist attractions, contradict the idea of keeping these locations sacred from human intervention and occupation.
Melody acknowledged the enormity of environmental injustices surrounding us; “With Environmental Justice and doing the work, sometimes it’s like, what can we do? There’s so much to do, and how do we do all of this?” However, her resilience is reinforced by engaging in conversations tailored to pertinent issues and by collaborating with local community members. If anything, Melody has found comfort and inspiration in the commitments and passion of community members. The member-based nature of COPAL extends opportunities for individuals to contribute across various initiatives, spanning from Health and Wellness to Environmental Justice. Melody asserts that being able to witness community members actively shape and guide COPAL’s work has been “truly powerful.”
On the subject of collaboration, Melody underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing justice work. COPAL actively participates in many coalitions that address broader societal issues as a collective, facilitating coordinated action toward shared objectives. One notable coalition, the Frontlines Community Protection Coalition, co-led by COPAL, worked to pass the Cumulative Impacts Bill. The bill mandates the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to conduct a cumulative impact analysis for proposed new and existing developments in heavily populated low-income communities, providing a measure of protection.COPAL integrates guidance and organizational frameworks to implement change in Minnesota. They adhere to the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing, which advocates for inclusivity, grassroots engagement, and collaborative solidarity. In 2023, COPAL demonstrated its commitment to learning and engagement by sending members and elected officials to Puerto Rico. This initiative provided insight into the resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters In efforts like these, COPAL demonstrates its capacity to act on local and global scales and aims to learn from coordinated organizing efforts in various places.
Regarding younger generations, Melody advocates for youth to forge connections with those deeply engaged in the field of environmental justice. She underscores the value of engaging with existing organizations, highlighting the myriad of opportunities available for individuals to contribute. Getting out there allows for unforeseen opportunities. Melody articulated, “[t]here’s something for everyone and something for folks to be involved in, whether that’s being part of these spaces or these conversations,” encouraging individuals to explore diverse avenues, including joining coalitions, presenting testimonies at the capitol, and organizing events.
Melody’s journey into environmental activism serves as a source of inspiration for those with lived experiences. As current Macalester students, it is common to question our readiness to engage in significant movements or feel intimidated by our perceived lack of experience. However, Melody’s words offer reassurance; meaningful contributions do not necessarily require extensive expertise. What matters most is the desire to make a difference. Melody beautifully states this message, “We cannot do everything alone. There is power in people and the community.”
