NDWA NEWSLETTER  |  MAY 2023

As Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate and  honor the significant role the AAPI community, particularly AAPI domestic workers, have played throughout history. 

Often employed as caregivers, housekeepers, or nannies, these essential workers — most of whom are women — contribute their skills, compassion, and dedication to ensuring the well-being of families and households.

Despite their important contributions, AAPI labor often goes unnoticed and undervalued. That’s because the history of Asian American domestic workers is deeply rooted in the complex and intertwined narratives of immigration, labor, and social justice. From the late 19th century onward, Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese and Filipino workers, played a significant role in the domestic labor sector. 

Over time, Asian American domestic workers joined labor movements and advocacy groups, fighting for fair wages, improved working conditions, and the recognition of their contributions. Their resilience and activism have paved the way for better labor rights and increased awareness of the challenges faced by this essential workforce. Today, Asian American domestic workers continue to shape the narrative of labor and social justice, pushing for equity, respect, and dignity in their profession.

AAPI Heritage Month serves as a reminder to recognize and appreciate the immense contributions of AAPI domestic workers and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all. 

Learn more about the inspiring history of AAPI domestic worker organizing on our timeline. 

NDWA founder and president Ai-jen Poo recently chatted with Chris Hayes to discuss the current state of care. During this dynamic and informative podcast episode she goes deep on why care is such a struggle, and why she believes that change is possible. 

Give it a listen.

The New Jersey Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is an important piece of legislation that will protect the rights and improve the working conditions of some 50,000 domestic workers in the state.

The legislation is at a critical point and we need supporters in New Jersey to take a moment TODAY and email your elected officials and urge them to secure hearings for the New Jersey Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in the Senate Budget Committee and the Assembly Appropriation Committee BEFORE their June 30th recess.

Sending a letter will take less than two minutes, but will have a huge impact. Email your elected officials today!

The Virginia June 20 primary election is just around the corner. Are you ‘vote ready’?

Early voting is well underway in Virginia and NOW is the time to make your plan to vote. 

Whether you choose to vote early this year, or in-person on election day, you have options to make voting work for your schedule.

Visit our Voter Hub for more information and to make your plan to vote. 

Every young child in North Carolina deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. But right now, our state's child care system is in crisis.

This urgent crisis calls for urgent action. Please contact your state legislators today to urge them to invest in a child care system that truly works for everyone in North Carolina, now and into the future.

Click through to send a pre-written message to your state legislators. Don't forget that you can personalize the message! Sharing your personal story and perspective is the most effective way to communicate with policymakers.

This month, we remember movement ancestor Fedelina Lugasan. 

Fedelina Lugasan was born in rural Leyte, Philippines. At sixteen she moved on her own to Manila. For thirty years she cooked, cleaned and cared for children and the elderly. Her employers said she was "like family,” but never paid her. They later trafficked her. 

In California, she was forced to do domestic labor for thirty five years without pay. In 2018, she testified against her employer. After sixty-five years, she regained her freedom. Fedelina refused to be silent, bravely sharing her story in public. She inspired other victims of labor trafficking to speak up and gain their liberation too. We honor Fedelina Lugasan for finding freedom and inspiring others to do the same.

Join our SMS list: Text NDWA to 33843

 This email was sent by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the nation's leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States.

45 Broadway, Suite 320 | New York, NY 10006 | DomesticWorkers.org

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.