NDWA NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2024 |
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| Can you believe we're already halfway through Care Workers Recognition Month? This special time shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of caregivers who selflessly tend to our loved ones' needs. From nannies to day care providers to home care workers, these individuals work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our families.
In this edition of our newsletter, we're diving into all things care —celebrating the dedication of care workers, exploring the challenges they face, and highlighting ways we can show our support. Let's journey together through the world of care! |
Urgent Call to Action: Support Care Giving Day
Tomorrow, April 18th, marks Care Giving Day, a pivotal moment to extend our support and appreciation for the essential workers who provide care everyday. As we approach this significant day, let's remember the urgent need for fair wages, improved working conditions, and recognition for their dedication and hard work.
That's why we’re launching a fundraising push to raise $10,000 by end of day tomorrow to support care workers across the country. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will have 2X the impact in improving the lives of care workers thanks to a generous donor match.
Why the urgency? Because domestic workers, particularly undocumented immigrants and women of color, are at a heightened risk of abuse and exploitation due to their marginalized status. The nannies, housecleaners, and home care workers who perform this work are continually undervalued and excluded, despite doing the essential work of caring for our homes and the people we love most. The current situation facing care workers is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for action to support them and advocate for their rights. With your support, we can work towards securing the fair treatment and recognition they deserve.
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Nominate a Care Hero Celebrate Care Workers Recognition Month by honoring those who make a difference in your life. Whether it's a nanny, a home care worker, or a caregiver, nominate someone who has touched your heart with their kindness, dedication, or compassion. Submit your nomination today and we'll send you cool NDWA merch. |
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Unifying for Care: NDWA's Week of Action
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Last week, as part of the Care Can’t Wait Action coalition, NDWA was in Washington, D.C. celebrating accomplishments in care. This coincided with the White House’s second proclamation declaring April “Care Workers Recognition Month” and the one-year anniversary of the signing of the White House Executive Order on Care. This order strengthened paid leave and child, aging, and disability care, as well as fair wages for care workers. President Biden, members of the administration, and other key lawmakers joined the cause, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the nation's care infrastructure.
A Congressional town hall featuring Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and Senators Warren, Casey Jr., Sanders, and Clark brought attention to the urgent need for improved working conditions and fair wages for care workers. Representative Pramila Jayapal engaged in a fireside chat, emphasizing the significance of the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The week also included a White House Care Convening, with advocates from across the country, and a fireside chat that stressed the critical role of strengthening the nation’s care infrastructure.
As we enter the second half of Care Workers Recognition Month, let’s harness this momentum to create a future where every caregiver is not only recognized but also valued, supported, and celebrated. Join us in advocating for the rights and dignity of care workers across the country. Sign our petition to support the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and ensure fair treatment and protections for all caregivers.
Together, we can pave the way toward a more equitable and compassionate society. |
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Stand Up for Philadelphia Workers: Demand Fair Protections
Picture this: you're a domestic worker in Philadelphia, dedicating long hours to make a living wage and hoping for basic workplace fairness. Yet, when your rights are violated, who stands up for you?
As the frontline defender for workers, the Office of Worker Protections (OWP) is falling short. With just one staffer for every 197,000 residents, the OWP lacks the capacity to adequately investigate wage theft, enforce safety regulations, and educate workers about their rights.
This situation hits hardest among low-wage workers, particularly in domestic service and marginalized communities. And now, instead of bolstering the OWP, the proposed City budget plans to slash $400,000 from its funding, leaving workers even more vulnerable to exploitation.
We cannot stand by and let this happen. If you live in Philadelphia, take action today and demand that City Hall prioritize worker protections by fully funding the OWP with $2.6 million. Our workers deserve better. |
Join the Child Care for NC Coalition's Day of Action on May 16
North Carolina's child care crisis is reaching a critical point, and we need your help to demand action from our leaders. Providers, parents, and supporters across the state are coming together for a Day of Action on May 16, and we need YOU to join us! By standing together on May 16, we're sending a powerful message to our leaders: the time for action is now.
Register today and meet us in Raleigh on May 16 and make your voice heard. Together, we can ensure that the needs of our children and families are not ignored by our policymakers. Let's come together and advocate for the change our communities urgently need! |
Take Action on Georgia's Budget Allocation
The Georgia General Assembly has concluded its 2024 session, and the recently passed FY '25 budget fully funds recommended rate increases across all four Medicaid HCBS waiver programs. This funding is a crucial step towards boosting wages for home care workers, who play an essential role in providing care to vulnerable individuals in our communities. But, our work isn't done yet. We need your help to ensure that this budget receives final approval. Can we count on you to take action? Your voice matters in this process.
If you live in Georgia. take one minute to send a letter to Governor Kemp to express your support for the legislature's allocations and urge him to sign off on the budget. Your action can make a real difference in securing fair wages for home care workers and ensuring that they receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
Together, we can continue to push for positive changes and improve the lives of home care workers across Georgia. |
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This Month in Domestic Worker History
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State-funded home health care emerged in the 1930s during the Great Depression, providing employment to unemployed domestic workers to assist low-income individuals. Despite their vital role, these workers, mostly women of color, faced low wages and lacked labor protections.
Even with the advent of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, which covered home care services, worker rights remained neglected. Today, home care workers still encounter challenges, and their contributions often go unappreciated.
Explore the history of home health care on our interactive timeline. |
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