NDWA NEWSLETTER | MAY 2024 |
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| AAPI Domestic Workers: Honoring Their Past, Shaping Our Future
As Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month comes to a close, we want to take a moment to honor and celebrate the significant role the AAPI community, particularly AAPI domestic workers, have played throughout history. These essential workers — predominantly women — serve as caregivers, housekeepers, and nannies, contributing their skills, compassion, and dedication to ensuring the well-being of countless families and households.
Despite their crucial contributions, AAPI domestic workers often go unnoticed and undervalued. From the late 19th century onward, Asian immigrants, especially Chinese, Japanese and Filipino workers, have been key to the domestic labor sector. They faced significant challenges, including discrimination and harsh working conditions, but their resilience has profoundly impacted the labor movement.
Today, AAPI domestic workers continue to advocate for equity, respect, and dignity. AAPI Heritage Month reminds us to appreciate their immense contributions and strive for a more inclusive and fair future for all. Their efforts have paved the way for better labor rights and increased awareness of the challenges faced by this essential workforce. Click to learn more about the inspiring history of AAPI domestic worker organizing and to explore our interactive timeline of the history of domestic worker organizing. |
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Historic Advancements in Long-Term Care
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In late April, Vice President Kamala Harris announced new measures to make care work safer and more supportive while expanding access to affordable, high-quality care. These changes are a result of the tireless efforts and advocacy of care workers across the nation.
One major change is the "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Rule." This rule establishes a national standard for State Medicaid agencies to require home care providers dedicate at least 80% of all Medicaid payments of home care services towards the compensation for direct care workers. This will significantly improve the lives of care workers and the quality of care for over seven million seniors and people with disabilities.
These historic changes are a big step forward for the domestic worker movement. They promise fairer wages, better working conditions, and improved care for those who need it most.
While we celebrate these changes, much work remains and we need your help to keep the momentum going. Take a moment and pledge your support for expanding the care economy and improving care infrastructure. Supporters like you are crucial in making sure these changes are fully implemented and that care workers get the respect and pay they deserve.
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NDWA and Child Care for NC Unite for Change |
On May 16, NDWA joined Child Care for NC: United for Change in Raleigh to spotlight the impending crisis facing North Carolina's child care system if action isn't taken before the June 30 deadline. For this "Day Without Child Care", about 47 child care centers closed their doors, and 71 centers sent representatives to participate to highlight this potential crisis.
Advocates rallied and called on state lawmakers to provide $300 million to maintain wage support for another year, a crucial need given the ongoing staffing shortages and rising operational costs. Without this funding, a survey from the North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral Council indicates that 29% of child care providers—over 1,500 programs—are at risk of closing, potentially eliminating nearly 92,000 child care slots.
This rally spotlighted the challenges faced by the child care sector. Participants emphasized the vital role of child care in enabling parents to work and support the economy. The event underscored the urgent need for state investment to sustain early childhood education, ensuring that child care centers can continue to serve their communities. |
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Double Your Impact with #HalfMyDAF
If you have a donor advised fund (DAF), #HalfMyDAF will make dollar-for-dollar matches of up to $10,000 if you donate and make a commitment to spend half your DAF this year!
This is an incredible opportunity for you to double your impact. And, there is also a chance of NDWA receiving a match of up to $25,000.
All you have to do is make a DAF donation and complete the #HalfMyDAF commitment form by June 28, 2024.
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Celebrating International Workers Day: A May Day to Remember |
On May 1, International Workers Day (May Day), domestic workers across the nation rallied to highlight immigration, workers' rights, and international human rights. In New Jersey, workers and students celebrated the NJ Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and honored immigrant workers' contributions. In New York City, domestic workers marched in solidarity with Palestine.
In Seattle, immigrant domestic workers led the May Day march. In California, domestic workers marched in San Francisco and Oakland for fair wages, health and safety, a pathway to citizenship, and a ceasefire in Gaza.
In Washington, DC, TPS recipients and supporters rallied, calling for policy changes. The event featured speeches from former Representative Luis Gutiérrez and Representative Pramila Jayapal.
May Day is a global celebration of workers' struggles and achievements, reminding us of the ongoing fight for a fair and just world. Together, we are building a future where every worker is respected, protected, and valued. |
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Make Your Voting Plan for South Carolina’s Primaries
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South Carolina’s non-presidential primaries are on Tuesday, June 11. Whether you plan to vote absentee, early in person, or on Election Day, now is the time to make your voting plan.
Important dates for you to remember: - Vote Early in Person: Begins Tuesday, May 28th.
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Request an Absentee Ballot: Before the deadline at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 31st.
- Election Day: Tuesday, June 11th.
Check your polling location now and make a plan to vote. And, remember to bring a photo ID, as it is required in South Carolina to vote. |
National Domestic Workers Alliance does not endorse, support or oppose candidates for public office. |
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Bridging Divides: A Memoir Supporting NDWA and Hand in Hand
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In April, NDWA and Hand in Hand partnered with the creative team behind These Walls Between Us, a memoir that explores a lifelong friendship across racial and class divides. This poignant story delves into a white woman's necessary learning and a Black woman's complex evolution as they grow up together.
Wendy Sanford, the author of the best-selling women's health book Our Bodies, Ourselves, brings this narrative to life. All proceeds from the April sales of These Walls Between Us were generously donated to NDWA and Hand in Hand, supporting our shared mission for equity and justice. |
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Important Updates to Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
We’ve updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to provide you with more information about how your data is used and to ensure transparency in our practices. Key updates include: - Updated contact information
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Clarifications on when and how we disclose your information
- Details on how we use your information
- Clarifications about our services and potential services
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. |
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Join our SMS list: Text NDWA to 33843 |
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