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NDWA NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2025
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THEY FOUGHT FOR US, NOW WE FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE

Black domestic workers have always been at the heart of the fight for dignity and justice—organizing for fair wages, safety, and recognition in a system built on exclusion and exploitation.
From the 1881 Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike [[link removed]] to the fight for domestic worker protections in the 1960s, our movement’s legacy is one of power, resistance, and progress – and it is built on the efforts of Black women.

But today, that progress is under attack. Some are trying to erase Black history from our schools, gut DEI programs, and silence discussions of race and gender—all while denying Black domestic workers the rights and protections they deserve. We refuse to let that happen.

At NDWA, our We Dream in Black initiative [[link removed]] continues the fight for racial and economic justice, centering Black domestic workers as leaders in the movement for a more just future. This Black History Month, we honor the past by building power today.

LEARN MORE › [[link removed]]
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[link removed] [[link removed]] The Care Bracelet [[link removed]] is a symbol of solidarity with the 2.2 million nannies, house cleaners, and caregivers who keep our communities running.
Get yours before Valentine’s Day! Every bracelet helps support the fight for dignity, rights, and justice for care workers.

GET YOUR BRACELET › [[link removed]]
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THE FIGHT FOR CARE: WHAT YOU TOLD US

Domestic workers are the backbone of our economy—but too often, their work is undervalued, their voices ignored, and their rights denied. That’s why we asked supporters like you to share your thoughts in our recent survey. The results are clear: our movement is growing, our impact is undeniable, and the fight ahead is urgent.

👉🏽 86% of supporters who took our survey say care should be a top national priority —but policymakers are still failing to take action.
👉🏽 73% of respondents are worried about efforts to weaken wage protections, defund care programs, and target immigrant workers—putting care and domestic workers at even greater risk.
👉🏽 Nearly 9 in 10 believe domestic workers deserve stronger labor rights —yet too many still lack basic protections like paid leave or a living wage.

But the numbers don’t just reflect concern—they reflect hope, determination, and a deep commitment to action .

When we asked what motivates you to stand with care workers, one theme stood out: we all rely on care . Whether it’s a nanny helping raise a child, a home care worker ensuring dignity for an aging parent, or a cleaner keeping our spaces safe, care makes everything else possible.

The truth is, care is personal . That’s why 80% of survey respondents said they’re willing to sign petitions, contact lawmakers, or donate to help protect care and domestic workers. Our supporters know that every policy we fight for—from living wages to fair immigration laws—makes a difference in real people’s lives.

Care workers—mostly Black, Latina, and immigrant women—make all other work possible. And together, we will make sure they are seen, valued, and protected.

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY

As attacks on our immigrant communities escalate, fear and uncertainty are spreading through our communities, leaving many immigrant domestic workers vulnerable and afraid. These harmful tactics disrupt lives, separate families, and threaten livelihoods. But in the face of intimidation, knowledge is one of our strongest defenses .

NDWA has launched a Know Your Rights page [[link removed]] with critical information on what to do if you encounter ICE, how to create a family emergency plan, and your rights on the job. In times of uncertainty, we must protect one another.

LEARN MORE › [[link removed]]
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LA WILDFIRES RELIEF: OVER $500K RAISED—AND COUNTING!

The devastating Los Angeles wildfires have displaced families, destroyed homes, and put entire communities in crisis. For domestic workers—who often have no safety net—the impact has been especially severe. That’s why NDWA launched the ‘We Care: Domestic Worker Relief Fund’, ensuring that domestic workers and their families get the support they need.

We’ve already raised over $500,000, including from so many generous people receiving this email (thank you!), to provide direct relief. If you haven’t yet, your donation to the ‘We Care: Domestic Worker Relief Fund’ [[link removed]] can still make a difference, including:

👉🏽 PPE for individuals living in affected areas as well as volunteers and workers doing cleanup efforts.
👉🏽 Basic supplies to help domestic workers and their families rebuild their lives.
👉🏽 Long-term recovery support to ensure they can get back on their feet.

We’re working with trusted partners like CHIRLA, IDEPSCA, and Pilipino Workers Center to make sure these resources reach the communities who need them most. But recovery is long, and the needs are far from being met.

If you haven’t donated yet, now is the time. Every dollar goes directly to supporting domestic workers and immigrant families impacted by this crisis. And if you’ve already given, you can still help— share the ‘We Care: Domestic Worker Relief Fund’ donation page [[link removed]] with your friends, family, and community.

DONATE TODAY › [[link removed]]

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TAKE ACTION & HELP PROTECT CARE

Protect Medicaid—Health Care is a Human Right

Medicaid is a lifeline for 72 million Americans —including domestic workers and the families they care for. But lawmakers are threatening massive cuts, putting children, seniors, and people with disabilities at risk.

These aren’t just numbers on a budget—they’re real lives. A newborn who needs care. A home care worker who relies on Medicaid for her own health. A senior who deserves dignity in aging.

Contact your representatives [[link removed]] today and demand they protect Medicaid because no one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the healthcare they need.

TAKE ACTION › [[link removed]]

Billionaire Handouts at the Expense of Care Workers and Families

No matter where we come from, most of us work hard to care for our families and keep our communities strong. But while care workers—primarily Black, Latina, immigrant, and other women of color—struggle to make ends meet, a handful of greedy billionaires are rigging the rules to pocket more wealth at our expense.

Congress is considering devastating cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act—programs that ensure millions of families and care workers get the support they need.

Meanwhile, the wealthiest 0.1% would get an average tax break of $314,000, while working people would get less than $500. These aren’t tax cuts—they’re theft from our communities.

We refuse to let politicians take from care workers and families to line the pockets of the ultra-rich. Add your name now to demand Congress reject these billionaire handouts and protect the care infrastructure we all depend on. [[link removed]]

TAKE ACTION › [[link removed]]

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THIS MONTH IN DOMESTIC WORKER HISTORY

In the summer of 1938, domestic workers in Chicago took a bold step forward in their fight for fair wages and decent working conditions [[link removed]] .

With the support of labor and civil rights leaders, the Chicago Domestic Workers Association mobilized hundreds of workers—mostly Black women—to push for legal protections , including an eight-hour workday and a minimum wage.

Their movement was powerful, but they faced fierce opposition from employers who successfully blocked their bill from passing in the state legislature.

Despite the setback and the fear of retaliation, membership in the association remained strong—a testament to the resilience of domestic workers who refused to be silenced.

Their fight in 1938 mirrors the challenges workers continue to face today: the demand for fair wages and protections, resistance from those in power, and the deep courage it takes to stand up for justice.

LEARN MORE › [[link removed]]

DONATE NOW › [[link removed]]

Join our SMS list : Text NDWA to 33843

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

45 Broadway, Suite 2240 | New York, NY 10006 | DomesticWorkers.org [[link removed]]

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