Our Mission

Damayan is a grassroots organization that serves and empowers low-wage Filipino migrant workers living and working in New York City and New Jersey, especially undocumented domestic workers and labor trafficking survivors or modern day slaves.

We were established in 2002 by a group of Filipina domestic workers experiencing employer abuses, like illegally refusing to pay minimum wage, termination without cause or notice, and working overtime without compensation.

Most of our members are undocumented, so Damayan helps them know their rights so they can protect themselves and live without fear. For those eligible, we help them secure legal immigration status. We also focus on labor rights so they learn how to overcome employer mistreatment, such as winning stolen wages, and advocate for better working conditions, such as just wages and benefits.

Our Vision

To have a society where families do not have to be separated because of the need of  to find work abroad