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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Damayan´s highest policy-making body is the General Assembly (GA). Convened annually, it is composed of the dues-paying and voting members of the organization. It is responsible for approving the program for the coming year and elects the Board of Directors (BOD).

In between assemblies, the BOD provides oversight and sets direction for the organization. It consists of five to seven members and meets every other month. Board members consist of:

Executive director

The executive director is responsible for overseeing programs, projects, campaigns and operations and leads day-to-day operations.

STAFF

In between Board meetings, Damayan staff members, who consist of full-time and part-time organizers, plan and implement the organization's programs, projects, campaigns and operations. They work closely with, report to, and are directly accountable to the Board of Directors (BOD).