Community Celebrates Worker’s Gathering and Valentine’s Celebration
Queens, NY – Three weekends ago, Damayan members, mainly women domestic workers, convened for “Love & Action: Worker’s Gathering and Valentine’s Celebration.” Participants prioritized community building and member leadership.
Damayan Fellows reported on ICE Out of NY’s People’s Assembly and the January solidarity rally with Minnesota’s striking communities. Participants also learned from ICE Out of NY representatives about immigrant protection campaigns, inspiring members to participate in the future. It inspired them to build collective power to protect our community and gather support from allies.
Through “Kamustahan” or check-ins, participants joined break-out groups and shared about personal, work, and community updates. In analyzing shared experiences, they strengthened bonds and our vision of advocating for each other. They also set priorities for Damayan’s 2026 programming. Proposals included stronger anti-labor trafficking initiatives as well as immigrant rights, labor rights, health rights, and leadership development initiatives.
The gathering ended with community Zumba; joy and self-care are always important. With gatherings of community building and education, Damayan persists in building collective power among Filipino workers and in centering member leadership. Join Damayan in our next gathering—you’ll find a strong community ready to have fun and fight for each other’s rights!
