Damayan Members Prepare for New York's Excluded Workers Fund

Last weekend, around 80 members joined the Damayan May 2021 Members Meeting to learn about New York’s Excluded Workers Fund (EWF) and prepare for Damayan’s upcoming General Assembly. In addition, Damayan organizers delivered timely updates on membership and programs. Volunteers presented news about COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines and the recent killings in Palestine.

DRUM Executive Director Fahd Ahmed delivered a thorough presentation on how Damayan members who didn’t receive stimulus checks and the unemployment insurance can access the Excluded Workers Fund. While the funds have not been distributed yet, Fahd shared who is eligible, how to prove identity and residency, level of benefits, and protections for undocumented immigrants. Damayan members divided up into several breakout groups to discuss the details and importance of the EWF, their questions on accessing it, and how Damayan can support them.

When asked how the Excluded Workers fund will impact him, Jun, who works as a caregiver to an elderly person, shared that the fund "will be a big help to our family na nawalan ng income. I have family members who lost jobs whom I want to help. Both in the US and Philippines." Maria, who works as a housekeeper, shared that the fund is important to her because "I lost my part time job, I have debts now. I’m stressed and have physical ailments, and pay for medical check-ups myself." Overall, the group agreed that the fund is important for all undocumented people because all are affected by the pandemic.

Damayan Executive Director Linda Oalican presented about the upcoming General Assembly on June 19. She encouraged members to get involved in the voting process for the Board of Directors, review the past year’s accomplishments and finances, and approve the annual plan of action and budget for the 2021-2022 year.

Damayan also welcomed three new team members. Niña Cabardo is the Administrative Coordinator and Sharmie Azurel, Elyse Mara and Olivia Fine from Columbia University are Damayan’s summer interns and volunteers.

If you are a member, please join us for the annual General Assembly (GA) on Saturday, June 19. Please register here: bit.ly/Damayan-GeneralAssembly-2021