Celebration and Determination at the 2021 Damayan General Assembly and Board of Directors Election
Two weekends ago, over 90 Damayan members, staff and volunteers participated in the 2021 Damayan General Assembly (GA) and Board of Directors Election. It was the first time in over a year that the membership attended a large in-person event. It marks more than a year of isolation, job loss, COVID-19 death, self-deportation, and worsened mental health since the pandemic. In spite of these challenges, the community came together to hear Damayan’s 2020 accomplishment and financial report, approve the 2021 action plan and budget, and elect the 2021-22 Board of Directors.
Before the Board of Directors election, the six Board candidates delivered passionate speeches about what they would do for the community as a worker leader or ally. Notably, the four worker candidates demonstrated deep commitment to the Filipino migrant worker community, with some offering their insightful experiences as labor trafficking survivors themselves. The voters were heavily engaged in the process and several delivered short, motivational speeches on behalf of an outstanding candidate.
“The memorable part of this GA is that the workers who voted are new. It is a good feeling to give them a chance on the leadership of the organization,” said Rose Alovera, outgoing Board Chair.
Outgoing Board member Arlene Janer gave her thanks “to the members who have given their time and effort to be present during the GA even with uncertainties when it comes to safety. Health is never guaranteed.”
Vocally-talented members also led karaoke-inspired group singing and dancing. At the end, Damayan surprised two outgoing community members, Rose Alovera and Nimfa Despabiladeras, with a retirement party. Both of them served in the nomination committee alongside Neth Ignacio. Nimfa is returning to the Philippines after 25 years in the US, of which 11 years were spent in Damayan as an active member and two as a Board member. Rose has retired from her job and her service to the Damayan Board, on which she has served for several years. Damayan thanks both of them for their dedicated service to the community throughout the years.
By the end of the GA, the newly elected 2021-22 Board of Directors was announced, namely, Linda Oalican, Jhean Basco, Robert Aguirre, Karina Garcia and Neal Stone.
Damayan also gave thanks to outgoing Board members Arlene Janer, Rose Alovera, and Nestor Javellana for their service to the Board during a challenging year.
With a new Board of Directors, Damayan renewed its commitment to educate, organize, and mobilize the Filipino migrant worker community in NYC.
