Workers Academy Part 4

“Ang laking tulong ng Workers Academy sa akin dahil naging mas confident ako sa paggawa ng narrative ko, at mas naging brave ako na ipaglaban ang kaso ko. Di ako takot dahil nandiyan ang Damayan na nagbibigay ng guidance sa mga members na tulad ko nag pupursigi ipaglaban ang mga kaso namin (The Workers Academy helped me a lot because I became more confident in creating my narrative, and I became braver to fight for my case. I'm not afraid because Damayan is there who gives guidance to members like me who will continue to fight for our cases)” - Delia, nanny, Damayan member, labor trafficking survivor

“I am very grateful to Damayan for giving me this opportunity. Workers Academy helps me build my confidence again.  Nawala po ang takot ko being undocumented dahil nadagdagan ang kaalaman ko about immigration rights and labor rights. With commitment and unity, mas magiging strong pa ang community natin (I am very grateful to Damayan for giving me this opportunity. Workers Academy helps me build my confidence again. I lost my fear of being undocumented because I increased my knowledge about immigration rights and labor rights. With commitment and unity, our community will be even stronger)”, Helen, caregiver, Damayan member

Last Saturday, community members attended the Workers Academy Part 4 at The People’s Forum, Manhattan. This is the fourth in a series of workshops that aim to equip the migrant worker community with knowledge of their labor and immigration rights, and to detail the process of how to fight for them. True to its mission of organizing low-wage Filipino migrant workers, Damayan prioritizes these opportunities of educating and equipping as a vital and critical step in empowering the community to fight for their rights, and becoming social justice leaders themselves.

The focus of this event was the narrative-writing workshop, which gave important guidelines on the flow and how to write their individual narrative, which is critical to win their cases as labor trafficking survivors. As in the case of many trafficking survivors, the process of going back and detailing their trafficking experience is nothing short of traumatic. Yet, being given the right tools can be an empowering nudge that enables them to find their voice and tell their stories.

Another important agenda tackled during the event was the new DHS immigration policy for migrant workers. Members put forth their questions and insights on the policy, signifying how important this is for the community. Damayan Special Projects Coordinator Mayra Bermeo also gave an important presentation on immigration rights that sought to educate and empower members.

Attendees who attended Workers Academy Workshops 1 to 4 are invited to take part in the Workers Academy 2022 Graduation set on Saturday, Feb 11 during the Monthly Members Meeting at The People’s Forum. Other members are also invited to join the first Monthly Members Meeting of the year! To RSVP, click here