Immigrant Justice Solidarity Project

Join IJSP in supporting the Domestic Workers Week of Action!

2009-04-24T16:07:00.003-04:00

With a Democratic majority in the New York legislature for the first time in decades, we all believe THIS IS THE YEAR TO PASS THE DOMESTIC WORKERS' BILL OF RIGHTS. We have no illusions about the Democratic party or view them as our saviors - as a result it will still take our effort and voices to urge them to pass this much needed legislation that will help confront a history of slavery and indignity!

Check the link for more info. A very busy and important week, indeed!

April 25th: March & Rally - 11am - 1pm. Gather @ 86th Street between Park and Lexington

April 25th: Exit Cuckoo benefit performance. $25 tickets (proceed portion goes to DWU). 410 W. 42 St.

April 27th: National Call-in Day of Action.

April 28th: Domestic Workers Take Action in Albany. ALBANY LOBBY DAY. Buses leave Union Square at 6:30am and return at 7:30pm.

More info here: http://www.domesticworkersunited.org/shownews/38

IJSP Members Travel to Albany for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights!

2009-02-12T16:03:00.000-05:00

Members of IJSP traveled up to Albany - the state capital of New York - on Tuesday to meet & lobby state legislators to support and pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

This was the 5th legislative session that Domestic Workers United (DWU) has lobbied state legislators for passage of the Bill of Rights. For the first time in decades, the state legislature is controlled by the Democratic Party. Though many Democratic legislators still stand in the way of justice, dignity and reparations for domestic workers, it is our hope that the change in political party control will provide more space and chance for passage of the Bill of Rights THIS YEAR.

It was a cold, but exciting day as 4 buses filled up at 6:30am at Union Square in Manhattan and made the trip up to Albany. We met with over 50 state legislators, held a press conference and had a march around the capital square.

YOU CAN STILL SUPPORT THE DOMESTIC WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS!
There are still a number of ways that you can support the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights:

You can join IJSP members for our monthly phone outreach to help build the membership base of DWU
You can help IJSP plan and conduct neighborhood canvassing in support of the Bill of Rights
You can join IJSP, DWU and others for the NEXT Albany Action Day! The exact date is not set yet, but will occur in late April
Have an idea or skill you'd like to share? Let us know! ijsp@riseup.net

Another example of the importance of CopWatch!

2009-02-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

Below is an article from the New York Times today that presents the importance of video taping police interactions in the community.

To get involved with a city wide effort in doing Cop Watch, you can get more info on Peoples' Justice website - www.peoplesjustice.org - and you contact us! ijsp@riseup.net

February 12, 2009

An Officer Is Accused of Beating a Suspect

By JOHN ELIGON

Last July, Police Officer David London arrested a man in the Upper West Side building where he lived with his mother, accusing him of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

But the building's surveillance video told a different story, District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/robert_m_m

orgenthau/index.html?inline=nyt-per> said Wednesday.

It showed Officer London pulling the man out of an elevator, Mr.

Morgenthau said, and beating him 18 to 20 times with a baton. The beating continued even after the man, Walter Harvin, fell to the ground, Mr. Morgenthau said. And even after Mr. Harvin was in handcuffs, Officer London delivered another eight to 10 blows, some with his feet, Mr.

Morgenthau said.

Officer London, 43, has been indicted on charges of assault and filing false records and pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in State Supreme Court in Manhattan. He was released without bail. If convicted he faces up to seven years in prison.

Stephen C. Worth

<http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/w/stephen_c_

worth/index.html?inline=nyt-per> , his lawyer, said Officer London "maintains his innocence strenuously."

Mr. Worth said his client was a 16-year veteran of the force assigned to a housing unit and is married with three children. He also has an exemplary record as a police officer, Mr. Worth added.

Daniel J. Castleman, the chief assistant district attorney, said, "We will dispute that," but he declined to give details.

Mr. Worth said it was important to put the video of the beating in the context of what happened before and after it was captured.

"Oftentimes the videotape is the beginning of the story, not the end,"

Mr. Worth said.

Several officers have been indicted in recent months after videos contradicted their accounts of how they made arrests. In December an officer was indicted <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/nyregion/16critical.html> on assault and other charges after a video showed him shoving a bicyclist in Times Square. Last month two undercover narcotics officers were charged with lying about a drug sting <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16narcotics.html> after a nightclub video showed they had had no contact with four men they arrested. Prosecutors dropped charges against the bicyclist and the four men after the videos came to light.

In Officer London's case, prosecutors said they could not release the video, which came from surveillance cameras, to the public because it was part of the evidence. But they said it captured the episode in detail.

The confrontation took place on July 28, 2008, when Mr. Harvin, 29, an Iraq war veteran, was trying to get into his apartment building, a public housing project <http://gis.nyc.gov/nycha/im/AddressMap.do> , at 93rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Mr. Morgenthau said. Officer London stopped him and asked for his identification. Mr. Harvin did not have any, nor did he have his key to the building, Mr. Morgenthau said, and he got into a shoving match with Officer London.

Mr. Harvin made it to the elevator, where the assault began, Mr.

Morgenthau said. Mr. Harvin was arrested on charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, but prosecutors dropped the charges last September after the surveillance video contradicted Officer London's account.

Mr. Harvin suffered bruises and welts on his arms, back and head, Mr.

Morgenthau said. Afterward, Mr. Harvin became homeless and drifted about the country, and prosecutors could not find him, Mr. Morgenthau said.

But a lawyer representing Mr. Harvin informed the district attorney's office Wednesday that he was back in New York.

"He's a fragile person," said the lawyer, Adam Orlow, who added that Mr.

Harvin suffered post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in Iraq.

"He became only worse after this incident."

He said he would file a civil rights lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan within the next two weeks.

Officer London was placed on modified duty shortly after the episode and was suspended without pay because of the indictment.

Help Canvass for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights!

2009-01-27T12:32:00.005-05:00

JOIN members of IJSP and Domestic Workers United for mid-day canvassing for the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights!

Particularly with the balance of power shift in the New York state legislature,
THIS IS THE YEAR to make the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights pass!

Help make it happen!

Support DRUM YouthPower! Campaign & the Student Safety Acct

2008-12-10T15:29:00.001-05:00

DRUM UPDATE:

DRUM YouthPower! youth leaders & Hillcrest students held an energetic rally on Monday at Hillcrest High School calling attention to escalting abuse by School Safety Officers.

DRUM youth leader Kumar Heeralall spoke about guards who attacked him in the "Strip Search Room" while he was handcuffed and had him arrested after. DRUM was joined by NYCLU and Rojan Morgan's family & lawyers who have filed suit & are working closely with DRUM to demand an investigation.

Help us demand an end to these practices on low-income youth of color.
Call your City Council member and express support for the Student Safety Act!

Call DRUM to help out with the ongoing YouthPower! campaign at 718-205-3036

Check our website for updates: www.drumnyc.org
------------------------------------------------------------
NY 1 News Clip:

http://www.ny1.com/Default.aspx?ArID=90276&ap=1&Flash

--------------------------------------------------------------

Hillcrest High School 'safety agents' under attack from students, parents

BY JOY WILTERMUTH
DAILY NEWS WRITER

Tuesday, December 9th 2008, 6:58 PM

Farriella for News

Activists Saniya and Rishi (they did not want last names used) at Hillcrest HS rally Monday. Rohan Morgan (inset, l.) and Kumar Heeralall accuse school security of abuse.

Students, parents and civil rights activists are demanding a probe of what they call overly aggressive policing at a Queens school, saying safety agents have created a "climate of fear."

Agents at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica have allegedly beaten students, strip-searched them and routinely forced them to line up for at least an hour for security checks, protesters said Monday at the school.
"We came to Hillcrest because, in our view, there is an educational and civil rights emergency," said Donna Lieberman, director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
She said Principal Stephen Duch is "complicit" in ongoing problems and has "turned a blind eye" to the aggressive behavior of security agents, who are NYPD employees.
Hillcrest student Rohan Morgan, 16, filed a lawsuit against the city in August after four security agents allegedly handcuffed him and then severely beat him in the dean's office.
"I was scared and didn't know what to think," Morgan said, recounting the incident at the rally.
School has been difficult since then, he said.
"I still have to look over my shoulder," Morgan said, adding that agents "still mess" with him.

City Education Department officials declined to comment on the lawsuit. But spokeswoman Marge Feinberg said such allegations are taken seriously.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said the July incident was sparked over a cell phone, which is banned in school. When agents tried to pull Morgan aside after his phone set off the metal detector, Morgan resisted, Browne said.
"The student became irate, and pushed and struck the agent," Browne said. Morgan was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
Trudy Morgan said her son came home with bruises all over his body and suffered a knee injury that required surgery.
"This is not the way they deserve to be treated," she said.
Hillcrest graduate Kumar Heeralall, 21, said he was the victim of a similar assault in 2007.
"They took me in a room, handcuffed me and beat me up," said Heeralall, who did not file a suit. "I thought I was the only one that it happened to."
Hillcrest student Ashley Avery, 16, said other schools don't have such stringent security.
"Not everyone is carrying a pocketknife," she said.
But George Geller, who heads the school's safety agents union, called the claims "outrageous."
"Inevitably, there are going to be allegations from time to time," Geller said. "What you heard here today were irresponsible calls to remove safety agents from schools."

With Jonathan Lemire

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/12/09/2008-12-09_hillcrest_high_school_safety_agents_unde.html

EXIT CUCKOO TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

2008-11-04T12:46:00.003-05:00

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd
7:00p-11:00p
Please join Domestic Workers United for
A SPECIAL BENEFIT PERFORMANCE of:

EXIT CUCKOO
A one-woman show that exposes the myth of motherhood
Written and Performed by Lisa Ramirez
Directed by Colman Domingo

@ Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South
Between Thompson and Sullivan
Take the A/C/E/B/D/F/V to West 4th Street

Reviews-
"'Nanny Diaries' it ain't!" - Erline, Nanny, DWU Member

"I think it was right on point. The agency in the play really mirrors the agencies today." - Barbara, Nanny, DWU Member

"Ramirez gives us an inside look into the complicated, disturbing, often overlooked world of mothers, nannies, and children. Both brave and funny, Exit Cuckoo deserves our attention." - Eve Ensler, Writer/Activist

"The play shows us how immigrants come here, how we have to take so many jobs, how we are underpaid, and the way they treat us. I really enjoyed [the play]; it was wonderful!" - Elfrida, Nanny, DWU Member

"...delivers a hilarious (and frightening) running commentary on your child-rearing neighbors - but not you, of course." - New York Magazine

Party following the performance!

Tickets: $30
Call - (718) 220-7391 x 23 or email
exitcuckoo4DWU@gmail.com
to RSVP or purchase tickets

All proceeds to benefit Domestic Workers United
http://www.domesticworkersunited.org

Join IJSP on the DWU Frontlines for a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights!

2008-11-04T12:13:00.003-05:00

Join IJSP to TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT AND RECOGNIZE DOMESTIC WORKERS at the front lines of the financial crisis, working to make all other work possible . . .

DWU is just picking up some steam to PASS THE BILL OF RIGHTS IN 2009, and they want IJSP and friends to help bring this struggle to its climax this year!

So please join us and DWU at any or all of THREE DOMESTIC WORKER BILL OF RIGHTS EVENTS YOU JUST SHOULDN'T MISS!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RALLY AND PRESS CONFERENCE - City Council Votes on Resolution to Support the NYS Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Call upon New York City Councilmembers and local elected officials to take a stand in support of labor standards for New York's 200,000 domestic workers. Domestic workers are excluded from almost every major labor law; the financial crisis will hit those without a safety net the hardest. Act now to protect the workers who make all other work possible!

Thursday, November 13
11am-12:00 noon Rally and Press Conference
1:00-3:00 pm Vote inside City Hall
City Hall Steps
Enter on Broadway or Park Row
Take R/W to City Hall, the 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge or 2/3 to Park Place

__________________________________________________________________

2. NY State Assembly HEARING ON DOMESTIC WORK

Come hear testimony and recommendations from domestic workers, employers, academics and policy experts on the crisis in the domestic work industry and the solutions toward recognition, respect and basic rights for domestic workers.

Friday, November 21
11am-2pm
250 Broadway
Assembly Hearing Room
Take R/W to City Hall, 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge or 2/3 to Park Place

__________________________________________________________________
3. CHILDREN'S VIGIL for the Human Rights of Domestic Workers

December 10 is International Human Rights Day. In honor of this day and the holiday season, show your solidarity with the children and families of domestic workers. This critical workforce supports 200,000 New York families as caregivers and housekeepers, yet works without a safety net, living wages or basic labor standards.

Their own children and families stand to suffer the most as the financial crisis hits. Stand up for respect and justice for domestic workers, call upon NYS legislators to act quickly, pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Protect the workers who make all other work possible.

Sunday, December 7
11:30am-1:00pm
City Hall steps
Take R/W to City Hall, 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge or 2/3 to Park Place

1st Happy Hour Outreach a Success!!!

2008-09-22T19:24:00.002-04:00

IJSP members & friends and DWU members joined forces for a very successful night of phone calls and socializing!

Phone outreach is one of the key ways IJSP provides support for DWU as it is a major component of DWU's basebuilding campaign. September marked the first month that we switched up the format of our regular phone outreach with DWU. Instead of meeting twice a month, we decided to maximize attendance by meeting once every month, on a Friday, have a drink or two, hang out, make phone calls and then go out for drinks in the area afterwards.

It was a lot of fun & we are very excited by the turnout, especially by folks who came for the first time! It was great to hang out more and have time to get know each other and have fun beyond making phone calls. Productivity and fun all at once! HOLD THE PHONES! :P

Our next Happy Hour Outreach will be on Friday, October 10th. We will meet up, have a drink, and make some calls from 6:00p - 8:30p and then head out for drinks afterwards. Feel free to come by for part of the time or if you can - all of it! Suggestions for new bars in the area are always welcome too!

Help Rename IJSP!

2008-06-10T10:13:00.002-04:00

HELP RENAME IJSP!
WE NEED YOUR CREATIVITY & INPUT!

Flexibility and growth - IJSP definitely believes these are important traits to maintain in our movement for social justice & change. With this in mind, we here at the Immigrant Justice Solidarity Project (IJSP) are looking to change our name - streamline it and spice it up - and we want to hear your suggestions!

BACKGROUND

IJSP formed as the detention working group of the Coalition of Human Rights of Immigrants in 2001. We became our own organization in late summer 2002 and worked principally in alliance with Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) in the "Stop the Disappearances! Campaign". Over the past 5 years, our work has continued to grow and develop. We entered new and exciting partnerships, most notably with Domestic Workers United and Peoples' Justice coalition, which shifted the focus of our work from being focused purely on immigrant rights to being more broadly about intersecting movements such as labor rights, low-income women of color organizing, and anti-policy brutality, in addition to immigrant rights. We've also realized something kinda simple: IJSP is a bit of a tongue-twister and a lot to chew on. So that's why we're coming to you!

GUIDELINES:

We want to change our name to something:
(a) easier to remember
(b) reflects our work as an ally organization and
(c) reflects our spunk!

We like names with pop, such as DRUM, FIERCE, FUREE, Catalyst, POWER.

Got something in mind? Hit us up with it!

Put those sizzling summer energies to use for (for now) IJSP!!! Email us suggestions at ijsp@riseup.net or leave a comment here!

Love & struggle,

Immigrant Justice Solidarity Project (for now)

www.ijspnyc.org

Raise Change - Bring Change - Fundraiser for the National Domestic Worker Alliance!

2008-05-30T16:31:00.005-04:00

The IMMIGRANT JUSTICE SOLIDARITY PROJECT is psyched to invite you to a fundraiser we're organizing on behalf of the NATIONAL DOMESTIC/HOUSEHOLD WORKER ALLIANCE (NDWA)!

NDWA is celebrating its first year of existence with a National Domestic Worker Congress. Over 50 domestic and household workers are expected to travel from across the country to build, learn from each other, and discuss a national agenda for domestic and household workers.

The fundraiser is FRIDAY NIGHT and funds will go to support the work of this incredible, historic Alliance.

THIS SHOULD NOT BE MISSED!!

TICKETS - $15 at the door
Program starts at 7pm SHARP!
Includes light snacks, performances, speakers, and dancing all night!

There will also be a raffle with some hot prizes, so bring on that CHANGE! (and cash.. and checks..rattle rattle!)

Domestic Worker Albany Action Day - SUCCESS!

2008-05-21T17:58:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, members of IJSP joined other allies in supporting Domestic Workers United (DWU) and the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. We woke up early (5am!), filled up 4 buses and left Manhattan for an action-packed day in Albany. In Albany, we partnered up with members of DWU and over 15 ally organizations, broke into teams, put on our yellow Domestic Worker Bill of Rights shirts, and flooded the New York state legislative building.

Our teams each met with 2-3 legislators from across the state. We raised the need for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights by highlighting conditions that many domestic workers face, the lack of legal protections, and how this bill is one important step at gaining respect, recognition and reparations for decades and decades of exclusion and exploitation.

Afterwards, we rallied in the park in front of the legislative buildings and - one of the highlights - cut loose with the "domestic slide" (think the boogie woogie/electric slide with revamped lyrics...oh yeah).

We got home around 7p, tired from a long day, but invigorated and inspired for a long struggle we are bound to win!

[Here is a report from DWU]:
Over 350 people participated, we received some great coverage of the Albany Day of Action in the Albany Times Union (the major daily in Albany) and the local TV station. Legislators and labor leaders came out to participate in the press conference and rally. We picked up at least 8 more multi-sponsors in the Assembly, Senator Maltese signed on as the Senate sponsor for the bill, and Assembly Labor Committee Chair Susan John expressed her support at the rally!!

Thank you to all, tremendous work everyone.

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Farm and domestic workers rally for workers' rights
Farm and domestic workers along with union leaders rallied at the Capitol today, in support of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act. Our Erin Billups reports.

Off to Albany on Tuesday: Justice for Domestic Workers!

2008-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

We're headed up to Albany on Tuesday with Domestic Workers United and hundreds of allies to push New York state legislators to do what it is quite obvious: pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights!

We have been working closely with DWU and are eager for Tuesday to employ another tactic in our battle for respect, recognition and reparations. It's long past time that the exclusion of domestic workers from federal labor laws and the exploitation and abuse that are its companions, comes to an end.

It's not too late to come with us! Contact us if you are interested. Buses leave from Union Square at 6am on Tuesday and return around 7:30pm. It's free, of course, so we can fight for all of us to be.

IJSP: Peoples Justice & Domestic Workers United!

2008-04-27T12:55:00.001-04:00

IJSP has been very busy the past month! Two of our main areas of work are providing support for Domestic Workers United (DWU) & the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Campaign, as well as our participation in the anti-law enforcement violence coalition: People's Justice (PJ).

On April 15th, IJSP members joined DWU and allies on a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights lobby day in Albany. With our participation in PJ, IJSP has been providing support for the family of Sean Bell who was killed in a hail of 50 bullets by the NYPD. 3 of the cops involved in the shooting got a pat on the back and walked free Friday and IJSP, via PJ, helped organize a speak-out, rally and march in Queens Friday night.

Check out the updates sent by DWU about the lobby day and by PJ about Friday's verdict and action - both below!

In the meantime - CONTACT US! to help with DWU outreach & PJ Copwatch/Know Your Rights campaign.

It is an angry, sad, and challenging time, but we find strength and inspiration in each other and our communities. We know we will continue to fight, struggle and love!!!

People's Justice: Brief Summary of Friday April 25th

2008-04-27T12:17:00.000-04:00

The March After the Rally (courtesy: Indymedia.org)

Brief summary of Friday April 25th

Peoples Justice Rally for Justice for Sean Bell & All Victims of Police Brutality
2 arrests following formal march

Following yesterday morning's announcement of Judge Cooperman's "not guilty on all counts" acquittal verdict of 3 of the 5 NYPD officers involved in the murder of Sean Bell, hundreds gathered in Queens to express their outrage. Disgusted by the trial process (determined by 1 judge rather than a jury), and the unjust outcome, the Peoples Justice rally began at 5:30pm by the Queens DA's office, with family members speaking of having lost loved ones to police brutality, and others speaking of personal experiences being victimized by law enforcement violence, including: Nicholas Heyward, Sr. spoke of his son - Nicholas Heyward, Jr. - murdered by the NYPD; members of Jayson Tirado's family; Juanita Young, mother of Malcolm Ferguson and founder of Parents Against Police Brutality; representatives of the Bushwick 32 case; Desis Rising Up & Moving, linking the struggle against police brutality to the struggle against the criminalization of immigrants. In addition to justice for Sean Bell and other specific cases, Peoples Justice is calling for an end to racist & militarized policing of our communities; the creation of a permanent independent prosecutor for all cases of police brutality in NYC; and increased efforts for community control of our safety through creation of community Cop Watch patrols and Know Your Rights work.

Peoples Justice moved the rally from the Queens DA's office with a march to Liverpool, the site of the 50-shot murder of Sean Bell and injuries to his friends Trent Benefield & Joseph Guzman. The unpermitted march, growing to 1,500 on Queens Boulevard, stopped traffic and was greeted by enormous support from community members along the way -- many joined the march; others honked their support from their cars, not seeming bothered to be stopped in traffic; others cheered from rooftops, apartments, stores, and buses.

At the closing rally on Liverpool (site of the shooting), about 500 vowed to continue the struggle for justice for Sean Bell & all victims of police brutality. Co-MC's Jessica Sanclemente (from the Justice Committee) and Thenjiwe McHarris (Malcolm X Grassroots Movement) reminded community members of the need to demand accountability of the police while also taking steps towards community control through Know Your Rights education and Cop Watch patrols. Those interested in developing their own Cop Watch patrols can contact the Justice Committee or Malcolm X Grassroots Movement for more information, and Peoples Justice can be contacted for more information about Know Your Rights training.

Following the close of the formal Peoples Justice march & rally, some continued with an impromptu march through parts of Jamaica, Queens. According to updates Peoples Justice received, at about 11:30pm, following the dispersal of one group at the 103rd Precinct, a protester was arrested as he was leaving, and a legal observer who tried to get badge information of the arresting officers was also arrested. After getting the news last night, Peoples Justice organizers secured an attorney to work with the 2 who were arrested, and also had several Peoples Justice organizers go to the 107th precinct where they were being held before being transported to Central Booking. The attorney attempted to have them released with DAT's (desk appearance tickets), which is often protocol in such cases. The NYPD refused. We expect that the 2 will be released today, and will post additional updates if community mobilization is required.

DWU: Albany Will Not Forget Us...

2008-04-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

Albany Will Not Forget Us...

Whether it was those gold shirts, our live chants or our Domestic Slide -- its clear that Albany will not forget us. With a diverse contingent, four buses strong we were able to demonstrate with passion and energy our message and demands.

On April 15th, we met with 50 legislators, gaining commitments from many legislators and successfully telling our stories about why its time for a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. These stories came from students - over 40 young people came from schools/orgs like Boys and GIrls High School and Imani House. The stories came from ally organizations, with 60 representatives from long time supporters - JFREJ, JWJ, IJSP, Social Justice Leadership Institute, Make the Road NY and many many others. Faith organizations, law students, and of course, domestic workers. Domestic Worker Justice Coalition members were present, along with members of Domestic Workers United and took lead roles in all aspects of the days activities. At the end of the day, we all had a feeling of accomplishment, like one ally recently stated, 'it was a good kind of tired.'

We know we couldn't have done it without you. And, we know its far from over. After having organized, educated, mobilized we have more work to do. We have met with legislators, we have made changes to our bill to address concerns. We are still waiting for the passage of the Bill of Rights in the Assembly and Senate. We are still waiting for legislators to step up to the plate, in particular the leadership of this New York State Assembly and Senate to do the right thing. To do something.

May 20th, we will return to Albany. Did you have a good time on April 15th? Wanna be that good kind of tired again? Same place, same time: meet at 6am at Union Square, in front of Barnes and Noble on 17th street. Accesible by the N/R/Q/W/4/5/6 to Union Square. We will be holding prep trainings and will announce times and locations as soon as they're confirmed. If you would like to RSVP for May 20th please email us at: domesticworkersunited@gmail.com

Get on the bus! April 15 or May 20

2008-04-01T18:39:00.000-04:00

The major priority for IJSP and DWU right now is to mobilize people to go to Albany to get the Bill of Rights passed in the state legislature. The Bill of Rights is about getting paid vacation and sick days, notice and severance pay, protection from unjust firing and discrimination, and annual cost of living wage increases.

Join Domestic Workers United and its allies as we travel to Albany to support the bill on April 15 and May 20. Meet at 6am at Union Square, north side, in front of Barnes and Noble on 17th St.

As Erline (DWU member) says: "It's an experience. It's better than Disney World!"

To prepare for these Albany days, there are trainings scheduled on two Saturdays in April: April 5 and April 13. (You can come to either one.) The trainings will be helpful to anyone who hasn't been involved in this type of event before, or hasn't been deeply involved in DWU before; you'll learn what to expect, and what you can say and do during the legislative visits. The training will even include honing your Electric Slide skills!

Get in touch with Claire if you need more information.

We Have a Blog!

2008-03-10T13:49:00.000-04:00

Hello all!

Welcome to our new blog - here you will find updates and opportunities to get involved in radical support work! Stay tuned to hear about what's next .....

See you on the street!
IJSP Crew