Please support Adhikaar this holiday season

Dear Friends,

It is with great excitement and joy that I write to you. For the past 5 years, Adhikaar has been on the frontlines of human rights struggles in New York City. During this holiday time, I am requesting you to join me in supporting this remarkable organization that has brought justice and dignity to thousands of low-wage workers and to invest with me, as Adhikaar plans for the year ahead.

Founded in 2005, Adhikaar is the only organization ensuring that the voices of Nepali-speaking communities are heard in New York and beyond. Nepalis, Tibetans and Bhutanese are among the newest immigrant groups to New York and one of the communities most desperately in need. We work with individuals one-on-one to provide translation, access to health care and legal services, Know Your Rights trainings, English classes, and computer assistance. We also work with progressive organizers and activists across the nation to share best practices and bring about better policies for low-wage workers. We believe the nation is stronger with active participation of our community, and we give access so that our members can be part of democratic change.

Through my work at Adhikaar, I have come across many powerful stories, like that of Maya didi. Maya (name changed) is Nepali woman who lost her husband shortly after marriage. She took a job as a domestic worker in India to support herself and her young son. In 1987, Maya was brought to the US by her employer. For over 20 years, she washed clothes, cleaned floors and did everything her employer asked. She was abused and sometimes refused pay. She had no choice. Separated from her son, she struggled so that he might have a better life. Two years ago, Maya came across Adhikaar. This community has made a world of difference – Maya knows her rights, is learning English, and built her confidence. Maya takes English classes, gets case management support, and has a community of supportive sisters and brothers. She also went to Albany to share her stories with lawmakers and advocate for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. She lovingly calls Adhikaar her maiti (mother’s home) where she can share struggles and celebrate victories.

2010 has been historic year for Adhikaar. This year we celebrate many milestones, including:

• passage of New York Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, the first bill of its kind in the nation, which … This is a long time coming and Adhikaar was proud to be at the center of this struggle, speaking at press conferences and vigils and marches from New York City to Albany.
• the report launch of the first community needs assessment of the Nepali community in New York City. The launch of this report helps deepen our strategy and programs to best serve those most in need.
• the campaign to get Nepalis counted in the 2010 US Census. The Census numbers will get the Nepalis recognized as a growing community, and increase access to resources we need to strengthen our community.

I know you care about immigrant rights and giving everyone an equal chance. This holiday season, I am requesting your generous investment into ensuring that new immigrants like Maya have a chance to bring dignity and equity to their work.

Please join me in supporting Adhikaar with a tax-deductible gift. Please fill out the attached form and mail it to Adhikaar or you can donate online. For recent updates about Adhikaar’s work, please visit our website at www.adhikaar.org and join our online community at www.facebook.com/adhikaar. I am also happy to share more information. Please feel free to email me at luna(at)adhikaar.org or call me at 718-937-1117.

Warm wishes to you and your loved ones,
Luna Ranjit
Executive Director
Adhikaar

P.S. You can also support Adhikaar while you shop for gifts this holiday season by using GoodShop.com and choosing Adhikaar as your cause. A percentage of your shopping will go to Adhikaar, without any extra cost to you.

No to inSecure Communities

NO MORE DEPORTATIONS. POLICE SHOULD NOT BE IMMIGRATION AGENTS.

Governor Paterson, Stop ICE’s “Secure Communities” in New York Now!

RALLY in Manhattan. Thursday December 9, 2010, 11 am. Gov. Paterson’s NYC Office, 633 3rd Ave (btwn 40th and 41st St.)

For more information: Lili Salmeron, NMCIR, 212-781-0355 or co@nmcir.org

In May 2010, NY State signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE approving "Secure Communities," in which local police send fingerprints of all arrestees to Department of Homeland Security databases. This costly program will push thousands more immigrants into the unjust detention and deportation system, while making us all less safe and violating our rights. ICE has repeatedly misrepresented and lied about the program to the state and nation. Join us in demanding that Governor Paterson terminate the Secure Communities agreement and that the federal courts require ICE to share all documents on “opting out” of the program.* New York State should not cooperate with ICE in tearing apart immigrant families.

*After the rally, a federal judge presiding over NDLON v. ICE will consider an emergency injunction ordering ICE to make documents public regarding whether jurisdictions can refuse to participate in Secure Communities. Please come to the hearing to show your support for this injunction at 2:00 at US District Court at 500 Pearl Street, Courtroom 15C, NY, NY.

Report Launch: First Nepali Demographic & Needs Assessment in New York City

Adhikaar is launching the first report on the Nepali-speaking community in New York City on December 8th. You are invited to attend this event:

Snapshots of the Nepali-Speaking Community in New York City:
Demographics and Challenges

Why has the Nepalis speaking community increased so dramatically in the past few years? Why do Nepalis come to New York? How do they earn a living here? What challenges do they face in New York? Adikaar’s new report addresses these questions and more!

The Nepali-speaking community has become increasingly visible in New York City, particularly in the last decade. Adhikaar undertook a community-based, participatory research project to document the demographic composition and the needs of the diverse Nepali-speaking community. This report is the culmination of our three-year long effort, including 300 surveys, twelve in-depth interviews, and four focus group discussions with diverse groups of Nepali-speaking community in New York City. The information obtained through this project improves our understanding of the experiences and challenges confronting the Nepali-speaking immigrants. As the first comprehensive report about the Nepali-speaking community, this report helps set the baseline for future research projects. We hope that the data in this report will mobilize our community, Nepali organizations, journalists, and other organizations serving immigrant populations to advocate for more resources and for social justice.

Date: December 8, 2010
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: Eugene Lang College, New School University
65 W 11th Street
New York, NY 10011

Speakers include: (List in formation…)
Councilmember Danny Dromm, Chair, Immigration Committee, New York City Council
Howard Shih, Census Program Director, Asian American Federation
Dr. Susan Hangen, Professor, Ramapo College and Board Co-Chair, Adhikaar
Luna Ranjit, Executive Director, Adhikaar

Please RSVP by Monday, December 6, to Nima Sherpa at
nima@adhikaar.org or 718-937-1117.

Invitation to Photo Exhibit

join us at the
APA HEALIN’
healthy eating + active living in our neighborhoods
photography exhibit
opening reception

photovoice is a process that uses photography as a strategy for social change. during the summer and fall of 2010, community members were asked to explore how access to food, recreational spaces, and health care looks like in their community. it was a way of documenting the community experiences, initiating dialogue on problems, resources, and solutions, and a tool for sharing their stories.

opening reception will include an unveiling of the photography, light refreshments, brief discussion about photovoice, and an opportunity for the community members to share their experiences.
opening reception
december 6, 2010
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
[space on white]
81 white street (btw broadway & lafayette)
new york, ny 10013

subway: 1; ACE; NQRW; JMNZ; 6 to the canal street stop and walk to 81 white st.

to rsvp or for more info: call noilyn abesamis-mendoza at 212.809.4675 x.106 or email namendoza@cacf.org

apa healin' is a collaborative addressing access to healthy foods and safe places to play, exercise, and gather for the asian american community in new york city. this initiative is funded by the asian pacific american partners for empowerment, advocacy & leadership.

this photovoice project was made possible by the participation of the following organizations: adhikaar, asian americans for equality, indochina sino-american community community center, kalusugan coalition, and the coalition for asian american children and families.

Call to Organize

14 Sep 2010
National Domestic Workers Alliance
A CALL TO ORGANIZE
On the Occasion of the Historic Signing of the NY Domestic Workers Bill of Rights
________________________________________________
Our movement has made history. On August 31, 2010 Governor David A. Paterson signed the New York Domestic Workers Bill of Rights into law. As domestic workers organizations it is time to both take a step back to appreciate this moment, and to make a giant leap forward. First, we must understand what we won:

We won recognition. For the first time in any state, domestic workers will be included in all of the major labor laws protecting other workers. NY State has recognized that this is a workforce that deserves protections like any other. This includes: overtime pay at time and a half your regular rate of pay, a minimum of one day of rest per week, protection from discrimination and harassment and inclusion of part-time workers in disability laws.

We challenged and expanded how minimum standards are legislated. We have broken through and established a mandatory minimum of at least three paid days leave per year. No other worker receives paid leave by law in New York State. In fact, New York is an employment at will state, which means “no work, no pay,” unless you have a contract that states otherwise. Because domestic workers pushed legislators to understand the specific challenges to negotiation in the domestic setting, the legislature set a new precedent and included days off in the establishment of minimum standards for domestic workers.

We are paving the way for a new labor movement. We are forcing a debate about the existing structures for collective bargaining. Included in the bill is a mandate to the Department of Labor to study the feasibility and specific challenges to collective bargaining for domestic workers under the current state and federal labor relations laws. This is the first study of its kind, and domestic workers are helping shape the investigation through a partnership with the Department of Labor, in addition to producing our own independent study.

We -- working-class immigrant women of color -- are inspiring other workers and communities everywhere to continue organizing. Throughout the country and around the world, other low-wage workers, women and oppressed communities have been encouraged by this win to fight. We received over 170 media hits with the bill’s passage, including front page of the NY Times national section. With this victory, we have demonstrated that even in times of economic crisis and anti-immigrant sentiment, we can achieve major victories that change the course of history for working-people through organizing.

This is just the beginning. Our California affiliates have pushed a resolution through the California legislature in support of recognition and labor standards for domestic workers. This paves the way for the passage of the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Many of you are now talking about bills in your states. In addition to that, we are moving reforms at the Department of Labor. And, internationally, we are moving a strong “Decent Work for Domestic Workers” convention at the International Labor Organization to internationally recognize the workforce and our contributions. Next year, we will be putting forward our vision for federal legislation that creates jobs, a career ladder and a path to citizenship for domestic workers.

So we must celebrate how far we have come. It was not easy. Angelica Hernandez, a member of Domestic Workers United, traveled to Albany twenty-six times during the course of the campaign; each trip to Albany is a 12-14 hour day. In addition to Domestic Workers United, members of all of the New York Domestic Workers Justice Coalition groups – Adhikaar for Human Rights, Unity Housecleaners, Damayan Migrant Workers Association, Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, Andolan Organizing South Asian Workers – rallied, marched, attended meetings and mobilized during the six year-long effort. The commitment and leadership of domestic workers inspired thousands to join the campaign.

And, now is the moment we must collectively take a big leap forward. We must make the most of this moment in history to organize and build real power among workers. As an alliance, we are still young. Many of our organizations are just beginning to build a membership base. There has never been a better time to build than now. With the press coverage, the story of the victory, and the track record of other organizations, we must now inspire tens of thousands of unorganized domestic workers to join our movement. We must do the difficult task of speaking to them, engaging them, bringing them to the next event or meeting, following up, and matching them with a role that will excite and involve them in building our organizations. Opportunities like this moment don’t come often – we must seize the moment.

When Governor Paterson signed the bill into law, he was surrounded by nearly 200 domestic workers and supporters; we filled two rooms in the Harlem community center where the signing took place. In his speech that morning, he said, “I am grateful to the sponsors for their extraordinary efforts to enact this landmark bill, and most of all to those domestic workers who dreamed, planned, organized and then fought for many years, until they were able to see an injustice undone.” Even the Governor knows that change happened in New York because domestic workers and the movement they built around this campaign organized to make it happen. Let us go out there and continue to grow and build this movement. In our work lies the key to deep social transformation. We can help lead the way for the working people of this country to collectively reach our human potential and realize our hopes and dreams for a better future for everyone.

Adhikaar at USSF 2010

From June 22-26 2010, Adhikaar participated in the second United States Social Forum(USSF) in Detroit as only representative of Nepali immigrants in the US. In the historic gathering of over 15,000 people from different grassroots advocacy groups and non-profit organizations in the US and abroad, Adhikaar represented the Nepali domestic workers in the New York City.

Standing in solidarity with organizations from all over the United States, Adhikaar expressed its commitment to fight for fair labor standards for domestic workers, not just in New York, but in the entire United States. Adhikaar also expressed its support for the representatives from different organizations who represented the domestic workers at the International Labor Organization in Geneva.

Adhikaar’s staff and members also participated in the excluded workers congress that included workers- like cab drivers, restaurant workers, farm workers, formerly incarcerated workers, guest workers- from industries that were systematically denied the right to organize. At the convention, participant from Adhikaar were able to contextualize their work from a historical and global perspective, and exchanged ideas with other participants on effective organization and collective bargaining.

“USSF has made me realize the urgency of creating another world” said Adhikaar community organizer Narbada Chhetri, and added, “I have a renewed vigor to work collectively with our community to build a fair and equal society”.

Please support Adhikaar’s critical work for equality and justice. For more information call (718)-937- 1117 or visit www.adhikaar.org.

Immigrants and Allies Hold “We Are All Arizona” March and Rally

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Monami Maulik, DRUM: (347) 385-9113
Manisha Vaze, Families for Freedom: (917) 748-0938 (English and Spanish)
Rafael Samanez, VAMOS Unidos: (646) 330-1951

Immigrants and Allies Hold “We Are All Arizona” March and Rally,
Demand End to Mass Detention and Deportation Programs
and Call for Full, not Temporary, Repeal of SB1070

New York, NY (July 29, 2010) –
Immigrants and their allies from New York and New Jersey will march across the Brooklyn Bridge and rally in Foley Square to call for a full repeal of SB 1070 in Arizona and similar laws nationally. Says Rafael Samanez of VAMOS Unidos, “The partial and temporary blocking of a law that should have never existed is welcome, but in no way a victory. The conditions that created SB 1070 remain and are only worsened by the half-hearted decision today." Marchers will decry the climate of racism fueling SB 1070 and 20 copycat laws in other states, will call for an end to mass deportation programs, and assert that current versions of “Comprehensive Immigration Reform” – including Senator Chuck Schumer’s – work against, not for, immigrant communities.

"We welcome the court’s decision and commend the national movement that has temporarily stopped the implementation of some sections of SB 1070,” said Minister Patricia Malcolm of Churches United to Save and Heal. “At the same time, we fear that racial profiling and targeting of immigrants will nevertheless continue in the racist climate that this law has encouraged.”

“More than ever, we are in solidarity with immigrants in Arizona and all other states contemplating copycat legislation to condemn these laws,” said Ayesha Mahmooda of DRUM-Desis Rising Up and Moving. “As South Asians and Muslims, we stand in unity with Latinos and all other immigrants because these laws target all of us.”

Immigrants and their allies also warn that the preliminary injunction will likely do little to curb the numbers of immigrants getting funneled into the deportation system as the federal government continues to dramatically ramp up mass deportation initiatives like Secure Communities, Criminal Alien Program, and 287(g) across the country. Even New York has recently signed onto the federal government’s much maligned “Secure Communities” and has colluded for decades with the federal government to carry out mass detentions and deportations.

As a result, “We remain vigilant as immigrant communities and allies across the country to ensure that SB 1070 is fully repealed and that all copycat proposals fail,” stated Monami Maulik of DRUM. While the federal government has promoted recent versions of “comprehensive immigration reform” as a solution to laws like SB 1070, these advocates firmly content that such proposals will in fact do more harm than good.

“What we need is a humane legalization bill that is not undermined by harsh deportation and border militarization provisions,” said Manisha Vaze from Families for Freedom. “We need genuine reform, one that truly promises to keep families together.”

An inivtation from Adhikaar Youth Group

Namaste from New York! Please join us in celebrating Adhikaar's 5th Anniversary with performances and an award ceremony.

Expressions for Justice: Celebrating Our Collective Voices.

When: August 7, 2010 (Saturday)
6:30pm - 8pm - Dinner Reception
8pm - 10pm - Award Ceremony & Performances
... stay back for desserts and dancing....

Where: Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South
New York, NY

FREE EVENT, but please come with a big heart to support Adhikaar's crucial work. You can also make a generous contribution today.

Successful Free Health Fair and Mammography at Adhikaar

On July 11, 2010 Adhikaar successfully organized a free health fair in collaboration with the Association of Nepali Physicians in America (ANPA). Over 100 individuals benefited from free blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other general health screening services. In addition, 42 women over forty years received free mammogram. Adhikaar organizes two mammography events every year in partnership with American Italian Cancer Foundation and Multi Diagnostics.


Shanta Shah, one of the beneficiaries of the health fair shared, “The health fair was very well-planned this year. It went smoothly, so I did not have to wait.” She further added, “The doctors provided good consultation.”

Most of the attendees of the health fair could not afford health insurance, and many of those who did, suffered from the lack of Nepali interpreters in the hospitals. Dibyashori Shakya of Woodside expressed her appreciation for the interpretation services at the health fair, and confided, “Due to language problem, I cannot frequent the hospital without company. Adhikaar’s interpreters made it easy to communicate [with the nurses during mammography].”

Lobsang Dorjee, one of regular participants at Adhikaar’s English for Empowerment classes commented, “I am very thankful to Adhikaar for providing access to basic health screening that I would not have been able to access otherwise.”

ANPA Chair, Dr. Rekha Hamal Chetry, lauded Adhikaar on the efficient organization of the health fair. She also shared, “We do not have to go to the remote hills of Nepal to help our brothers and sisters who are in need.” She added, “Adhikaar gave us the opportunity to serve Nepali community New York. We understand the needs and lifestyle of the Nepali community better, so the community members weren’t hesitant to communicate with us.”

Adhikaar would like to thank all the volunteers who came in early and stayed in till late despite the World Cup final match. Some pictures of the health fair are attached here: http://picasaweb.google.com/adhikaar/20100711#.

We would also like to thank the following individuals from ANPA for their valuable time and service during the health camp.

Lila Rajaka (Nurse)

Rita Shrestha (Nurse)

Bidhya Bista (Nurse)

Saroj Prakash Kandel, MD

Dron Gauchan, MD

Harish Mahaseth, MD

Padam Neopane, MD

Bhupendra Wagley, MD

Yogita Shah, MD

Binod Shah, MD

Rekha H. Chetry, MD

Adhikaar is organizing another free mammogram in November 2010. If you’d like to attend, or know someone who would benefit from it, please call us at 718-937-1117.

Celebrate with Adhikaar on Aug 7th

Please join us in celebrating Adhikaar's 5th Anniversary & award ceremony.

When:August 7, 2010 (Saturday)
6:30pm - 8pm - Dinner Reception
8pm - 10pm - Award Ceremony & Performances
... stay back for desserts and dancing....

Where:Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South
New York, NY

FREE EVENT, but please come with a big heart to support Adhikaar's crucial work. You can also make a generous contribution today.

RSVP: events@adhikaar.org or via Facebook: http://bit.ly/celebratewithAdhikaar
718-937-1117 http://www.adhikaar.org/ www.facebook.com/adhikaar

Adhikaar's Summer Arts & Leadership Institute

Adhikaar's Summer Arts & Leadership Institute
invites all young women ages 13-25 to join us for three-day workshops this summer

Learn Theatre, Dance, Photography & Multi-Media Techniques!
Tell the stories of your lives and communities!
Discover how the arts can be tool for social change and personal discovery!

Adhikaar's Summer Arts & Leadership Institute is free.
Meals & transportation will be provided. Small stipend will be provided after completing the program.
Registration: Space is limited.

Session #1: Theatre
Saturday, July 17, 12-5 pm
Sunday, July 18, 12-5 pm

Session #2: Dance
Saturday, July 24, 12-5 pm
Sunday, July 25, 12-5 pm

Session #3: Photography
Saturday, August 1, 12-5 pm
Sunday, August 2, 12-5 pm

TO APPLY:
Please submit the following information to adhikaar.events@gmail.com:

Contact information

Name:

Email:

Phone number:

I am available to attend:
1). All Workshops
2). Session 1: July 17-18
3). Session 2: July 24-25
4). Session 3: August 1-2

You can apply to all sessions or individual sessions, but you must be able to participate for the full weekend. Each session will conclude with a small presentation/performance created by the participants.

Please answer the following questions:

1). Why do you want to participate in Adhikaar's Summer Arts & Leadership Institute?

2). What are some of the challenges you feel as a young woman in New York City?

3). Do you have any experience in the arts - e.g. dancing, singing, writing, painting, theatre etc?
(No experience necessary, we just want to know more about you.)


Adhikaar, meaning rights in Nepali, is a Queens-based non-profit promoting human rights and social justice in Nepali-speaking communities, through organizing, community education, grassroots advocacy, and leadership development.

Your Call for Domestic Workers

Last week, our Senior Community Organizer Narbada Chhetri, camped out in Albany with members of DWU and JFREJ to convince the state legislators to reconcile the two versions of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights passed by the State Senate and Assembly, and to convince Governor Paterson to sign it. The discussions are continuing and we need your support in making the final push.

Please put in a call to our state government leaders TODAY:

Governor Paterson's office - 518-474-8390
Speaker Sheldon Silver's office - 518-455-3791

Here is a sample text.
"My name is _____ and I'm calling to express my support for the senate version of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Domestic workers have been excluded from the labor laws for too long. They are not asking for special rights. They work alone and have no power to negotiate for better working conditions. Uniquely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, this bill is the only way that domestic workers can get what they deserve for the important work they do. New Yorkers want and need this legislation."

Adhikaar Yuwa Photo Contest

Adhikaar, meaning rights in Nepali, is a New York-based women-led non-profit organization working with Nepali communities to promote human rights and social justice for all. (http://adhikaar.org) On August 7, 2010, Adhikaar will be celebrating 5th year anniversary through an award ceremony and fundraiser.

As part of the celebration, Adhikaar will hold a photo contest for Nepali Youth. Adhikaar wants youth to be able to express what Nepali community abroad means to them, and what role human rights and social justice have in the Nepali community. As such, Adhikaar is putting out the following call for submissions:

Call for Submissions

Please submit photographs of the highest resolution possible about the following topics by August 1, 2010:

The Nepali Immigant Experience
What does being a Nepali abroad look like? What does it feel like? We want photos that capture the essence of the experience of living in a foreign nation as a Nepali citizen.

What does Human Rights / Social Justice mean to Nepali Youth?
What does Human Rights and/or Social Justice mean to Nepali Youth? What is the importance of these ideas for Nepali Youth?

Submission details

Please email your photos (in JPEG format .jpg or .jpeg) to photo@adhikaar.org. Please include a description (140 characters at most) of the photograph. The description may describe why the picture fits the theme of a competition, or simply add to its artistic value.

We ask that photos not be altered very much from their original. Feel free to edit the photos for contrast, brightness, saturation, etc., but no crazy "photoshopping". It is of course okay not to edit your picture at all. Pictures from point-and-shoots and DSLRs are equally welcome.

This contest is geared towards engaging Nepali Youth in the issues of human rights and social justice. However, the contest is open to all who feel vested in the Nepali community (whether they be Nepali or not), and are under 35 years of age.

Prizes

Grand Prize winner (Photo of the Year) will receive a prize with a monetary value of at least $50. There will also be audience choice awards in each of the two categories.

Ownership/Consent

Entrant must be the owner of the photograph, or otherwise have the right to submit the photograph for consideration in the Contest. Entrants give Adhikaar the right to publish same in any medium without compensating entrants. Entrants agree to provide a consent / release of any recognizable people in their photo if necessary.

Announcing Winners

Winners will be notified by phone or e-mail, and may come and receive congratulatory accolades while picking up their prize at the Adhikaar 5th Anniversary Awards Ceremony of Fundraiser. If the winner(s) cannot attend, we will send the prize via US Postal Service mail.

Adhikaar Photo Contest Rules

Adhikaar reserves the right to change or modify the rules, or the prizes, and discontinue or extend this contest without prior notice.

Questions

If you have any questions, please email photo@adhikaar.org or post a comment on this page.

Adhikaar Voices Our Concerns at Public Advocate de Blasio’s Town Hall Meeting

At the town hall meeting held on June 8, 2010 in Jackson Heights, several organizations, including Adhikaar, expressed their concerns to public advocate Bill de Blasio and Council Member of district 25, Daniel Dromm.

Individuals and organizations were particularly concerned about issues plaguing the Queens community like after-school education budget cuts, translation services at hospitals, predatory lending practices, high rents, increasing pollution, childhood obesity, lack of trash collection, and humanitarian visas for 9/11 rescue workers.

Luna Ranjit, our executive director, called attention to the expanding Nepali-speaking community in New York. She urged de Blasio and Dromm to provide better translation services at hospitals, and explained the problem with the existing “language line” services. Many Nepali-speakers are interested in volunteering, but are unable due to their immigration status. She emphasized that immigration status should not take precedence over the life of a patient. Likewise, she also informed about the growing incidents of mugging and physical assault in the community and asked for community-based solutions.

Adhikaar requests you to join us at the future town hall meetings and events, and express your grievances to the elected officials! For more information and updates, please contact us at adhikaar@gmail.com.

Victory At Last – Dignity and Rights for Our Domestic Worker Sisters

Adhikaar staff and members jumped up and down and cried with joy in the chamber of the New York State Senate when the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (S2311) passed on June 1 at 8:20pm. We endorsed the campaign in 2005, and worked relentlessly since 2007 to pass this bill that ensures the fundamental labor/human rights of all domestic workers in New York State.

Through our English For Empowerment program and conversations with the participants, most of whom are domestic workers, we heard numerous stories of human rights violations, including but not limited to: verbal abuse, starvation, inadequate or no pay, firing at will, slave-like treatment, and gender and racial discrimination. Many of the workers had slaved for more than10 hours a day, 7 days a week with below-minimum pay, without sick leave, insurance, or any other benefits. These stories gave us the energy to keep working diligently to pass the DWBR, under the leadership of our Senior Community Organizer Narbada Chhetri.

Domestic Workers United (DWU) led a coalition of 8 organizations, including Adhikaar, to campaign for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Leading up to the historic moment on June 1, Adhikaar mobilized over 150 participants for marches, vigils, town hall meetings, conferences, demonstrations, and legislative visits in Albany.

The Senators passed the bill that allows New York’s 200,000 domestic workers to receive overtime pay, paid holiday, and collective bargaining with employers. In addition, employers are liable for providing clear termination standards and advance notice of at least 14 days before termination from work. We have already been reported of various instances of our participants standing up to their employers to ensure their labor rights! We also expect the bill to reduce physical and sexual harassment of domestic workers.

Once the bill is reconciled with the one passed by the Assembly last year, and is signed into law by Governor Paterson, New York will be the first state to establish these rights to domestic workers, most of whom are immigrant women and are often very vulnerable to abuse. Domestic workers in California and Colorado are also fighting for similar bills.

Bishnu Thapa, a member leader ofAdhikaar says, “There are not enough words to describe my happiness. It is a relief to know that I no longer have to acquiesce to unfair terms of pay and working hours in domestic work.” Her involvement with the campaign empowered her to bargain with her employer, and Ms. Thapa managed to raise her salary from $350 to $500 per week. An increase of $7,800 per year!

The bill has not only empowered our member base, it has also reinvigorated our dedication to educate and ensure the rights of domestic workers in New York, and fight for similar rights in the tri-state area, where many of our domestic worker sisters work. Moreover, we are also providing Nanny training to our participants to better fulfill their responsibilities. With the increasing number of people turning to Adhikaar for help, we are expanding our networks with other civil rights groups and immigration organizations to ensure the rights of Nepali immigrants.

We are also planning to use the lessons we have learned and partnerships we have formed from campaigning for the domestic workers’ rights to start a campaign for the rights of nail salon workers, most of whom are working in similarly vulnerable situations and are exposed daily to hazardous chemicals causing many long-term health problems.

Interested in joining us? Contact us at adhikaar@gmail.com.

Urge your sentator to vote for domestic workers on June 1st

Dear friends,

As many of you already know, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is about to come to the Senate floor for a vote. The vote is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 1st. We must put pressure on our legislators now to make sure the bill makes it through the vote.

So, in support of this historic moment, please take a couple of minutes to call your senator, and urge them to vote yes on SB2311D! Become a part of this historic moment.

Here's a sample script you can use:

Hello, my name is _________ and I live in __________, New York. I'm calling to urge Senator __________ to vote YES on SB2311D, the Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights. The Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights is a historic piece of legislation that will provide domestic workers basic labor protections.

If the staffer/aide you are talking to says the senator hasn't decided, here are some talking points.:

-this bill has no fiscal impact on the state, it just reminds employers of their obligations to treat domestic workers with dignity and respect.

-employers and domestic workers support this bill, because it creates standards the employers can easily follow when making the decision to employ a domestic worker

-This bill is the first statewide bill to offer labor protections to domestic workers, and by voting yes, Senator ________ has a chance to be part of history.

Don't know who your senator is? Visit www.nysenate.gov and use the "find my senator" tool on the left hand side of the page.

Questions? Call us at 718-937-1117 or email us at adhikaar@gmail.com

In Solidarity,
Adhikaar Team

Help Celebrate Adhikaar's 5th Anniversary

We are creating a committee of dedicated Adhikaar volunteers and friends to help us plan Adhikaar’s 5th Anniversary Celebration, Expressions for Justice, on Saturday, August 7, 2010. It will be an evening program with food, drinks, music, and dancing, and an opportunity to highlight our work – with the goal of raising funds to support Adhikaar’s growing programs.

Based on the success of last year’s event, we’ll be hosting the fundraiser again at the beautiful and historic, Judson Memorial Church at 55 Washing Square South, near West 4th Street. As always, it will be a free event – there will be no fee to enter, but everyone will be expected to make a contribution during the evening. We will try to raise as much funds as possible before the event through individual and business sponsorships. Last year, we raised $20,000. This year, with all of your support, we want to raise $50,000! Interested in helping us reach our goal? Please email us at volunteer@adhikaar.org - or call 718-937-1117.

We are requesting our 5th Anniversary Celebration Committee members to help us make the evening a spectacular one! In particular, we are requesting the committee members to the following:
-Attend monthly meetings to plan the event details
-Publicize the event among friends, family members, and others
-Sell raffle tickets prior to the event
-Recruit volunteers and take leadership during the event
-Work closely with Adhikaar staff/board/volunteers, and keep the group updated
-Make a contribution (in any amount) and help raise $250 or more from individuals and businesses – sponsorships, raffles, in-kind donations etc.

We are looking forward to working with you to organize a fantastic evening, and raise the much-needed funds to support Adhikaar’s work. If you cannot commit to being on the committee, we can still use your help on the day of the event, as well as before the event in procuring sponsorships and in-kind donations. Interested in creating an unforgettable evening? Please email us at volunteer@adhikaar.org - or call 718-937-1117.

You can also become an Adhikaar Hero (who doesn’t want to be a HERO?) by helping us raise $500 or more to help us reach our goal of $50,000.

Please let us know how you will be able support us:
Yes, I will join the Celebration Committee
I cannot join the committee, but I will help solicit sponsorships and/or in-kind donations
I cannot attend meetings, but I pledge to help raise $250 or more
I want to be an Adhikaar Hero and help raise $500 or more

We will have our first Celebration Committee meeting on April 20th at 7pm at our office. Please let us know by April 18th if you will be able to join us in creating a memorable evening. If you would like to join the committee, but cannot make it to the meeting on the 20th, please let us know and we will keep you posted.

Interested in supporting the fight against injustice? Please email us at volunteer@adhikaar.org - or call 718-937-1117.

Conference/Globalization & Nepali Women:Challenges & Opportunities

Globalization & Nepali Women:Challenges & Opportunities
Organized by Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice

Date: March 7, 2010
Sunday
Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Location: The Chian Federation
44-01 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103
(718) 204-2550
Nearest subway: R, V to 46th Street Station (Walk 2 blocks west to 44th Street)

Suggested Donation: $5-$20 to cover the program costs.
No one will be turned away for the lack of funds.

RSVP requested.
Email: adhikaar.events@gmail.com
Phone: 718-937-1117

For more information about Adhikaar, please visit
www.adhikaar.org

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!

March 7, 2010 (Sunday)
10:30am - 4pm
International Women's Day Conference
Globalization and Nepali Women
Chian Federation
Astoria, NY

April 23, 2010 (Friday)
3pm - 9pm
Adhikaar Open House and Report Launch
Adhikaar Office
71-07 Woodside Avenue, 1st Floor
Woodside, NY 11377


August 7, 2010 (Saturday)
6:30pm - 11:30pm
Adhikaar's 5th Anniversary - Award Ceremony and Fundraiser
Judson Memorial Church
Washington Square South
New York, NY