We Dream in Black (WeDiB) is an initiative of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and is the organizing home that centers the voices and experiences of Black, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-descendant domestic workers. Across the diaspora, our organizing is our power. We Dream in Black Organizing Institute is our annual gathering space that celebrates and uplifts the voices of Black domestic workers across the Diaspora. We come together to share stories, celebrate our achievements, learn collectively, showcase our leadership, share in healing, and foster community building. We Dream in Black (WeDiB) is excited to present our 2024 Organizing Institute. Entitled “Strength of a Woman,” this year’s Organizing Institute will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from Thursday 10th October to Sunday, October 13th, 2024.

Throughout the Organizing Institute, domestic workers will lead workers on Organizing and Homecare skills. We will pay homage to our Movement Mothers Dorothy Bolden and our recently departed We Dream in Black-Georgia Organizer, Ayanna Smith.

We are looking forward to seeing you all in Atlanta!

Contact

If you have any urgent needs contact: (please save in your phones)
Allison Julien – (347) 282-4027, [email protected]

ITINERARY

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

Theme: Healing through A.R.T. – Ayanna Remembrance Tour

  • Arrivals in Atlanta: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Ayanna’s Mural: 1:30 – 2:30 PM
  • Lunch at Hotel: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
  • Healing Circle: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Registration & Check-in: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Dinner & Evening Art Program: 6:30 – 9:00 PM

Friday, October 11, 2024

Theme: Do it Like Dorothy / Do it Like Ayanna: Women in Action

  • Breakfast & Free Time: 7:00 – 9:00 AM
  • Care in Action Opening Remarks: – 9:30 – 10:00 AM
  • Guest Speaker: Former GA State Rep Stacey Abrams: 10:00 -10:30 AM
  • Care in Action Program : 10:30 PM – 12:00 PM
  • Lunch: 12:00 – 1:15 PM
  • Civic Engagement Phonebanking: 1:30 – 5:30 PM
  • Dinner & Free Time : 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

Theme: Strength of a Woman

  • Breakfast & Free Time: 7:00 – 9:00 AM
  • Opening Program: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
  • Workshop 1: 0:30 AM – 12: 15 PM
  • Lunch: 12:30 – 1:15 PM
  • Workshop 2: 1:30 – 3:00 PM
  • Break in Program: 3:00 – 6:00 PM

EVENING PROGRAM

Theme: Divine Feminity – Honoring our Movement Mothers

  • Appetizers & Mixer: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Dinner & Awards & Cultural Program: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Dessert & Dancing: 9:00 – 11:00 PM

Sunday, October 13th, 2024

Theme: Glimmers of Hope

  • Breakfast: 7:00 – 8:45 AM
  • Load buses with luggage: 9:00 – 9:30 AM
  • Leave for church: 9:30 AM
  • Church: 9:45 – 12:00 PM (alternative activity: The King Center)
  • The King Center visit & Closing Program & lunch: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
  • Leave for the airport: 1:00 PM

ATTENDEE ACTION ITEMS

Install WhatsApp on your phone

Throughout the Organizing Institute, we will share updates and notices via WhatsApp.
Please download WhatsApp on your phone (instructions here) to ensure you are updated during your time in Atlanta with us.

Please only use this What’s App chat for all updates/questions/answers/information regarding the Organizing Institute ○ All members and participating staff will be also added to the group chat so we are all updated and inform. We will also do our best to include short video and voice notes

*Please note this group is ONLY for all things related to the institute

Complete our COVID safety procedures

NDWA/WeDiB will send you a brief COVID symptom screener with a couple of questions to make sure you do not have any COVID symptoms before you travel to Atlanta. Please complete the form before you travel.

We also request that all participants take an at-home rapid test either the day you travel or the night before and DO NOT travel if the test is positive for COVID-19, please immediately communicate that with your local Organizer. Tests and masks will also be provided on-site to ensure we are keeping ourselves and each other safe.

COVID Screener & Disclaimers: All attendees (members & staff) must complete the COVID symptom screener and release forms before arriving in Atlanta.

HOTEL & TRANSPORTATION

Hotel

Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park
267 Marietta St NW
Atlanta GA 30313

Ground Transportation

Home to/from Airport

Attendees will be sent Uber Voucher Links to cover trips between their homes and the airport. Uber Voucher Links will be sent out the week of October 7th, 2024. Uber Voucher Links will be valid for 2 rides between October 10th and October 13th. Click here to learn more about using your Uber Code. Please contact your local Organizer before the institute for additional support in advance.

Hotel to/from Airport

On Thursday, October 10th, charter buses will be available to transport attendees from the Atlanta airport to the hotel. Exact shuttle times will be available the week of the Organizing Institute and will be shared in the What’s App group.

On Sunday, October 13th, charter buses will be available to transport attendees to the airport. Exact shuttle times will be available the week of the Organizing Institute and updated at the hotel and in the What’s App group.

Airport + TSA Info

Luggage:

  • Your ticket will include one carry-on bag (22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches) and one personal item (your purse or backpack). You are responsible for the cost of any larger checked luggage. We encourage you to travel with a smaller piece of luggage to ensure there is enough space for everyone’s luggage.
  • If your luggage is lost let your Organizer and the airlines know immediately, AND, also let Allison know.
  • In the event that your luggage gets lost, WeDiB will provide support to get your luggage back and/or provide support with basic necessities.

Check before you travel:

  • Prior to travel make sure your ID/Passport is up to date & the correct spelling of your name and city is on your ticket.
  • Any discrepancies while checking in, please contact Allison immediately we will support you with sorting it out.
  • Check in with your airline 24 hours prior to your travel – if you need support contact your local Organizer.
  • Arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart and wait for everyone from your delegation in the location suggested by your Organizer.

Security:

  • Liquids, gels, or aerosols must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. NO water or beverages allow through security please be certain to empty your bottles before going to security.
  • Be prepared to remove your shoes and belts before going through security.
  • Computers and tablets may also need to be removed from your bags and placed directly in the bin.
  • DO NOT travel with pocket knives or mace. PLEASE leave them at home because they will be taken away at the airport and may cause delays with your delegation.

Emergencies at the airport:

  1. First let your Organizer know – they will communicate this with the group via What’s App, call Allison to let her know what is going on to ensure you are not alone at any time. Someone from the group should also be prepared to relay information to the WEDiB Staff immediately.
  2. Second, get in contact with the nearest airport personnel.

Childcare

Go Take a Break will be providing child care and is open to children 12 years old and under. Only children who were pre-registered can be included in childcare. Parents are encouraged to have children over 12 years old with them at all times, children should not be left unaccompanied at any time in the hotel, airport, church, or outings.

Contact

If you have any urgent needs contact: (please save in your phones):
Allison Julien – (347) 282-4027, [email protected]