Angela talks about the Organizing Institute

Angela

We Dream in Black NY Worker Leader

Is this your first We Dream in Black Organizing Institute?  If not, which other ones did you attend? 

My first year at the We Dream in Black Organizing Institute was 2023. It was a great experience, and I learned more about Dorothy Bolden through her family. It was a privilege to take part in the activities while learning more about the organization’s work. I enjoyed the cultural performances and connections I made with other Black domestic workers from across the country.

How would you describe the energy and environment of the Organizing Institute to someone who has never been to one? How did you feel after leaving the institute?

The Organizing Institute was a warm and fruitful environment with like-minded professional domestic workers who wanted to make the world a better place. It was the personal connection I had with other Caregivers and I had a feeling of belonging to a larger community of Care providers. Leaving I felt armed with more information and felt closer to the organization. It was reinvigorating and the connection to our spirituality made me realize I was being cared for in its totality.

Why are the institutes important for We Dream in Black to have?

The We Dream in Black Organizing Institute is an enriching space for Black domestic workers to retreat and share knowledge while being in fellowship with an intergenerational community. There is a balance of healing, work and play time to enjoy each other’s company and a space to explore our collective culture. For us learning is fun and growing is necessary for us.

What do you want people to know about the Organizing Institute?

Know Organizing Institute is a worthwhile opportunity to learn more about NDWA & WeDiB. Building connections with other domestic workers who care about championing the cause while learning to equip ourselves with the skills needed to get the work done. We are adding new tools to our toolbox to be better versed as Caretakers in the care community so we can better do our care jobs.

What do you hope to see the Organizing Institute become in the future?

I would hope to have access to more information for caregivers and an opportunity for other families to access the tool and training because we are an integral part of the care community and added support if needed. It takes a village and as Caregivers, we need to rely more on folks in our lives to support our caregiving needs because it takes a larger community to get the work done. We need to ensure Caregivers get the support and resources they need as care providers to provide adequate care.

We Dream in Black: We Dream in Black (WeDiB) is an initiative of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and is the organizing home that centers the voices and experiences of Black, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-descendant domestic workers.