Social Movement Analysis

Following in the tradition of Ella Baker's emphasis on the need for grassroots involvement in any social movement, Domestic Workers United comes directly out of community activism and stands as a model against the distant, top down organizational structure that has plagued so many movements in the past. The organization's leaders are directly involved in specific communities, thereby gaining both the trust of local residents and workers as well as the knowledge that allows for effective organizing in within New York's political and legal environment.

Furthermore, Domestic Workers United seeks to radically change how domestic work is viewed, as the profession has historically been perceived as too incohesive and informal to organize successful. With every conference, march and piece of legislation, Domestic Workers United proves that a largely female, immigrant population can organize themselves into a powerful political force. Through their work, these domestic workers are not only improving their own condition, but also bringing attention to the ways in which the fundamental issues of class and race manifest themselves in everyday American life. The very existence of their struggle proves how much work is still left to be done in today's world. But through education, optimism and a pro-active attitude, the "weakest" members of society can change even the most daunting of structures.

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