At the beginning of May — on International Workers' Day — Neighborhood Funders Group was excited to announce the winners of our 2022 Discount Foundation Legacy Award!
We're resharing this announcement and sending our sincerest congratulations to this year's awardee, Wendy Melendez Garcia of Local 32BJ SEIU District 615, as well as the runner-up and equally-inspiring Nap Pempena, Secretary General of Migrante USA. The award, which was created by NFG's Funders for a Just Economy in collaboration with the Jobs with Justice Education Foundation, propels the Discount Foundation's legacy of worker justice support — and includes public recognition and stipends for individuals leading the way toward justice for low-wage workers of color.
Year after year, dozens of amazing, unseen leaders globally are nominated for the Discount Award by the public, a reminder of the countless interconnected but often invisible efforts of individuals building movements, mutual aid, and community power towards a more just economy. We struggled picking just one awardee, and you can learn about (and connect to) all our top finalists. We were, though, unanimous in wanting to lift up the dedication of this year's winner and runner-up, so make sure to read about their work here!
We're sitting with the duality of both graver challenges than ever for low-wage workers of color and working class communities, alongside increasing momentum from exciting wins for worker justice, including curbing the corporate power of entities such as Amazon and Starbucks. As always, NFG is committed to supporting economic justice and worker power to rebuild an economy and democracy that works for all, ensures good quality jobs, and promotes prosperity and health.
What risks and bold moves are you as a funder making in alignment with movements for worker justice? NFG is your place to organize with philanthropy and move more money to racial, gender, economic, disability, and climate justice. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming events and would love to hear about the worker justice groups that you're funding.
In solidarity,
The NFG team