Last year, artist Marisa Jahn purchased a 1976 Chevrolet van on Craigslist for a couple of thousand dollars and has transformed it into a meaningful business. Jahn has created "Project Nanny Van," which aims to teach domestic workers about their rights.
According to the New York Times, there are around 200,000 domestic workers in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan region. Many of these employees are unaware of their liberties. Under a New York State law passed in 2010, these workers have new rights and protections that many do not know of.
Jahn hopes to use art to advocate for these employees.
"The van will be stationed outside parks, libraries and elsewhere in the city starting next week: Flushing, Queens, is their first stop," reports a blogger for the New York Times. According to Jahn it will distribute literature "with with superhero Pop Art graphics with local flavor — one character wears a head wrap from Trinidad and Tobago," she tells the new source.
In addition to visiting the van, domestic workers from all over are encouraged to call (347) WORK-500, where they can listen to more than a dozen podcasts about issues in the domestic workplace, which are all recorded in both English and Spanish by domestic workers.
Nanny Van will also host meals, which encourage both parents and workers to discuss any issues that they may face. The businesses goal is to create a happy and healthy working environment.
If you're looking for a new job in the domestic services industry, be sure to register with Colonial Domestic Agency. We can match you with a great family that will appreciate and value your skills!