Filipino Non-Government Organizations in New York

Since its establishment in 1969, the Filipino-American Association of Rochester has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and community building in Rochester, NY. FAAR serves as an inclusive forum where Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and people from all walks of life gather to celebrate heritage, share perspectives, and strengthen bonds within the Greater Rochester area. As a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization, FAAR operates with a clear mission: to advance Filipino cultural heritage while providing educational and charitable support to the community. The organization's goals reflect a deep commitment to ethnic identity preservation through the arts, participation in local cultural exhibitions, and educational workshops open to all community members. FAAR takes pride in offering educational assistance to deserving Filipino-American students and fostering effective communication between members and various community groups. By organizing cultural events, raising funds for charitable causes, and celebrating the achievements of Filipino-Americans, FAAR strengthens relationships across diverse ethnic communities in Rochester. The organization's 50+ year legacy demonstrates its dedication to building a vibrant, connected community where cultural traditions are honored and new generations can maintain their heritage while contributing meaningfully to the broader Rochester community.

Based in New York, NY, Migrante New York emerged from the international Migrante movement, which was founded in 1996 following the tragic case of Filipina domestic worker Flor Contemplacion. This pivotal moment sparked widespread recognition of the life-and-death situations facing overseas Filipino workers and the need for organized advocacy. Since its establishment, Migrante New York has grown to become part of a global network encompassing over 200 member-organizations across more than 23 countries, making it the largest organization of overseas Filipinos worldwide. The organization has earned the trust and respect of OFW families and advocates by handling thousands of welfare and rights cases, including landmark cases that have mobilized international support and driven policy changes. Migrante New York is committed to promoting migrants' rights and dignity against all forms of discrimination and exploitation while resisting anti-migrant policies. The organization asserts workers' right to organize and strengthens unity among overseas Filipino workers and their families to uphold their rights for jobs, fair wages, and recognition. Migrante New York works toward building a self-reliant economy that stops forced migration and promotes social equity and justice. By uniting with other sectors of society, the organization advances national development and democracy. Migrante New York also builds solidarity with migrant organizations of other nationalities who oppose economic plunder, environmental destruction, and wars of aggression that cause widespread poverty and injustice. Through consistent and unwavering service, Migrante New York remains steadfast in its mission to support the most vulnerable workers and their families.

Based in New York, NY, Anakbayan New York represents a vibrant community of Filipino youth and students united by shared values of social justice, cultural pride, and democratic participation. This comprehensive mass organization brings together immigrant youth, US-born and raised individuals, students, working professionals, LGBTQI community members, women, and artists in a collective effort to advance youth rights and welfare. The organization's mission centers on building authentic unity among diverse Filipino youth populations while promoting cultural awareness and nationalism rooted in community solidarity. Anakbayan New York recognizes that all youth and students possess the power to drive meaningful social change, creating an inclusive space where young people can develop leadership skills, engage in activism, and contribute to broader movements for justice. The organization cultivates a welcoming environment that honors the intersecting identities and experiences of its members, from recent immigrants navigating new communities to long-time residents working toward systemic change. By connecting local youth organizing with the national Anakbayan-USA network, the New York chapter provides young people with resources, mentorship, and community support necessary for sustained activism. Anakbayan New York stands as a testament to the power of grassroots organizing, demonstrating how youth-led movements can transform communities and advance the rights and dignity of all young people in New York City and beyond.