(This section should cover: Fraternal, Mutual Aid, and Community Organizations)
One of the ways Filipinos coped with the racism, poverty, and alienation they experienced in America in the 1920s and 1930s was to form Filipino fraternal organizations like the Caballeros de Dimas-alang and the Legionarios del Trabajo. Such organizations provided them a tight-knit sense of community reminiscent of the strong family ties they left back home. One of the roles such organizations played was, for example, to provide full payment for members’ funerals; this was particularly crucial for the large percentage of Filipinos who lived out the latter half of their lives as aging childless bachelors.
Where to put the following?
Note the ratio of men to women; also note that many of the women were not Filipina. Clubs and organizations—like the Cardona Club, Visayan Welfare League, and Loonanon Pioneers—often drew members from a particular region in the Philippines, creating a sense of belonging and community in the United States.
Legionarios’ Certificate
The letterhead of this certificate is from the Stockton lodge of the Legionarios del Trabajo for Felipe Aradanas, who had been a butcher and clerk for the P.I. Market from the 1940s to its closing in 1989. When he died in Arroyo Grande in 2002, his lodge provided for his funeral. (Courtesy of Bing Aradanas)
Note to Kristine, Patrick, and Caleb: I just learned that Ernesto Cabreana is the one who founded the Visayan Welfare League as a "mutual aid organization" and to help cover funeral costs, especially for men who had no family around and if died would end up in a "pauper's field." His father died alone and the family had a hard time finding his grave because he was buried in one and his name was misspelled. In any case, Roberto will be interviewing the founder's son, Ernie Cabreana. Thus, you might have a good clip from him once he does the interview.
Also, there are oral history interviews (see MANONGS DVDs plus guide) where the oldtimers discuss the significance of the Legionarios. Check the guide to find where to look. I believe at least Cleta Tablang mentions it. These clips would be useful to use, too. Available at COurse Reserves in Kennedy Library.
Finally, make sure to look at the book, Stories, Legends, and Memories--also on Course Reserve at Kennedy. There will be info on the Filipino Community Center and organization.
For further reading:
San Buenaventura, Steffi. "Filipino Folk Spirituality and Immigration: From Mutual Aid to Religion." New Spiritual Homes: Religion and Asian Americans. David Yoo, ed. Honolulu: U of Hawaii P, 1999. 52-86.