2025 is well underway, and with it are many challenges and opportunities facing our union.

This is my 10th year serving as your Executive Director. Thank you for your trust in the leadership of the DC 37 Executive Board. I’m confident we are poised and ready for this next chapter in our union’s story.

This is a critical time for all of us, with political uncertainty and a resurgence of anti-union activity. In this reactionary age, with social media and a 24/7 news cycle often flooding our communities with misinformation, it is imperative to focus on the great work ahead of us.

President Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House, Republicans’ control of Congress, and the chaos led by Elon Musk in federal agencies is wreaking havoc on unionized workers across the country and here at home, particularly on our members in the social services sector whose funding was threatened within the first 48 hours of President Trump’s swearing in.

As these attacks ramp up, so too have reports of third parties that are reaching out to members and trying to steal your information. If such people solicit you, please contact your Union Rep.

This is not the time to give in to our fears. Instead, we are focused on fighting back, taking care of our union family, and emerging stronger than ever.

Our union headquarters at 125 Barclay St. is fully open for business. Cultural events and union meetings are in full swing along with twice-monthly benefit information fairs organized by the DC 37 Health & Security Plan.

As you can see, PEPtalk has a fresh, new design that reflects a rising generation of union activists. Our diverse membership is one of our biggest strengths, and this magazine aims to harness that energy as we amplify the important roles each of you play in making New York City run.

All hands are on deck as we face the always-challenging budget battles while focusing on the upcoming mayoral, borough-wide, and City Council elections. We had an incredible turnout at the DC 37 Mayoral Forum on Feb. 26 at BMCC’s Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Thank you to all who attended and submitted your thoughtful questions for the candidates who know they cannot succeed without your vote.

We are engaged in a significant internal organizing campaign educating current and eligible members about the benefits we offer and ways to become an activist in the union.

Beyond workplace meetings and Union Halls, this process begins with one member at a time. For us to succeed in defeating the Trump Administration and its billionaire allies, every member must understand and own their potential impact in our collective power.

In the workplace, strike up conversations with your fellow workers. Find out who your Shop Steward is — and if there isn’t one, you could be the right person to advocate for your colleagues. Develop relationships with your Union Reps. Attend your local’s general membership meetings. Speak up and speak out. Be your own organizer, one conversation at a time.

Because a movement always begins with one — you.