DC 37 NEWS, EVENTS, and SERVICES YOU CAN USE in OCTOBER

Monthly Newsletter

COME SEE THE JETS

Cheer on the New York Jets this season at a preferred rate for DC 37 members! 

Game Dates:

Jets vs. Cowboys – October 5
Jets vs. Panthers – October 19
Jets vs. Browns – November 9
Jets vs. Falcons – November 30
Jets vs. Dolphins – December 7
Jets vs. Patriots – December 28 

Buy your tickets HERE. Once you sign in, select the filter option and and enter promo code: NYJDC37

For groups of 10 or more or for any questions, reach out to Rory Sullivan at (973) 549-4691 or rsullivan@jets.nfl.com.

Please note: All sales are final and there are no refunds or cancellations.

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Join the fight to get pro-worker candidates elected– support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

Under the new presidential administration, government jobs, safety net programs, and remote work options are under attack. We must support candidates who will fight against attempts to cut jobs and the advances we’ve fought hard for. By joining the PEOPLE Program – our DC 37 political action fund – we can get leaders in office who will fight for workers’ rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying on member issues, and directly supporting pro-worker candidates, as well as other important activities that we are restricted from conducting with dues money. 

Join PEOPLE HERE.

Attend Political Action Committee Meetings

Join us for our monthly Political Action Committee Meetings to find out more about what’s happening in City Hall and Albany. Meetings usually take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

Next meeting: Thursday, October 9 | Register HERE.

Register to Vote Today

Are you and your family all set to vote in 2025? Elections for Mayor, City Council, Public Advocate, and City Comptroller are happening in November. Register to vote or update your address information HERE.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES (MELS)

Stop, Think, Act: How to Recognize, Avoid, and Respond to Scams and Identity Theft

DC 37 MELS and the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection will hold a workshop sharing essential guidance to help consumers spot and prevent scams, fraud, and identity theft, including warning signs and tips to prevent these crimes.

The workshop will cover:

  • Learn about Scams: what they are, how to prevent them, and common warning signs!
  • Learn about Identity Theft: what it is, how to prevent it, and common warning signs!
  • Tips to help protect your money and personal information.
  • Learn about NYS resources that are available to you.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM

First-Time Homebuyers Workshop

DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) and DC 37’s Municipal Employees Housing Program are excited to present a collaborative First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshop.

Discover the details of the mortgage process, explore special programs and grants created for first-time buyers, and gain expert guidance from housing specialists.

This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to confidently take the next step toward owning your home. MELS will describe their screening process and explain the information required to get you started on the path to homeownership.

Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 6-7 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Housing Committee will host a virtual meeting on October 6 at 6 p.m. Housing Committee Chair Dennis Ifill, President of Local 1359, will discuss housing issues, resources and upcoming events.

Monday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 HEALTH AND SECURITY PLAN

Visit the DC 37 Health Center!

Take advantage of convenient, high-quality care conveniently located at the DC 37 Health Center, 115 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007.

Dental Services

Our experienced dental team is here to keep your smile healthy and bright.

 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

 Call 212-815-1006 to schedule your appointment today!

Audiology Services

The Plan’s Audiology Benefit is designed to support members experiencing hearing loss. Services are available exclusively to eligible members at the DC 37 Health Center. Our audiologists provide expert screenings and high-quality care tailored to your needs.

 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

 Call 212-791-2126 to book your appointment!

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

Education Fund is Still Accepting Applications for Fall Classes

If you are looking to enroll in an Education Fund program, now is the time to submit an application. Space in many programs is limited so to find out what is available to apply for a course, view our list of programs by clicking HERE.

Changes to Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

Beginning with classes, courses and workshops taken on or after Jan. 1, 2024, eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund as long as the requirements for reimbursement are met. Tuition reimbursement applications can now be submitted completely online. For more information on the changes to the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.

Upcoming Allied Health Training for DC 37 Members

The DC 37 Education Fund will be introducing various allied health courses later this Fall for eligible DC 37 members. These programs include refresher courses in EKG and Phlebotomy for members with previous education or work experience in those areas as well as CPR courses designed by the American Heart Association. Some of these programs have strict requirements so if you are interested, please visit our website to inquire and apply:

EKG Certification Refresher Course CLICK HERE
Phlebotomy Certification Refresher Course CLICK HERE
BLS-CPR CLICK HERE

The DC 37/CUNY-SLU Labor Certificate and Degree Program

The DC 37 Education Fund in partnership with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) is currently accepting applicants for its partnership certificate and degree program for the Spring 2026 semester. Eligible union members can receive tuition coverage for up to 4 courses (16 credits), fully funded by the DC 37 Education Fund. These courses can lead to an undergraduate or graduate certificate in Labor Relations or start you on your path towards an undergraduate degree (in Labor Studies or in Urban and Community Relations) or a graduate degree in Labor Studies.

Interested members must apply to the Education Fund first and attend a mandatory information session to be accepted into the partnership program. If you are interested in this program and would like more information or to apply, please click HERE.

Education and Career Counseling

Do you need guidance on selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Contact an Ed Fund counselor HERE to schedule a virtual appointment.

Free Community College for New York State Residents

Starting this Fall, community college at the CUNY and SUNY level will be completely free for adult learners looking to enter high-demand fields. Because no one should have to choose between financial security and a college education.

CUNY and SUNY Reconnect will give students the opportunity to pursue their career goals and prepare for meaningful, high-demand careers right here in New York State. And the Reconnect programs don’t just cover tuition – they cover the cost of books, fees, and supplies for students, too.

You can attend community college for FREE starting this Fall if you:

  • Are a resident of New York State or eligible for in-state tuition
  • Are between the ages of 25-55
  • Do not currently have a degree
  • Are planning to study full-time or part-time in one of 175 eligible SUNY associate degree programs or one of 120+ eligible CUNY associate degree programs.

Members interested in free CUNY community college can apply for an appointment with a CUNY advisor by clicking HERE. If you can’t find a date/time that works for you, email: CUNYDays@slu.cuny.edu.

For more information on CUNY Reconnect, click HERE. For more information on SUNY Reconnect, click HERE.

CUNY Counseling is Here for You!

This is the ideal time to plan for enrollment at the CUNY college of your choice. Let Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) help guide you through the process of finding the best CUNY program to match your education and career goals. Expert advisors offer FREE one-on-one phone sessions on academic requirements for specific jobs; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY; transferring previous credits, and more. Each session is free and caters to your specific goals and needs.

To view the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session, click HERE.

Can’t find a date/time that works for you? Email: CUNYDays@slu.cuny.edu.

Free College Programs for Local 372 Members in Specific Job Titles

Local 372 Paraprofessionals can earn 18 credits annually towards a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe College. To begin the process to enroll for the Winter 2026 term, complete an online application:

www.dc37edfund.org/monroectpcandidateform. For questions, email: ppunch@dc37.net.

Local 372 Members Working in School Food can earn an associate’s degree in Nutrition and Culinary Management through a partnership with LaGuardia Community College. To begin the process to enroll for the Spring 2026 term, complete an online application at www.dc37edfund.org/laguardiacandidateform. For questions, email: lpicano@dc37.net.

THE CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies Offers Leap to Teacher

Advance your education in any field with the LEAP to Teacher Program serving all school and daycare workers. Open the door to your future! LEAP to Teacher (LTT) provides a specialized set of support services designed to empower you to become more effective in your schools and more impactful in your communities. The LTT program can assist you with pursuing your undergraduate or graduate degree in any field of study, from the pre-admission stage through graduation.

For more information, please contact: ltt@slu.cuny.edu, call 646-313-8532 or visit our website at slu.cuny.edu/worker-education/leap-to-teacher/.

Union Plus Scholarships for Union Members and Their Families

Union Plus is a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO (of which AFSCME is a member union and which DC 37 is a local affiliate of AFSCME) that provides benefit programs to union members and their families. Union Plus Scholarships are available to help union families with the cost of college, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000.

The 2026 Union Plus Scholarship application is currently available with a deadline of January 31, 2026. For more information on this scholarship and to apply, click HERE.

DC 37 NON-PROFIT PRIVATE SECTOR DEPARTMENT

DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Members represented by Locals 95, 205, 215, 253, and 389 are eligible for the following exciting education-related and upgrading skills opportunities in 2025.

DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Members represented by Locals 95, 205, 215, 253, and 389 are eligible for the following exciting education-related and upgrading skills opportunities in 2025.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email mhunte@dc37.net.

WORKSHOPS (Virtual)

  • Infectious Diseases: Oct. 15, from 5:30-8 p.m.
  • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop: Oct. 27 and Oct. 29, from 5-8 p.m.
  • Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE): Introduction to Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – 10/9/25, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

SKILLS UPGRADE

  • Advanced Word class: Oct. 4-Nov. 1 (in-person) 125 Barclay Street, 3rd floor, New York 10007

PREPARATION CLASSES (Virtual)

  • Content Specialty Test (CST) – Students with Disabilities: 10/25/25, 11/1/25, 11/8/25, 11/15/25 & 11/22/25, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) – Arts & Sciences: 10/7/25, 10/8/25, 10/14/25, 10/15/25, 10/21/25 & 10/22/25, from 6-8 p.m.
  • Educating All Students (EAS) – 10/6/25, 10/20/25, 10/27/25 & 11/3/25, from 6-8 p.m.

Register for Workshops HERE. 
Register for Classes HERE. 

Shop Stewards Training: 10/2/25, 10/9/25, 10/16/25, 10/23/25, 10/30/25 & 11/6/25 (use the link above to register)

The website for the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) is www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu. This scholarship is awarded based on income and gives up to $2500 per year for college courses and up to $1250 for the CDA. This scholarship is only for classroom personnel.

AFSCME scholarships are open to all members! The AFSCME family Scholarship is due on December 31.

Union Plus College Program: Union members and their families can earn an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree 100% online while minimizing their out-of-pocket costs thanks to exclusive union discounts, financial aid, and grants. The Union Plus scholarship is due on January 31.

Various CUNY and SUNY colleges are offering free Associate degree programs in high-demand industries for eligible students. Students may be eligible if they are residents of NY, and are between the ages of 25-55, and do not already have a college degree. Some programs can be completed online. See links below for more info. Please direct any further questions to the colleges that are offering these opportunities. 

CUNY Reconnect Programs

SUNY Reconnect Programs

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Are you passionate about climate change? Do you want to meet like-minded union siblings fighting for climate justice? DC 37 members and retirees are invited to join the next Climate Justice Committee Meeting.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. | Contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com.

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Did you know that anything you do with your arms involves shoulder muscles? Learn how to keep your shoulders healthy and keep doing what you love to do.

If you or a family member experiences a shoulder or other musculoskeletal injury, HSS can help. The HSS Care Concierge will connect you with in-network care at one of our convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.

Connect with HSS TODAY:

Call: 212.606.1105
Email: HSS4DC37@hss.edu
Visit: HSS.edu/DC37

MSK DIRECT

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

DC 37 partners with Memorial Sloan Kettering to offer MSK Direct, a program that offers guided access to exceptional cancer care for all employees and their family members. If you or a loved one is impacted by cancer and would like to explore the options at MSK, call DC 37’s dedicated phone number: 833-786-3365 or visit mskcc.org/dc37.