DC 37 NEWS, EVENTS, and SERVICES YOU CAN USE in NOVEMBER
Monthly Newsletter
DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION DEPARTMENT
Vote Early Through Sunday, Nov. 2!
You can vote early in the NYC General Election through Sunday, Nov. 2! Find your early voting poll site HERE. Contact 311 or 1-866-VOTE-NYC for more information. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Don’t forget to bring your ID and a family member or neighbor to vote with you! You can review the full list of citywide endorsements HERE to see which candidates DC 37 is supporting in your neighborhood as well our position on the NYC Charter Revision Ballot Measures.
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, Nov. 20 on Zoom | Register HERE.
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. It’s important that we 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 worker’s rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used to do Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying around member issues, to directly support pro-workers candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from using dues money to conduct.
Join PEOPLE HERE.
2026 DC 37 Lobby Day
Save the date for DC 37’s 2026 Lobby Day! On Tuesday, March 3 we will travel to Albany to speak with State legislators about Tier 6 Reform, cost-of-living increases, workplace safety, and other legislative priorities.
Buses will depart from DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007. Registration is required. Register HERE to participate.
DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN
Important Update Regarding Health Care Benefits for City Workers
After years of rigorous research, discussions, and negotiations with potential providers and the City of New York, we have developed a modernized, equitable health plan that enhances and expands access to premium-free care— all while lowering your out-of-pocket costs.
The NYC Employees PPO (NYCE PPO) Plan will take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The open enrollment and transfer period begins Nov. 1, where members will be able to select which of the City’s available health plans best fits their needs.
View the Special Health Care Edition of PEPTalk Magazine HERE for more information.
Health & Security Plan Benefit Fairs
The DC 37 Health & Security Plan invites you to attend an upcoming Health & Security Plan Benefit Fair. These monthly fairs are a great opportunity to learn more about your Health & Security benefits and the variety of resources available to you as a DC 37 member. All members are welcome to attend and take advantage of this event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2-4 p.m. | DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay
Flu Vaccines Now Available at AdvantageCare Physicians
Located inside the DC 37 Health Center at 115 Chambers Street in Manhattan, AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY) is offering flu vaccines to DC 37 members now through Dec. 2.
Vaccine appointments are available:
Mondays: 2-6 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Appointments are required and can be made by using myChart, calling 646-680-4227, or stopping by the office to book your visit.
To learn more about ACPNY, please visit acpny.com.
DC 37 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM
First-Time Homebuyers Workshop
The DC 37’s Municipal Employees Housing Program is excited to present two First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshops this month.
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.
Saturday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Register HERE.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 6-7 p.m. | Register HERE.
DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE
Please join the DC 37 Housing Committee’s virtual meeting on November 3, at 6 p.m. Housing Committee Chair, Dennis Ifill, President of Local 1359, will discuss housing issues, resources and upcoming events. You must register to attend HERE. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:50 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6 p.m.
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, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. | Contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com.
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 January 1, 2024, eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC37 Education Fund as long as the requirements for reimbursement are met. Additionally, 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 introduce 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 DC37 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 need to apply with 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 then 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 www.slu.cuny.edu/leap.
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, 389, and 571 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.
- Child Abuse & Maltreatment (NEW) workshop: November 3, 6-8:30 p.m.
- Violence Prevention & Intervention: November 10, 6-8 p.m.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): November 12, 6-8 p.m.
- CTLE: Five Superpowers that boost learning in your classroom, November 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- Basic Excel class: November 8-December 6 using Google Classroom 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Content Specialty Test (CST) – Math: 11/5/25, 11/12/25, 11/18/25, 11/19/25, 12/2/25, 12/3/25, 12/9/25 & 12/10/25 6 -8: p.m.
- Educating All Students (EAS) – 11/17/25, 11/24/25, 12/1/25 & 12/8/25 6 -8 p.m.
SCHOLARSHIPS
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 $2,500 per year for college courses and up to $1,250 for the CDA. This scholarship is only for classroom personnel.
AFSCME Family Scholarship: 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.
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, between the ages of 25-55, and do not 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.
COME SEE THE JETS!
Cheer on the New York Jets this season at a preferred rate for DC 37 members!
Game Dates:
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 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.
HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY (HSS)
Don’t Let Chronic Pain Keep You from Exercising
Did you know that one in five people in the U.S. lives with chronic pain? If you or a loved one know what this is like, let the experts at HSS get you started with a movement and physical activity plan that 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
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for You?
If you’re 50 or older and have ever smoked, take our 5-minute survey to see if screening is right for you and get tips to lower your cancer risk. Start Now.
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 at 833-786-3365 or visit mskcc.org/dc37.