DC 37 NEWS, EVENTS, and SERVICES YOU CAN USE in DECEMBER
Monthly Newsletter
On behalf of the DC 37 family, we hope you enjoy this holiday with family, friends, and loved ones! We’re grateful for all the labor our members put in every day to make this the city that never sleeps.
District Council 37 and its associated funds will be closed on November 27-28 in observance of Thanksgiving. We will reopen on Monday, December 1.
DC 37 SAFETY & HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship provides tuition assistance to children of workers who have died in a work-related accident or who are declared disabled by the New York State Workers Compensation Board. This Scholarship is named after a horrific fire that occurred in 1911, when 146 workers died at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. This fire, the deaths, and the deplorable working conditions are what led to the creation of fire and safety codes, the unionization of garment workers, and the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law. This Memorial Scholarship was created to memorialize the fire, honor those who died, and to turn this tragedy into something that benefits workers and their families. Apply HERE.
Food Pantry Information
For our members who may need extra resources at this time, and for those who can donate food or their time to any of the listed Food Pantries, view available sites by borough HERE.
DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION DEPARTMENT
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.
Next meeting: Thursday, January 8 | 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. 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 worker’s rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying on member issues, directly supporting pro-worker 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 our 2026 Lobby Day! On Tuesday, March 3, we will travel to Albany to meet with State legislators to discuss 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.
HEALTH & SECURITY
AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center
The ACPNY office at the DC 37 Health Center, 115 Chambers Street, will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.
As a reminder, 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 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM
First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshop
MEHP is excited to present two First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshops in December. 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, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
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 attend the next Climate Justice Committee Meeting on Tuesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. via Zoom and telephone. For more information, contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com.
Climate is a Workplace Issue
On Tuesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m., the Committee is holding an in-person and virtual panel discussion, Climate is a Workplace Issue, at 125 Barclay Street. For more information, contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com. Register HERE.
DC 37 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
Join us on Monday, December 15, at 6 p.m. to discuss ways to encourage, empower and equip women for union leadership. The meeting will be on Zoom, meeting ID 883 1238 5001.
DC 37 EDUCATION FUND
Ed Fund is Still Accepting Applications for Winter 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.
CDL Class B Permit and Driving Lessons for DC 37 Members
The Education Fund has partnered with Ferrari Driving School to offer CDL Class B permit assistance and behind-the-wheel lessons for members wanting to earn their Class B license. This partnership will allow members to go to any of Ferrari Driving School’s locations (Astoria, Long Island City, or Brooklyn) to get assistance with earning their Class B permit, take the required ELDT Theory, and get driving lessons so you can take and pass the Class B road test.
There are restrictions on who can enroll in this program, as only members who require a Class B for employment and promotional purposes are allowed to participate. For more information and to determine your eligibility, please click HERE.
DC 37 Education Fund Provides Free Social Worker Workshops for Local 768 Members
The District Council 37 Education Fund, in conjunction with the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter, plans to host continuing education workshops for eligible Local 768 licensed Social Workers. These workshops are:
January:
Understanding Trauma Responses: Tools and Strategies for Supporting Clients (3 CE) (3 hours)
Saturday, January 10, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER OR WITHDRAW FROM WORKSHOP – Thursday, December 18
Stepping Beyond the Trauma: Liberatory Social Work Practice (3 CE) (3 hours)
Thursday, January 15, from 6-9 p.m.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER OR WITHDRAW FROM WORKSHOP – Thursday, December 18
If you are interested in attending the January virtual workshops, please complete the online application.
February:
Demystifying Islam and Addressing the Impacts of Islamophobia on Individuals and Communities (3 CE) (3 hours)
Tuesday, February 24, from 6-9 p.m.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER OR WITHDRAW FROM WORKSHOP – Sunday, February 8, 2026
ADHD and Comorbid Disorders: Assessment and Diagnostic Considerations (3 CE) (3 hours)
Wednesday, February 25, from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER OR WITHDRAW FROM WORKSHOP – Monday, February 9
If you are interested in attending the February virtual workshops, please complete the online application.
March:
Applying an Intersectional Lens to Trauma in the Black LGBTQIA+ Community (3 CE) (3 hours)
Thursday, March 5, from 6-9 p.m.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER OR WITHDRAW FROM WORKSHOP – Thursday, February 19
From Stress to Strength: Tapping for Self-Regulation and Resilience (3 CE) (3 hours)
Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER OR WITHDRAW FROM WORKSHOP – Thursday, March 12
If you are interested in attending the March virtual workshops, please complete the online application.
If you have any questions regarding the online application or the workshop, please send an email to edf-testpreps@dc37.net.
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, the community colleges at the CUNY and SUNY levels will be completely free for adult learners looking to enter high-demand fields, because no one should choose between financial security and a college education.
CUNY and SUNY Reconnect will allow students 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 next term if you:
- Are a resident of New York State or eligible for in-state tuition.
- Age is between 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 toward a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe University. To begin the process to enroll for the Spring 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 Fall 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-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.
Retirees Education Courses for Winter 2026
The Ed Fund is currently accepting applications for Retirees classes for the Winter 2026 cycle. Apply online by clicking https://www.dc37.net/benefits/education/deptclasses/retirees.
For questions, please contact Manuel Gomez-Rosa at mgomezrosa@dc37.net or call (212) 815-1700.
Storytelling Workshop for Current and Former City Employees with the Public Theater
Share your story with The Public Theater! In celebration of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The Public Theater has launched a storytelling project to celebrate the experiences of government workers. Current and former government employees from any city, state, or federal agency are invited to participate in a series of Personal Storytelling Workshops with The Public Theater (offered in-person and on Zoom). A selection of the stories developed in workshops will be featured onstage at Public Theater’s Mobile Unit and Shakespeare in the Park productions! Applications are now open. For more information on this project and/or to access the application, please click HERE.
DC 37 NON-PROFIT PRIVATE SECTOR EDUCATION 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 2026.
For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email mhunte@dc37.net.
WORKSHOPS (Virtual)
- School Violence Prevention & Intervention: 1/13/2026 from 6-8 p.m.
- Child Abuse & Maltreatment: 1/14/2026 from 6-8:30 p.m.
- Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Workshop: December 8 and December 10 from 5-8 p.m. (must attend BOTH days)
- DASA: 1/26/26 & 1/28/26 from 5 to 8 p.m. (MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS)
- Infectious Diseases: April 2026 from 5:30-8 p.m.
- CTLE Workshop: December 11: Strengthening Social Emotional Skills in the Preschool Child with Autism, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- CTLE Workshop: January 8: Promoting Student Success through positive behavioral supports, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- CTLE Workshop: February 26: Active and competent supervision – in-depth 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- Content Specialty Test (CST) – English Language Arts: 1/20/26, 1/21/26, 1/27/26, 1/28/26, 2/3/26, 2/4/26, 2/10/26 & 2/11/26 (8 sessions) from 6-8 p.m.
- Content Specialty Test (CST) – Arts & Sciences: 2/17/26, 2/18/26, 2/24/26, 2/25/26, 3/3/26 & 3/4/26 (6 sessions) from 6-8 p.m.
- Content Specialty Test (CST) – Math: 2/21/26, 2/28/26, 3/7/26, 3/14/26, 3/21/26 & 3/28/26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (6 sessions)
- Educating All Students (EAS) – 2/23/26, 3/2/26, 3/9/26 & 3/16/26 from 6-8 p.m. (4 sessions)
- LMSW ex a.m. prep – 1/24/26, 1/31/26 & 2/7/26 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Child Development Associate (CDA): new class begins on January 20, 2026. Orientation is on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The class is every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45-8:45 p.m. The cost is $1,200. Scholarships are available.
Email mhunte@dc37.net for more information. Interested people can register using the class link below.
Shop Stewards training: click HERE to register.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Learn more about the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). 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 pursuing early childhood education.
AFSCME scholarships are open to all members:
Union Plus scholarship: due on January 31
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, are between the ages of 25-55, and do not already have a college degree. Some programs can be completed online. 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. 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)
While neck pain can often be treated at home, if your symptoms don’t improve, it’s time to seek help. That’s where HSS experts can help.
If you or a family member is experiencing neck pain, the HSS Care Concierge team 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
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.