DC 37 BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Black History Committee invites you to celebrate Black History Month during the following in-person events open to all members and hosted in our new union home at 125 Barclay Street: 

• DC 37 Black History Month Opening Ceremony
• Monday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.
• Guest performances by Rome Neal, actor, director and producer and Artistic Theater Director at Nuyorican Poet Cafe; and Reverend Selene Crawford of the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church
• SSEU Local 371 presents: “This Is How We Rep Our Hood: Manhood, Fatherhood, Brotherhood, Neighborhood, and Labor Hood!”
• Friday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.
• Local 1407 Black History Month Celebration
• Monday, Feb. 10, at 5:30 p.m.
• Local 1930 presents: “African Americans and the Arts” 
• Wednesday, Feb 19, at 6 p.m.
• Guest performances by Anthony McPherson, poet-in-residence with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Bernell Jones II, saxophonist and songwriter based in NYC. 
• Local 372 presents: “African Americans and Labor: The Fight Continues”
• Friday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.
• DC 37 Black History Month Finale
• Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. 
• Guest performances by Guylaine Conquet, French figurative artist, and Emphasis Entertainment Break Dancers NYC 

United under the theme “Make A Joyful Noise: African-American Music Past and Present,”  these events celebrate the integral role music played in the struggle for freedom. We hope you can join us! 

DC 37 HEALTH/DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Wealth and Wellness Presentation: Heart Disease and How To Prevent It 

February is heart month! Get to know your heart better with the DC 37 Health/Disability Advisory Committee during a special presentation about how you can decrease your risk of heart disease. We will be joined by guest speaker Dr. Achille Antoine, MD, a community leader, psychologist, theologian, and Minister of AGM Fellowship Center. We hope to see you there! 

Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. | Join the meeting virtually by clicking HERE.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES

Legal Support for Immigration Executive Order

Members who are concerned about how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may impact them or their dependents can contact MELS for assistance. Our attorneys can provide phone advice and help set up stand-by guardianships for minor dependents should their caregivers be detained. 

To access your legal service benefits, contact MELS at (212) 815-1111 or email [email protected].

Additional resources from the Immigrant Defense Project are available HERE.

Co-Parenting Workshop

MELS Social Workers and Family Law Attorneys will guide members on how to improve communication skills, de-escalate anger, become the “best version” of themselves, take another look at what it means to “win,” and discuss the impact parenting conflicts have on legal proceedings. If you are part of two households raising children together, you won’t want to miss it!

Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE. 

Bankruptcy Webinar

Have you considered filing for bankruptcy? Do you have more questions than answers about the process? If so, this workshop is for you! Join the DC 37 MELS Team to learn about what kinds of debt you can discharge, the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, the potential impact on your credit, and much more! 

Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 MELS Citizenship Program 

The MELS Citizenship Program is designed to assist you with the process of becoming a United States citizen so that you can enjoy all the rights that are entitled to all citizens, including the right to vote. All eligible members and their immediate family members (spouses and children under 26) have access to this service. Additionally, MELS attorneys can provide advice and referrals on other immigration matters. We invite you to take advantage of this legal service and welcome your participation. 

For more information, call the MELS Screening Unit at (212) 815-1111 or email [email protected].

DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN

Health & Security Plan Benefit Fairs

The DC 37 Health & Security Plan invites you to attend an upcoming Health & Security Plan Benefit Fair in our new union headquarters. The 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, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay

Thursday, Feb. 28, 2-4 p.m. | DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

First-Time Homebuyer Workshop

Are you thinking of buying your first home but don’t know where to begin? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is pleased to offer two virtual First-Time Homebuyer Workshops. Allow us to assist you on your journey to homeownership as we discuss the mortgage process, pre-approvals, debt-to-income ratios, PMI, FHA loans, conventional loans, and much more! Bring your questions and we’ll provide the answers. We hope to see you there! 

Saturday, Feb. 8 at noon | Register HERE.

Saturday, Feb. 22 at noon | Register HERE.

NYC Housing Connect Webinar

NYC Housing Connect is the portal to find and apply for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities across the five boroughs of New York City. Join the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for a class covering affordable housing availability, using NYC Housing Connect to find affordable housing, preparing to apply for affordable housing, and what to expect after applying for affordable housing.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE. 

Thursday, Feb. 13 at noon | Register HERE. 

Financial Empowerment to Access Housing 

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) offers two financial literacy classes as it relates to renting and home ownership. Learn about credit, debt, savings, and housing. How do you improve your credit score? Budget for your next apartment or home. This class is an introduction to financial literacy and is not a substitute for financial counseling from a certified professional. This class is intended for low- and moderate-income tenants and homeowners.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE. 

Tuesday, Mar. 4 at noon | Register HERE. 

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

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 take place on the second Thursday of each month via Zoom.

Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. | To register, click HERE. 

Become a Volunteer Member Organizer (VMO)

You can make a big difference in this year’s important elections! Join our Political Action VMO team to help us get candidates in office who will fight to protect jobs and critical services in our community. Volunteers will participate in member-to-member door-knocking, phone banking, and leafleting. 

VMO shifts will take place throughout May and June on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 4 – 7 p.m. Members selected for the VMO team will receive a stipend of $22/hour for their volunteer time. 

If you are interested in being considered, please click HERE to sign up.

Support Your Union Political Action Fund! 

In 2025, wealthy corporations and individuals will spend millions trying to diminish our union rights and benefits. 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 workers’ rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying around member issues, direct support for pro-worker candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from using dues money to conduct. Become a PEOPLE contributor now by clicking HERE.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

Applications for Winter 2025 Semester Still Open! 

The Education Fund is still accepting applications for some Winter 2025 courses. For a list of current offerings, please visit our Classes and Benefits page by clicking HERE! Many classes fill up quickly so register today!

The DC 37 Green Jobs Training Program is Expanding! 

The DC 37 Education Fund is happy to announce the Green Jobs Training Expansion Program, a grant-funded training program for eligible DC 37 members to receive free, hands-on instruction in areas of need within the green economy and energy sector. 

Training courses include Energy Auditing, Multifamily and Commercial Building Analyst, Carbon Accounting, LEED Green Associate, Energy Benchmarking, and Construction Management. These courses and more will prepare members for certifications and licenses offered and recognized by the Building Performance Institute, Urban Green Council, and Association of Energy Engineers. 

If you are interested in more information on these courses and what this training can provide for you, please click HERE. 

Monroe University: Computer Security Training 

DC 37’s Education Fund in partnership with Monroe University will offer a CompTIA+: Security+ certification course to eligible DC 37 members. The CompTIA+: Security+ at Monroe University is fully virtual. All participants must have a webcam and microphone (camera must be on during all class sessions).

Mondays and Wednesdays, Mar. 17 to May 14, 6-9 p.m. | To apply click HERE.

For additional information about our Computer Security Training Track, please contact the DC 37 Education Fund at [email protected]. 

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. Additionally, tuition reimbursement applications can now be submitted completely online. 

For more information on the changes to the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE. 

DC 37 Education Fund Professional Workshops for Members

Resume Writing Workshops

The two-session resume writing workshop will cover a variety of resume formats: Chronological resumes, functional resumes, and electronic resumes. You will also learn how to write a general cover letter and a specific cover letter.  Follow-up appointments will be scheduled for individual resume review and revision.  For more information on this workshop and to apply, click HERE.

Interviewing Techniques

Eligible members can attend this two-session, three-hour workshop and learn how to stand out at a job interview. Learn about different types of interviews, what to expect, what to wear and not to wear, the questions to ask and not to ask, and how to prepare in advance.  For more information on this workshop and to apply, click HERE.

DC 37 Education Fund is Accepting Applications for Our Winter 2025 Computer Programs Including Microsoft Excel   

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is pivotal in computer skill proficiency. Below are the following open programs: 

• Hostos Community College – Online Sessions 
• For members that have completed Intermediate Microsoft Excel courses (Level II), Hostos Community College offers further instructions with our Microsoft Excel Expert program beginning February 2025.
• Microsoft Excel Expert
• Feb. 15-Mar. 10 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Click HERE to register 

Microsoft Office

A 60-hour certificate course in Microsoft Office with Hostos Community College is currently accepting applications. Topics covered in Level I and II include: basic computers, basic keyboarding skills, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. 

• Level I – Online Sessions 
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 11- Apr. 17 from 6-9 p.m. 
• Click HERE to register 
• Level I – Online Sessions 
• Saturdays, Feb. 15-May 10 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 
• Click HERE to register 
• Level II – Online Sessions 
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 11-Apr. 17 from 6-9 p.m. 
• Click HERE to register 

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. 

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies Offers Leap To Teacher (LTT) 

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: [email protected], call (646) 313-8532 or visit our website HERE.

NON-PROFIT AND PRIVATE SECTOR

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 opportunities in 2024. 

Workshops

• Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE)
• Activate Your Curriculum 
• Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
• Mar. 3 and Mar. 5 from 5-8 p.m.

You can register for these workshops by clicking HERE.

Classes and Prep Courses 

• Content Specialty Test (CST) – English Language Art & Sciences
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb. 4 to Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m. 
• Total of 8 sessions to complete the course 
• Shop Steward Training
• Thursdays, Feb. 6 to Mar. 13, 6-8 p.m. 
• Must attend all 6 sessions in order to be certified 
• Assessment of Teacher Assistant Skills (ATAS)
• Mondays, Feb. 22 to Mar. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Total of 4 sessions to complete the course 
• Educating All Students (EAS) Exam Prep
• Mondays, Feb. 24 to Mar. 17, 6-8 p.m.
• Total of 4 sessions to complete the course 
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Exam Prep
• Thursdays, Feb. 27 to Mar. 13, 6-8 p.m.
• Total of 3 sessions to complete the course

You can register for these classes and more by clicking HERE. 

Skills Upgrade

• Advanced Excel
• Saturdays, Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, Mar. 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Total of 4 sessions 
• Via Google Classroom, Students must have a desktop or laptop

To register, email [email protected].     

Scholarship Opportunities

• Education 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 available to classroom personnel pursuing early childhood education. 
• Scholarships for 2025 are now open.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email [email protected]. You can also check out the website by clicking HERE to register early.

HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY (HSS)

How to Get the Most Out of Your Walking Workout

Walking is a cost-effective, straightforward, low-impact, total-body activity. It even can keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range, increase the heart’s capacity, and burn fat for fuel. Learn from the experts at HSS how you can walk your way to wellness.

HSS is here to help DC 37 members and families – and we take most insurances.

Connect with HSS TODAY:

Call: (212) 606-1105

Email: [email protected] 

Visit: HSS.edu/DC37