Labor Day Parade and More Union News

LABOR DAY PARADE - SEPT 7

Are you ready to show off your Union Pride? March with DC 37 in this year’s Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade on Saturday, Sept. 7! 

You may register to march by clicking HERE. There is no limit to the number of participants who can march with DC 37—the more, the merrier so we can show this city WHO RUNS NEW YORK! 

Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11:30 a.m. | Assemble at West 47th Street between 5th & 6th Aves

WEST INDIAN DAY PARADE - SEPT 2

Join your union siblings as we honor the Caribbean Heritage by marching in this year’s West Indian Day Parade. RSVP to Doris Murphy to reserve the required wristbands. 

Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 at 10 a.m. | Assemble at McDonald’s (1133 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213)

LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION - SEPT 27

Please join SSEU Local 371 and DC 37 as we celebrate this year’s theme for Latino Heritage Month, Preserving Latino Heritage: Our Identity, Legacy, and Resistance. Music and entertainment will be provided by Francisco Navarro, “DJ Cisco” and keynote remarks will be delivered by DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido. You won’t want to miss this special event! 

Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 at 5 p.m. | 1 Centre St, Mezzanine Level, NYC DCAS Building

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES

Wills, Probate, and Living Trusts Webinar

DC 37 MELS presents Wills, Probate, and Living Trusts. In this webinar, you will learn how to access the MELS benefit to create a Will, designate a Health Care Proxy, or set up a Power of Attorney. We will also discuss how to probate a will upon the death of a loved one, and learn when you can benefit from a Living Trust. We hope you’ll join us for this informative webinar. 

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

Financial Empowerment and Support Group

DC 37 MELS presents Wills, Probate, and Living Trusts. In this webinar, you will learn how to access the MELS benefit to create a Will, designate a Health Care Proxy, or set up a Power of Attorney. We will also discuss how to probate a will upon the death of a loved one, and learn when you can benefit from a Living Trust. We hope you’ll join us for this informative webinar. 

 Tuesdays, Oct. 8 to Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. | To register, please email Hannah Dickie

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL HOMEBUYERS

As a result of a recent lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors, homebuyers, who rarely paid realtor fees in the past, will now share the cost of realtor commissions in almost every transaction. Now, when shopping for a home, a buyer will be required to sign a commission agreement with his or her agent, and the agent’s commission will be earned when a purchase contract is signed, even though it will not be due until closing. This will naturally increase the buyer’s closing costs, potentially by tens of thousands of dollars. 

 What options do homebuyers have? It is now important to factor this additional cost into any offers made to buy a property, or it may be possible to negotiate any purchase offer so that the seller makes an additional commitment to pay this cost instead of the buyer. When shopping for a home, buyers should never allow more than one realtor to show them the same property, because if they buy, they risk owing a commission to ALL realtors showing the property. Finally, it pays to be certain that your agent agreement is a non-exclusive one and is for as short a term as can be agreed upon, so if you are unhappy you can move on to another realtor. 

 Homebuyers with related questions are urged to speak with a MELS attorney at (212) 815-1111 before signing any agreements to better understand this new change.

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 a virtual First-Time Homebuyer Workshop. 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, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

MCU Mortgage Webinar

In the market for a new place to call home? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is proud to present the Municipal Credit Union (MCU) to answer your questions about mortgages and discuss which programs may be the right fit for you. Let MCU lending specialists guide you through flexible loan terms, competitive interest rates, and everything you need to get past your home-buying hurdles. You won’t want to miss this important webinar! 

Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. | 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 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. 

The next meeting is on Thursday, Sept. 12. To register, click HERE.

2024 Voter Registration Deadlines

Are you and your family all set to participate in the 2024 elections? Elections for President, Congress, New York State Senate, and New York State Assembly are happening this year! You may register to vote or update your voter registration HERE.

 Support Your Union Political Action Fund!

In 2024 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 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.

Become a PEOPLE contributor now by clicking HERE.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

You Can Still Apply for the Fall 2024 Semester!

The Education Fund is still accepting applications for courses beginning this September! For a list of current offerings, please visit our Classes and Benefits page by clicking HERE! Many classes fill up quickly so be sure to 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.

Apply For CISCO And CompTIA+ Certification Classes

The DC 37 Education Fund in conjunction with Monroe College will be offering CISCO and CompTIA+ certification classes to prepare members for each certification exam. There are prerequisites for these classes and you will have to take and pass a technical assessment in order to gain entry. 

Classes begin this October and space is limited! Learn more about the program and apply by clicking HERE.

Computer Courses for DC 37 Members

The DC 37 Education Fund offers many different computer courses to meet the varied needs of members. Click on the class of interest below to learn more about the program and to register today!

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.

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]

Retiree Education Courses For Fall 2024

The Ed Fund is currently accepting applications for classes for the Fall 2024 cycle. Apply online by clicking HERE.

For questions, please contact Manuel Gomez-Rosa at [email protected] or call (212) 815-1700.

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

  • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) 
    • Monday, Sept. 16 & Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 5-8 p.m.
    • Monday, Oct. 21 & Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5-8 p.m.
    • Must attend BOTH sessions 
  • Violence Prevention and Intervention 
    • Monday, Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. 
    • Monday, Oct. 28 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Child Abuse and Maltreatment 
    • Monday, Sept. 30 from 6-8 p.m. 
  • Social Media & Children’s Wellbeing
    • Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Infectious Diseases 
    • Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE) 
    • Get to the Head of the CLASS - How to Improve Interactions with Your Students 
    • Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

 You can register for these workshops by clicking HERE. 

Classes and Prep Courses

  • Content Specialty Test (CST) - Math
    • Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Sept. 10 to Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m. 
    • Total of 8 sessions to complete the course 
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) - Arts & Sciences
    • Saturdays, Sept. 14 to Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
    • Total of 4 sessions to complete the course 
  • Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW) 
    • Saturdays, Sept. 14 to Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 
    • Total of 3 sessions to complete the course 
  • Educating All Students (EAS) Exam Prep
    • Mondays, Sept. 16 to Oct. 7, 6-8 p.m.
    • Total of 4 sessions to complete the course 
  • Assessment of Teacher Assistant Skills (ATAS)
    • Saturdays, Oct. 5 to Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Total of 4 sessions to complete the course
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) - English Language Arts & Sciences
    • Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Oct. 8 to Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m. 
    • Total of 7 sessions to complete the course 
  • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Exam Prep
    • Thursdays, Oct. 10 to Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m. 
    • Total of 3 sessions to complete the course 
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) - Disabilities
    • Saturdays, Oct. 19 to Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
    • Total of 5 sessions to complete the course 

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

Skills Upgrade

  • Basic Excel
    • Saturdays, Oct. 5, 19, 26 and Nov. 2
    • Total of 4 sessions 
    • Via Google Classroom, Students must have a desktop or laptop

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 only.  

AFSCME Family Scholarship 
A renewable $2,000 scholarship (over the course of 4 years)  awarded annually to graduating high school seniors of union members. Due Tuesday, Dec. 31

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email [email protected].

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Don’t Let Chronic Pain Keep You From Exercising

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.

HSS is here to help DC 37 members and families – and we accept most insurance plans. 

Connect with HSS TODAY:

Call: (212) 606-1105

Email: [email protected]Visit: HSS.edu/DC37