October Union News, Service and Events update

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT HEAD START

The White House recently introduced a new rule to deregulate the Head Start program, one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in American history. This will deprive low-income children of the quality education, nutrition, and healthcare they deserve, and endanger the good, union jobs our members rely on.

DC 37 members know how integral Head Start is in our communities here in New York City and across the country – and that’s why AFSCME has united with other national unions to fight back. This latest move is all part of a cruel agenda to intentionally break Head Start, claim it doesn’t work, and then eliminate it entirely.

We must take action to protect Head Start now before it’s too late!

Join AFSCME members nationwide in telling the Trump administration: Hands off Head Start! Tell your own story of how Head Start has positively impacted you and your community: click here to submit your public comment by October 6.

The devastating cuts to Head Start and SNAP are the direct result of the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Remember that the best way we can hold Congress accountable for cutting these critical programs is to vote during the midterm elections on Nov. 3!

INTRODUCING THE MOBILE-FRIENDLY DC 37 MEMBER PORTAL

Your union benefits in the palm of your hand! DC 37 is excited to launch a mobile-friendly version of the state-of-the-art DC 37 Member Portal. Log on from your mobile phone to securely access benefits and local-specific information, such as general membership meetings, virtual meetings, unit contracts, and more.

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION

Important 2026 General Election Dates

Change of Address Deadline
Monday, Oct. 19 (Last day to update your address for the General Election)

Voter Registration Deadline
Saturday, Oct. 24 (Last day to register or update your voter registration for the General Election)

Early Voting
Saturday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Nov. 1

General Election
Tuesday, Nov. 3

Become a Volunteer Member Organizer (VMO)

Help us get out the vote to our fellow DC 37 members! To learn more, please contact the Political Action Department at 212-815-1550 or email PoliticalAction@DC37.net. To sign up, click HERE.

Support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

There’s a lot on the line this year for working people. The results of the 2026 congressional elections will determine the fate of workers and communities across the nation. In addition to our work to get pro-worker candidates into office, DC 37 is fighting for reforms to the Tier 6 pension system, fair funding for city and state agencies, and a host of other crucial issues.

Your support for the PEOPLE Program will help us elect leaders who will fight for workers’ rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying on member issues, directly supporting pro-workers candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from funding with dues money. Join PEOPLE in the DC 37 Member Portal or HERE!

Sign up for PEOPLE as an MVP contributor and get a PEOPLE MVP hoodie!

DC 37 Political Action Committee

DC 37's monthly Political Action Committee (PAC) meetings are a resource for members and retirees to learn more about the issues we are advocating for at City Hall and in Albany. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month. Our PAC Chair is Donald Nesbit, DC 37 Executive Board Member and Local 372 Executive Vice President.

Please join us for our next PAC Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8 to discuss the New York City ballot proposals on the Nov. 3 ballot. Guest Speaker: Ann Cheng, Executive Director, Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) You bring the questions– we'll bring the popcorn.

If you are interested in learning more about DC 37 Political Action or have questions, please contact us at politicalaction@dc37.net or 212-815-1550.

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES (MELS)

WEBINAR: WHAT’S NEW IN IMMIGRATION LAW
Includes Recent Changes in Temporary Protected Status

DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services is pleased to present a webinar on recent developments in immigration law, including important changes affecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

The webinar will be presented by Cynthia Yahia, Senior Staff Attorney at DC 37 MELS, and Benjamin Remy, Coordinating Senior Attorney with NYLAG’s Immigrant Protection Unit.

Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN

Personal Service Unit: Addressing Burnout

Burnout — a concept we are familiar with but often don’t recognize until it is impacting our functioning. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental fatigue caused by ongoing stress. Contributing factors include long work hours, caregiving, chronic stress, lack of recovery time, and workplace conflicts.

Burnout doesn’t develop overnight; it’s a gradual process, so it is important to recognize signs early:

Physical Symptoms: Headaches, digestive issues, chronic fatigue (even after a full night’s sleep) or changes in sleep and appetite.
Increased Irritability: Small inconveniences can feel like major frustrations.
Lack of Motivation: Tasks that once brought satisfaction now feel overwhelming or pointless.
Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social obligations.

Burnout can often be prevented or addressed by balancing periods of effort with regular recovery and addressing sources of chronic stress before they become overwhelming.

Set boundaries
Prioritize tasks
Keep a sustainable schedule and take breaks
Protect your sleep and take time to recharge
Stay connected to others and maintain healthy habits

If you are experiencing burnout and would like help – contact the Personal Service Unit to speak with a Licensed Social Worker for confidential therapy or referrals. Call 212-815-1250 between 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for an assessment.

CHILD CARE TRUST

Have you claimed your child care reimbursement?Applications and instructions are available on the DC 37 website. Eligible members are covered by the 2021-26 Citywide Economic Agreement.

DC 37 EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

MEHP First Time Homebuyers Workshop

MEHP is excited to present a 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.

Saturday, October 10, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, October 24, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

MCU 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 announce the MCU First Time Homebuyer Workshop. Join us as we discuss the mortgage process. We would like to assist you on your journey to homeownership. We will cover pre-approvals, debt-to-income ratios, PMI, FHA loans, Conventional Loans, and much more. We will have a Question and Answer session after the presentation. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE

Please join DC 37 Housing Committee’s virtual meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. Housing Committee Chair, Juliet White, President of Local 154, will discuss housing issues, resources, and upcoming events. You must register to attend. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:50 p.m., and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The next DC 37 Climate Justice Committee meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting. We will discuss how to stop the building of Data Centers, as well as improve the environmental conditions in our public schools. All DC 37 members and retirees are welcome to attend. If interested, please email 4unionnow@gmail.com.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

Apply For Fall 2026 Ed Fund Classes Using the New Ed Fund Academy Learning Management System

The DC 37 Education Fund is proud to launch the Ed Fund Academy, a new learning management system that functions as a centralized learning platform for the courses and programs offered by the DC 37 Education Fund. This platform conveniently allows eligible members to see available programs, classes they are enrolled in, and their progress in those classes.

Access to the Ed Fund Academy is available online and you may sign up HERE or through the dedicated ‘Go.Learn’ mobile app accessible onGoogle Play and theApp Store. Note that you must create your account online first before you can access the platform using mobile apps. Additionally, your Username in the platform must be your first and last name.

To help you navigate the new platform, check out Frequently Asked Questions, tutorial videos, and step-by-step guides HERE.

All students wishing to take classes with the Education Fund must first register with the new learning management system by clicking HERE and selecting Register. New accounts take approximately 24-28 hours to be verified, so sign up today!

Note on eligibility: While all DC 37 members may register for the Ed Fund Academy, members of SSEU Local 371 and theNon-Profit/Private Sector locals are not eligible for DC 37 Education Fund benefits except for the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy.

Registration For the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy Is Now Open

Embark on a 10-week journey of empowerment and growth with our comprehensive leadership training program. Gain valuable insights into gender dynamics, power relationships, and effective leadership strategies. Led by experienced professionals, LRWLA is designed to equip women with the skills and confidence to excel in leadership roles. This program begins in March 2027, but space is limited. To register, look for the course under the “Labor Education – Winter 2027” catalog within theDC 37 Ed Fund Academy.

Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

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 reimbursement benefit, please clickHERE.

Do You Need Advisement to Advance in Your Education or Career?

Do you need guidance on selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Register through the DC 37 Ed Fund AcademyHERE or email achensee@dc37.net to contact an Education Fund counselor.

Cisco CCNA Certification Program with Monroe University

DC 37’s Education Fund, in Partnership with Monroe University, will be offering Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) training. This virtual course is designed to prepare members for the Cisco CCNA certification exam and covers network fundamentals, IP connectivity and services, network access, and security fundamentals.

Schedule: Winter 2027

Dates: To Be Determined

Prerequisites: No prerequisites required.

Requirements: PC or laptop with Windows 7 or higher, stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone. Webcam must remain on during class sessions.

For more information, call the DC 37 Education Fund at (212) 815-1700.

To apply for this training and many more, please clickHERE to log in or register for the Ed Fund Academy learning management system. Once you are logged in, look for the catalog titled ‘Career Development – Winter 2027’.

Education Fund Computer and Technology Programs

District Council 37 Education Fund is accepting programs for our Fall 2026 cycle. Apply atDC 37 Ed Fund Academy to get access to the programs below (Look under the “Decentralized – Fall 2026” catalog):

Getting Started with A.I. with LaGuardia Community College
Wednesday, November 5
6-9 p.m.
Introduction To Computers at Union Headquarters
Thursdays, In-Person
6-9 p.m.
Microsoft Excel with CUNY Queens College
Level 1, October 1
Level 2, September 30
6-9 p.m., Online
Microsoft Excel with CUNY Queens College
Level 1 and 2
6-9 p.m., Online
Microsoft Excel Expert with CUNY Hostos
Saturdays, Online
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Microsoft Office Certificate Program with CUNY Hostos
Tuesdays/Thursdays or Saturdays, Online
Microsoft Word with CUNY Queens College
(Basic) Tuesdays, Online
6-9 p.m.

Learn the Skills to Earn Your GED (High School Equivalency) Diploma

The GED exam is back. It is available to NYS residents, age 19 and over. It has four subtests instead of five. The Reading and Writing subtests are combined in a revised subtest: Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA). Passing scores from past GED exams, TASC exams, or NYS Regents exams will be counted as passing one or more subtests. Eligible members can take GED Prep classes in English or Spanish online, hybrid, or in person. To view available classes, please register through the DC 37 Education Fund AcademyHERE or email ppunch@dc37.net.

Free Community College for New York State Residents

Many Community college programs in both CUNY and SUNY colleges 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 provides 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 or a member of your family or community can attend community college for FREE starting next term 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.
This opportunity is open to anyone who meets the requirements, not just DC 37 members

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

For more information on CUNY Reconnect, clickHERE. For more information on SUNY Reconnect, clickHERE.

CUNY Advisement 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, clickHERE.

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

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 theirwebsite.

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 $1,000 to $4,000. The 2027 Union Plus Scholarship application is currently available with a deadline of January 31, 2027. For more information on this scholarship and to apply, clickHERE.

DC 37 NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION

Take the Next Step! Earn Your NYS Students with Disabilities Certificate!

📣 Calling all early childhood educators! The next cohort of the DC 37 Early Childhood Inclusion Grant certification program is forming, and we want to hear from you.

Earn your NYS Students with Disabilities (Birth–Grade 2) certification at no cost to you through a program built for DC 37 members. Classes begin in early 2027.

This is an opportunity that pays off. Receiving this certification opens the door to career advancements–vital at a time when students with disabilities need the support and educational opportunities more than ever.

Also, this certification program for DC 37 members is FREE!

You're eligible to apply if you:

✅ Hold a valid NYS teaching certification

✅ Have at least 1 year of teaching experience at the time of application

We're gathering interest now — no commitment required.

Raise your hand HERE.

Classes and Workshops for Non-Profit and Private Sector Members

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 skills-upgrading opportunities in 2026.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email SBoard@DC37.NET.

Register for all Non-profit Educational Corporation classes and workshops HERE.

Violence Prevention & Intervention

November 9, from 6-8 p.m. (Monday)

Child Abuse & Maltreatment

November 16, from 6-8:30 p.m. (Monday)

Dignity for All Students ACT (DASA Workshops)
You must attend both workshops.

October 26, from 5-8 p.m. (Monday)
October 28, from 5-8 p.m. (Wednesday)
December 7, from 5-8 p.m. (Monday)
December 9, from 5-8 p.m. (Wednesday)

Infectious Diseases

October 14, from 5:30-8 p.m. (Wednesday)

CTLE Workshops

Language & Conversational Support for Early Childhood
o October 8, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Classroom Organization
o November 12, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Diversity: How to Embrace & Promote Differences
o December 10, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Building Resilience in an Uncertain World
o January 14, 2027, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Spotlight on Sensory Play
o February 25, 2027, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)

Computer Skills – Basic and Upgrade (In Person)125 Barclay Street, 3rd Floor, Manhattan

Basic Word- Your first step toward becoming confident with your Word Computer Skills Starts Here! Sign Up Today!
o October 3-November 7, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
Intermediate Word- Take Your Word Computer Skills to the Next Level!
o November 14-December 12, from 10 a.m-1 p.m. (Saturdays)

Content Specialty Test (CST)Your Master’s Degree Could Open the Door to More!

Take the next step in your career by completing the Content Specialty Test (CST). Your program tuition is fully paid for!
o Disabilities Prep (CST), October 13-November 10, 6-8 p.m. (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
o Foundations of Support & Instruction, October 3-November 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
o Arts & Science Prep (CST), October 31-November 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
o Educating All Students (EAS) Prep, November 2-November 23, 6-8 p.m. (Monday)

Early Childhood Programs Professional Learning Opportunity Alert!

The Early Childhood Inclusion Professional Learning Series is a two-day, in-person training now available to any early childhood program with a majority DC 37 members. It's designed for all staff in the program: classroom and family staff, kitchen staff, environmental staff, and leadership alike.

Sessions run a full workday with breakfast and lunch provided, and the two days can be scheduled flexibly to fit your program's calendar. Sign-ups are ongoing — now is a great time to get your program on the list before the new school year begins.

Express your program's interest HERE.

Workplace Needs Survey: Tell Us How We Can Help You

District Council 37 is conducting this survey to understand the staffing, safety, and training needs of our members in the non-profit and private sector. Your responses are confidential and will help us to plan trainings and address safety and health concerns in your workplace. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey.

The information you provide will be kept confidential. Complete the surveyHERE.

Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to eligible DC 37 members or their dependents:

Educational Incentive Program (EIP): The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) 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 Family Scholarship: Each year, the AFSCME Family Scholarship Program provides $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors, which are renewed for $2,000 each year for a maximum of four years, provided the student remains enrolled in a full-time course of study. The scholarship may be used for any field of study. Questions about this scholarship should be directed to AFSCME.
Union Plus College Program: Through the 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. Questions about this scholarship should be directed to scholarships@unionplus.org.
CUNY and SUNY: Several CUNY and SUNY colleges offer free Associate degree programs in high-demand industries for eligible students. Students may be eligible if they are NY residents, are between the ages of 25-55, and do not already have a college degree. For more information on these programs, call (212) 815-1644.

DC 37 RETIREES ASSOCIATION

Meet With Us!

General Membership Meetings are a great way to get updates from the Retirees Association, stay involved, and reconnect with fellow retirees and former coworkers. Every month we’re joined by special guests to present on benefits and programs for our retirees.

Next General Membership Meeting (Virtual)

Thursday, Oct. 22 | 1 p.m. EST | Virtual General Membership Meeting |Reserve your seat now!

Committee Meetings

The Retirees Association is the doorway for many of our members to stay on the front lines after stepping back from their locals. One way members stay active is through our committee meetings.Sign up today!

Political and Legislative Action Committee

Work together alongside other retired public service workers to protect and expand our rights as retirees.

Tuesday, October 20 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | In-person at DC 37 Union Headquarters (125 Barclay St.)

Social & Community Engagement Committee

Plan actions and events to shape a better and more active life for retired public service workers.

Wednesday, October 21 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | DC 37 Union Headquarters (125 Barclay St.)

Membership and Recruitment Committee

We know we’re stronger when we come together. Recruit fresh faces to help build retiree power in New York City.

Wednesday, October 21 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | DC 37 Union Headquarters (125 Barclay St.)

These meetings are an educational, recreational, and social benefit available exclusively to active members of the DC 37 Retirees Association. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so atwww.DC37Retirees.org/join. We hope to see you there!

ACPNY

AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center

Primary care services are available at the DC 37 Health Center, conveniently located at 115 Chambers in downtown Manhattan.

AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center takes a “whole you” approach to care by understanding all the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that impact your health.

ACPNY is open Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call (646) 680-4227.

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Shoulder Pain or Injury? HSS can help.

Did you know anything you do with your arms involves the 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, Connecticut, or Florida.

Connect with HSS TODAY:

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

HSS is here to help DC 37 members and families.

MSK DIRECT

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

DC 37 has a partnership with MSK Direct to provide employees, and their families dedicated access to exceptional cancer care, support, and expert resources from the world's leading cancer specialists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). If you or a family member are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options at MSK, call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for DC 37 employees: 833-786-3365 or mskcc.org/dc37.