DC 37 News, Events, and Services you can use in September

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

CELEBRATE LABOR DAY WITH DC 37

This Labor Day weekend, head over to DC 37’s headquarters to join your union siblings and celebrate your hard work to keep New York City running! On Saturday, Sept. 5, DC 37 is hosting a Labor Day celebration with games, giveaways, music, food, union swag, and lots of fun for the whole family! The first 500 members to arrive will receive a limited edition DC 37 t-shirt! Drop by or stay the entire day!

NOTE: THIS EVENT IS AT CAPACITY AND WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS. We hope you will join us at next year’s CLC Labor Day Parade.

OUR CITY, OUR FIGHT, OUR FUTURE: LABOR DAY RALLY AND MARCH

The New York City Central Labor Council is holding a rally and march beginning on Liberty Street between Church Street and Broadway in Lower Manhattan.

This mobilization is an opportunity for the City’s labor movement to come together and demonstrate the strength, solidarity, and power of New York City’s working people, while standing up for the rights, freedoms, and future of all New Yorkers. Together, we’ll demonstrate our collective strength.

DC 37 Meet-up, 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, at 47 Church Street, directly across from the M Social Hotel.

Rally Start: 5 p.m. (at Liberty Street between Church Street and Broadway)

March Step-Off: 6 p.m. (proceeding north on Church Street to Worth Street)

For more information, please visit HERE.

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION

Political Action VMOs

The midterm elections are quickly approaching, and we want to ensure that DC 37 members are well-informed! Our Volunteer Member Organizers help educate DC 37 members about upcoming elections through member-to-member contact. Sign up today to be a part of our VMO Program.

PEOPLE Power

New Yorkers are facing an out-of-balance economy that favors the wealthy while wages remain stagnant for everyone else. Working families are struggling to get ahead, and public services are under attack. Our union’s political action fund, AFSCME PEOPLE, provides us the tools to take action and protect the benefits and rights we’ve won in our workplaces and communities. Help us push back on anti-union attacks by joining our PEOPLE Program.

DC 37 Political Action Committee (PAC) Meeting

The DC 37 Political Action Committee (PAC) is focused on protecting workers’ rights and public services through political engagement of our membership. 

Please join us for our next PAC Meeting on Thursday, September 10, at 6 p.m. Special Invited Guest: NYS Senator John Liu. 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)

MELS Family Law Webinar

The DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) staff of legal experts are offering a webinar on Family Law to provide legal advice on paternity, parental rights, neglect, abuse, orders of protection, child support, custody, visitation, grandparent visitation, adoptions, guardianship, and more.

MELS lawyers can represent most DC 37 members and retirees who are seeking a divorce, and or other legal matters except criminal cases, at no cost.

For more information, please call the MELS Screening Unit at 212-815-1111, or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net.

Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM 

MEHP First Time Homebuyers Workshop

MEHP is excited to present a First Time Homebuyer’s Workshop. Learn the details of the mortgage process, explore special programs and grants for first-time buyers, and get expert guidance from housing specialists. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to confidently take the next step toward homeownership.

Saturday, September 12, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

Saturday, September 26, 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, September 17, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

CHILD CARE TRUST

Have you applied for DC 37 Childcare Reimbursement? The benefit covers afterschool, summer camp or child care centers, in a licensed program, or by an informal provider. Please go to this link for more information, and applications. This benefit is for most Mayoral agencies, H & H, Dept of Ed, NYCHA and cultural and library members, covered by the 2021-26 Economic Agreement. Find out more HERE.

DC 37 LATINO HERITAGE COMMITTEE

This month, we celebrate and honor the history and culture of the Latino community and their vital contributions to the labor movement.

This month, the union is holding the following events:

  • Thursday, Sept. 3: The DC 37 Latino Heritage Committee will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 6-8 p.m. at DC 37 headquarters, 125 Barclay Street.
  • Friday, Sept. 18: The SSEU Local 371 Latino Heritage Celebration will take place from 5-11 p.m. at DC 37 headquarters, 125 Barclay Street.

And stay tuned for more information about the Latino Heritage Finale, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25!

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Climate Justice Committee will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. via Zoom and telephone. We will discuss the recent AFSCME Convention and discuss strategies to grow our Committee.

For more information, contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 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 allows eligible members to view available programs, the classes they are enrolled in, and their progress in those classes.

Access the Ed Fund Academy HERE or through the dedicated ‘Go.Learn’ mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store. Note you must create your account online first before you can access the platform using mobile apps. Additionally, your username on 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 the Non-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 the DC 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 click HERE.

Advanced Grievance Handling Arbitration Course Begins Soon. Register Today!

Whether you’re a seasoned activist ready to sharpen your edge or a newer rep stepping into the fight, this course gives you the tools to handle even the toughest grievances—and prepare like a pro for arbitration. Please note that you must have already taken and completed the Education Fund’s Shop Steward Training course before you can take Advanced Grievance Handling/Arbitration. To register, look for the course under the “Labor Education – Fall 2026” catalog within the DC 37 Ed Fund Academy.

Education and Career Counseling

District Council 37 Education Fund is accepting programs for our Fall 2026 cycle. Apply at DC 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 56-9 p.m.
  • Introduction To Computers at Union Headquarters
    Thursdays, In-Person
    6-9 p.m.
  • Microsoft Excel with CUNY Queens College
    Level 1 and 2
    6-9 p.m., Online
  • Microsoft Excel with CUNY City College/CWE
    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 Professional with CUNY City College/CWE
    Level: Introduction
    Tuesdays
    6-9 p.m. Online
  • 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.
  • Advanced Microsoft Word with City College/CWE (NEW)
    Thursdays, Online
    6:30-9:30 p.m.
Financial Literacy Workshops for DC 37 Members

Are you ready to break the cycle of financial stress and start making empowered money choices? Financial Literacy 101 is a practical, engaging online course built on the principles of behavioral economics—designed to help you take the first steps toward lasting financial freedom.  In this course, you will learn to budget with confidence, save strategically, manage debt effectively, and plan for retirement.  Multiple workshop sections are currently available to accommodate your schedule. To register, look for the course under the “Labor Education – Fall 2026” catalog within the DC 37 Ed Fund Academy.

Do you need your High School Equivalency Diploma (the GED)?

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 Academy HERE or email ppunch@dc37.net.

Free Community College for New York State Residents

Great news for New York State residents – 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 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.

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, email: CUNYDays@slu.cuny.edu.

For more information on CUNY Reconnect, click HERE. For more information on SUNY Reconnect, click HERE.

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 University. To begin the process to enroll for the Winter 2027 waitlist, complete an online application with the new Ed Fund Academy platform by creating an account HERE. 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 2027 waitlist, complete an online application with the new Ed Fund Academy platform by creating an account HERE. 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 https://slu.cuny.edu/worker-education/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 $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, click HERE.

DC 37 NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION 

Earn your Early Childhood Inclusion Certification- for FREE! 

? 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.

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. Join the interest list 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, and 389 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

  • September 21, from 6-8 p.m. (Monday)
  • November 9, from 6-8 p.m. (Monday)

Child Abuse & Maltreatment

  • September 28, from 6-8 p.m. (Monday)
  • November 16, from 6-8:30 p.m. (Monday)

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

  • September 14. from 5-8 p.m. (Monday)
  • September 16, from 5-8 p.m. (Wednesday)
  • 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
    • October 8, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • Classroom Organization
    • November 12, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • Diversity- How to Embrace & Promote Differences
    • December 10, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • Building Resilience in an Uncertain World
    • January 14, 2027, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • Spotlight on Sensory Play
    • February 25, 2027, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • Transition Techniques- in Depth
    • March 11, 2027, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • Building your Creativity
    • April 8, 2027, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • Challenging Behaviors Bootcamp
    • May 13, 2027, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
  • STEM for Preschoolers-Inspiring Invention, Discovery and Wonder
    • June 10, 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!
    • October 3-November 7, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
  • Intermediate Word- Take Your Word Computer Skills to the Next Level!
    • 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! 

  • ELA Prep (CST), September 12-October 24, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
  • LMSW Exam Prep, September 12-September 26, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
  • Math Prep (CST), September 15-October 7, from 6-8 p.m. (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
  • Educating All Students Prep (EAS) Prep, September 14, 6-8 p.m. (Monday)
  • Disabilities Prep (CST), October 13-November 10, 6-8 p.m. (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
  • Foundations of Support & Instruction, October 3-November 7, 10:00 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
  • Arts & Science Prep (CST), October 31-November 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturdays)
  • 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.

Local 205 and Local 95 Teachers! Want to be Certified? Fill out the Survey!

District Council 37 is working to identify opportunities for Non-Profit & Private Sector members who do not currently have a teacher certification. The union has partnered with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies’ LEAP to Teacher Program to identify members eligible for scholarships to attend one of CUNY’s 25 schools.

This survey is designed to gather essential information about your educational teacher certification status. The information you provide will be kept confidential. Complete the survey 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 survey HERE.

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 residents of NY, 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 Meeting:

Tuesday, September 29 | 12 p.m. EST | In-person at Union Headquarters (125 Barclay St.) and Online

11 a.m. Check-in

12 p.m. “Stop the Scam!” Presentation with the Alliance for Retired Americans

1 p.m. General Membership Meeting

Click HERE to reserve your seat now!

Committee Meetings
Membership and Recruitment Committee

This September we’re coming together for a Stuffing Party! We know we’re stronger when we come together. Join us to help recruit fresh faces and build retiree power in New York City. Click HERE to save your spot.

September 16 | 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. | In-person at Union HQ (125 Barclay St.)

Political and Legislative Action Committee

This election season, the DC 37 Retirees are getting ready to make some noise, one postcard at a time.

As part of AFSCME Retirees’ nationwide postcard program, we’ll reach out to members in states with key races to share, member-to-member, what’s at stake in November. Click HERE to be there!

September 16 | 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. | In-person at Union HQ (125 Barclay St.)

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)

Understanding and Preventing Back Pain

HSS will host a webinar on Wednesday, September 16, at 12 p.m. about Understanding and Preventing Back Pain. Register HERE.

DC 37 has teamed up with HSS to bring members and their families access to world-class orthopedic care. The HSS Care Concierge team will connect you with in-network care at one of our convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

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

MSK DIRECT

Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11th

DC 37 has a partnership with MSK Direct to provide employees and their families with 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.