MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

STAND UP FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS ON MAY DAY

Join District Council 37 and the NYC Central Labor Council at Washington Square Park to commemorate May Day on Friday, May 1.

May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the bravery and sacrifices workers throughout history have made in the fight for equality and dignity in the workplace. Next Friday, we will reaffirm our commitment to a better future for all workers and proudly stand in solidarity with our labor and community allies in the fight for justice.

DC 37 members will assemble at 3:30 p.m. at the corner of University Place and Washington Square North. The rally begins at 4 p.m. followed by the march to Foley Square.

Friday, May 1 | RSVP HERE.

Be sure to wear your DC 37 green!

DC 37 AT THE YANKEES

Join District Council 37 and the New York Yankees for a fun-filled day at Yankee Stadium in late August!

Game Dates

Against Division rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays:

• Friday, August 21, 7:05 p.m.
• Saturday, August 22, 1:35 p.m.
• Sunday, August 23, 1:35 p.m.

Against the Houston Astros:

• Tuesday, August 25, 7:05 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 26, 7:05 p.m.
• Thursday, August 27, 7:05 p.m.

Each Ticket includes:

• An exclusive New York Yankees DC 37 Jersey
• $15 New York Yankees Food & Beverage Voucher

The Yankees will send your tickets to the email address you used for purchase. Jersey and voucher pickup instructions will also be provided via email prior to the event. Click HERE to sign up!

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION

Join the Political Action VMO Program

Our Voice, Our Vote! Become a Political Action Volunteer Member Organizer (VMO) to engage your fellow members and help get out the vote. The program operates yearly during the Primary and General Election Cycles and includes door-knocking, phone banking, and canvassing to directly support union-endorsed candidates.

The 2026 Midterm and General Elections are sure to impact labor and we must do our part to elect labor-friendly candidates who place protecting working families at the forefront of their policies and agenda.

The Political Action VMO program is scheduled to begin Monday, May 11, and shifts take place every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday throughout the Primary Election, as well as some Saturdays.

Volunteers receive $22 per hour for their participation and can choose a schedule that works best for them. Become a VMO today! Register HERE or email PoliticalAction@dc37.net for more information.

Attend This Month’s Political Action Committee Meeting

The DC 37 Political Action Committee (PAC), chaired by Donald Nesbit, Executive Vice President of Local 372, is powered by dedicated union members, leaders, and volunteers from New York City’s largest public employee union—District Council 37 AFSCME.

Our PAC activists are on the front lines of advocacy, working to protect and advance workers’ rights through political action. From lobbying and voter education to grassroots mobilization, we are committed to making our voices heard.

District Council 37’s “Green Machine” is at the heart of this movement—engaging in door-knocking, phone banking, and rallies to support endorsed candidates across the five boroughs, especially in communities with strong DC 37 membership.

Together, we can continue building power and elect leaders who will stand up for working families and fight for a stronger, more equitable future.

Get involved. Stay engaged. Make a difference.

Ready to make an impact? Sign up today to join our next monthly PAC meeting!

Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at 125 Barclay Street | To register, click HERE.

Support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

There’s a lot on the line this year. The results of the 2026 Senate and 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 that impact our members. The PEOPLE Program, DC 37’s political action fund, makes these fights possible.

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 using dues money to conduct.

Join PEOPLE HERE.

DC 37 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

DC 37 Scholarships for 2026 are open and the May 29 deadline is approaching! Members can apply to win a competitive scholarship to support educational goals for themselves, their children, or grandchildren. Learn more about the scholarships offered, requirements, and deadlines HERE.

DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN

Coping With Traumatic Events: PSU Can Help

Approximately 70% of people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. A traumatic event is an overwhelming or dangerous experience causing intense fear or helplessness and may lead to negative effects on functioning, including anxiety, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping or hypervigilance.

Helpful techniques include:

• Identify triggers that cause emotions to surface (such as loud noises, smells, or certain locations).
• Limit exposure to distressing current events and triggers
• Build self-care habits; maintain consistent sleep, nutrition and exercise, practice mindfulness and meditation, or engage in activities you enjoy.
• Connect with a mental health worker who can help you process feelings and develop effective coping skills
• Express emotions to safe and trustworthy people in your life.

The Personal Service Unit of DC 37 is here to support you. To speak with a Licensed Social Worker for confidential therapy or referrals, please call (212) 815-1260 between 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for an assessment.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES

MELS Webinar: Changes Coming to Student Loan Repayment Options

Please join Supervising Attorney Joseph Davidson, Esq. of the DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) for an important webinar regarding upcoming changes for student loan repayments on Wednesday, May 6, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Topics for discussion are:

• The end of the SAVE Plan.
• Impact on Parent Plus Loans.
• The New Repayment Plans: New Standard and RAP.
• Actions to take promptly.
• Impact on Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

To participate in this important webinar, please register HERE.

MELS Matrimonial Webinar

The DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) is holding a Matrimonial Webinar on Wednesday, May 13, from 6-7 p.m.

Topics for discussion include:

• What are the grounds for divorce?
• How to navigate custody and parenting time.
• Child support and support orders.
• Spousal support and maintenance.
• Equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.

Also covering:

• How to have MELS represent you in a divorce.
• What information MELS needs to best represent you.
• Resources for additional information.
• Advantages of MELS representation.

Register for the webinar HERE.

2026 CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive

The DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services is co-sponsoring the 2026 CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive. Volunteers are available to help permanent residents with their applications for naturalization.

This event is free and open to the public. 

Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Call (646) 664-9400 to make an appointment.

DC 37 EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

MEHP First Time Homebuyers Workshop

MEHP is excited to present a First Time Homebuyers 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, May 2, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

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DC 37 JEWISH HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Join the DC 37 Jewish Heritage Committee for the 25th Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration! May is Jewish American Heritage Month and we will celebrate with Jewish music & entertainment, a traditional Glatt Kosher deli and keynote speakers.

Thursday May 14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. | DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay Street

For more information, contact DC 37 Jewish Heritage Committee Chair Leonard Davidman, PhD at Leonard.Davidman@gmail.com. 

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DC 37 ASIAN HERITAGE COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Asian Heritage Committee cordially invites you to celebrate Asian Heritage. We will have guest speakers, honorees, performances, the finest Asian cuisine, and refreshments.

Friday, May 29, at 6 p.m. | DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay St.

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Climate Justice Committee is meeting via Zoom and Telephone on Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. We generally meet on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., unless there is a holiday or another conflict.

The Committee is supporting climate legislation in Albany, including the TEMP Act, and seeks to inform contract recommendations from a climate perspective. The Committee is also in the middle of planning another Panel Discussion for DC 37 members and retirees, and continues to work on environmental health in our public schools.

The Committee is open to all DC 37 members and retirees.

Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. | Contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com.

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DC 37 PRIDE DIVERSITY INTEREST GROUP

At our next meeting, we will finalize the details for our June 26 event! Also, we will be walking in the NYC Pride Parade on June 28, so mark your calendars. Let’s arrive with our UNION PRIDE as we march for solidarity and equity! Come on out and bring an ally. For more information, or to be added to the PDIG WhatsApp Group, please contact Andrew Douglas at (917) 952-1127 or email adouglas@sseu371.org.

Follow PDIG on Instagram!

Monday, May 12, at 6 p.m. | Join the virtual meeting HERE.

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DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE

Please join the DC 37 Housing Committee’s virtual meeting on May 4, at 6 p.m, Housing Committee Chair Dennis Ifill, President of Local 1359, will discuss housing issues, resources, and upcoming events. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:50 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

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DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

Education Fund Is Now Accepting Applications for Spring 2026 Classes!

If you are looking to enroll in an Education Fund program, now is the time to apply. Space in many programs is limited, so to see what is available for a course, please view our list of programs by clicking HERE.

DC 37 Scholarship Applications Are Now Available

The DC 37 Scholarships Committee offers several scholarships for dependent children and grandchildren of eligible DC 37 members and retirees. There are different scholarship eligibility, requirements and documents that need to be submitted, so please review the Scholarships FAQ before beginning your application. For more information on available scholarships, please click HERE.

Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

Eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund if 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.

The DC 37/CUNY SLU Labor Certificate and Degree Program

The DC 37 Education Fund, in partnership with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) is currently accepting applicants for its partnership certificate and degree program for the Fall 2026 semester. Eligible union members can receive tuition coverage for up to 4 courses (16 credits), fully funded by the DC 37 Education Fund. These courses can lead to an undergraduate or graduate certificate in Labor Relations or start you on your path towards an undergraduate degree (in Labor Studies or in Urban and Community Relations) or a graduate degree in Labor Studies.

Interested members need to apply to the Education Fund first and attend a mandatory information session to be accepted into the partnership program. If you are interested in this program and would like more information or to apply, please click HERE and look under Labor Education Courses.

Education and Career Counseling

Do you need guidance on selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume, or assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Contact an Ed Fund counselor HERE and look under Ongoing Programs to schedule a virtual appointment.

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. Most exams are administered online in a testing center. A limited number of paper-based exams are available at the testing centers. To view the list of classes, click HERE and look under Adult Education Courses.

Free Community College for New York State Residents

Starting this Fall, 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 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
• Is 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.

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 for a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe University. To begin the process to enroll for the Fall 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 https://slu.cuny.edu/worker-education/leap-to-teacher/.

Retirees Education Courses for Spring 2026

The Ed Fund is currently accepting applications for Retirees classes for the Winter 2026 cycle. Apply online by clicking HERE.

For questions, please contact Manuel Gomez-Rosa at mgomezrosa@dc37.net or call (212) 815-1700.

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DC 37 NON-PROFIT EDUCATION CORPORATION

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 upgrading skills opportunities in 2026.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email: mhunte@dc37.net.

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.

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.

Be the Difference in Your Workplace: Take the Shop Stewards Training

To become a certified Shop Steward, you must attend ALL SESSIONS. It is scheduled over 6 sessions (2 hours each), one day per week. Use the link HERE to register.

Workshops, Classes and Scholarships

WORKSHOPS (Webex)

• Violence Prevention & Intervention: Monday, June 8, from 6-8 p.m.
• Child Abuse & Maltreatment (NEW): Monday, June 15, from 6-8:30 p.m.
• CTLE: Get to the head of the class! Focus on Language Modeling: Thursday, May 7, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• CTLE: Team Building: Thursday, June 11, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

WORKSHOPS (In-person)

• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): Saturday, June 6, from 9:00-3:30 p.m. In-person ONLY at 125 Barclay Street, 3rd floor. (space is limited)

SKILLS UPGRADE

• GED classes: email: mhunte@dc37.net. Registration is ongoing. Classes begin in September.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): for information, email: mhunte@dc37.net. Registration is ongoing.

PREPARATION CLASSES (Webex)

• Content Specialty Test (CST) -ELA: 5/5/26, 5/6/26, 5/12/26, 5/13/26, 5/19/26, 5/20/26, 5/26/26 & 5/27/26 (8 sessions), from 6-8 p.m.

To register, click 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 that will be 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.
• 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.
• 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 toscholarships@unionplus.org.

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DC 37 RETIREES ASSOCIATION

Get to know us! The benefits we enjoy as DC 37 members were not given freely, they were hard-fought and hard-won.

When you retire from your Local union, you become eligible to join the DC 37 Retirees Association. Here, you can maintain an active role in the battle to protect and expand our pension program, health benefits, Social Security, Medicare, and more.

This May, we have two opportunities to meet with us in person and learn more about getting involved:

• Staten Island Informational Session | May 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | The Central Family Life Center (59 Wright St.)
• General Membership Meeting | May 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Union HQ (125 Barclay St)

Seats are limited at each event. RSVP soon!

You can also visit our website at dc37retirees.org or check our Facebook page at facebook.com/dc37retirees to learn how to get involved.

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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.

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Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Baseball Season Tips from HSS

Baseball season is just around the corner! Learn more about injury prevention for the baseball players in your life from the former head team orthopedist for the New York Mets and HSS physician, Dr. Joshua Dines.

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

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

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MSK DIRECT

May is Women’s Health Awareness Month

Learning about the signs and symptoms of the cancers that most affect women and what can be done to help prevent or to find it early when it may be easier to treat, can help save lives.

This month, help increase awareness for cancers that mostly impact women, including breast, cervical, and ovarian. To find out more, visit the Women’s Health Guide resource.

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