MELS STUDENT LOAN DEBT WEBINAR DEC. 8 NOW ONLINE

The MELS student loan debt webinar held on Tuesday Dec. 8, is now available online.

Hundreds of DC37 members viewed the Zoom presentation that featured MELS attorneys and legal experts who shared information on: COVID protections for student borrowers; Income Driven Repayment Plans; Loan Consolidation; Rehabilitation after Default; the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and more.
Here are the links to the video replay and slides:
MELS Student Loan Webinar
Video Replay: https://bit.ly/2K0d6Ou
Slides:  https://bit.ly/3oAUow0

###  

COVID EVICTIONS MORATORIUM 

MELS attorneys can help members facing eviction. The CDC COVID extension ends Dec. 31. To speak with a MELS lawyer, call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email: MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net.

###  

THE PERSONAL SERVICE UNIT (PSU),
DC 37 HEALTH and SECURITY PLAN 

FEELING BLUE? PSU CAN HELP YOU COPE with the WINTER BLUES 

Sometimes our moods changes seasonally. People may start to feel down when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (referred to as “the Winter Blues”). Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., is a common type of depressive disorder occurring seasonally with symptoms lasting a few months. Symptoms may include: sadness, sleep changes, weight gain, fatigue, irritability, and isolation. 

The following are a few strategies for coping with Seasonal Depression:

Get Natural Light: During the morning/afternoon hours try to get as much natural light as possible by fully opening curtains/shades and, if possible, sit near a window. 

Maintain a Routine: Our bodies are regulated by a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day is helpful. 

Stay Active: Committing to physical activity can help increase energy levels and improve one’s mood.

Eat Well: Especially foods rich in Vitamin D: fruits and deep green or orange vegetables such as broccoli, kale and carrots, have nutrients that stimulate better mood and health.

Keep in Touch with others and ask for help when you are struggling.

The DC 37 Health & Security Plan’s PSU is here to support you.  To speak with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for confidential teletherapy, please call 212-815-1250 or 212-815-1260.

###  

POLITICAL ACTION 

THE FIGHT IS NOT FINISHED, HELP GOTV in GEORGIA. The presidential elections are over….but our fight is not finished.Across the country COVID cases are skyrocketing and everyday Americans are struggling . Our families need a cash stimulus package now. Our families need leaders in office who will work toward solutions to the pandemic that are based on science and medicine. And, workers need security and safe workplaces and union protection.The best way to accomplish this is to get a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate.The fate of our democracy will depend on the results of two US Senate runoff races in Georgia and we really need your help!You can make a difference. Please volunteer with our DC 37 Phone Bank Team from the comfort of your own home as we call union households in Georgia to urge them to vote for our union-endorsed Senate candidates in this most important race.  Click on the link for a full schedule and please sign up to join us in this fight:  www.afscme.org/vfo