MELS 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.

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POLITICAL ACTION

THE FIGHT IS NOT FINISHED, HELP GOTV in GEORGIA

The presidential elections are over….but our fight is not finished.

On Jan. 5, Georgia will vote the U.S. Senate runoff that can determine the course of our democracy and give Democrats the Senate majority. COVID deaths reached a grim toll, more than 300,000 have died and cases are skyrocketing. Everyday Americans are struggling. Our families need a cash stimulus package now. Workers need job security, safe workplaces and union protection.

The best way to accomplish this is to get a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate.

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 and please sign up to join us in this fight:  www.afscme.org/vfo

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ART IS LIFE! VOTING NOW OPEN

A few months ago, WorkWell NYC invited artists to reflect and share their thoughts on the events of 2020. City of New York employees showed off their creative side with music, videos, poems, drawings, dance, photography, and more!

Welcome to the first, ever Art is Life Virtual Exhibit! Help select the People’s Choice Award by going to the virtual gallery and liking your favorites. VOTE HERE!

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DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

WINTER 2021 DC 37 EDUCATION FUND FREE TRAINING and BENEFITS

The DC 37 Education Fund is offering classes online Winter 2021: DC 37 Education Fund is currently accepting applications for the Winter 2021 cycle online classes. The Ed Fund offers classes on labor, business, the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy, and more. For a full list of DC 37 Ed Fund courses and programs and to register, please visit: www.dc37.net/benefits/education/edfund and click on your program of interest.

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TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: As DC 37 resumes its Tuition Reimbursement program, we have streamlined the application process. There may be longer than usual processing time required; thank you for your patience. Members should continue to mail in their completed reimbursement applications and supporting documents to: DC 37 Education Fund Attn: Tuition Refund, 75 Broad Street, Suite 2204  New York, NY 10004

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CUNY COUNSELING IS HERE FOR YOU! Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) can help you reach your career and academic goals. CUNY-SLU’s experienced advisors are available for 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, and transferring previous credits, and more.

Each session is free and caters to your specific goals and needs. Schedule your CUNY advisement session at: CUNYDays.eventbrite.com.

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YOU CAN GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA. LET DC 37’s ED FUND HELP  

Do you need your High School Equivalency Diploma? You may be eligible for the TASC test waiver in effect through June 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The test for the High School Equivalency Diploma is now called the TASC Test. The TASC, Test Assessing Secondary Completion, replaces the GED exam. If you took and passed at least three subtests on the TASC and/or the GED exam, and/or Regents credits, you are in luck! You may qualify for the COVID-19 TASC test waiver in effect through June 30, 2021. For more details, visit the union blog at www.dc37.net or email ppunch@dc37.net.

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FREE SOCIAL WORKER WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL 768 MEMBERS

The DC 37 Education Fund and the National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter, will host three (3) continuing education workshops in January (register by Jan. 5) and February (register by Jan. 15) for eligible Local 768 licensed Social Workers:  

ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (6 (CEU’s) Saturday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Anti-Oppressive Framework: Reshaping Social Work Practice (2 CEU’s) Monday, Jan. 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. 

Action Methods in the Treatment of Addiction (2 CEU’s) – Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. 

All workshops are online. To attend click here: www.dc37edfund.org/socialworkjanfeb2021.

If you have any questions about the online applications or the workshops, please email: sjohnson@dc37.net, dtelemaque-peschier@dc37.net or kking@dc37.net.

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HOLIDAY LIGHTS EVENTS

NYBG GLOW  The New York Botanical Gardens Haupt Conservatory is awash in brilliant color and glittering lights each night for the holidays. DC 37 members at NYBG help set up and maintain installations at the Reflecting Pool, surrounding gardens and collections that include pop up performances if the Hip Hop Nutcracker, a contemporary take on Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, ice sculptures, music and more nightly from 5 to 9PM thru Jan. 9. Visitors can purchase tickets online for contactless entry. Guests and staff must wear face masks. For more information visit nybg.org.  

HOLIDAY LIGHTS at the BRONX ZOO

An illuminated global safari brightens the Bronx Zoo each night thanks to hardworking Local 1501 members.

The nightly outdoor winter exhibit runs thru Jan. 10.

The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights begins at 3PM and is not part of the WCS Zoo’s Free Wednesdays program.

Visitors can purchase tickets online for contactless entry. Guests and staff must wear face masks.  Click Bronx Zoo Know Before You Go for details.  

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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.