POLITICAL ACTION

The critical Georgia Senate runoff elections are on January 5, and the DC 37 Political Action Dept. is coordinating with AFSCME to conduct daily phone banking opportunities for union members to reach out to union households in Georgia. Can you volunteer a hour or two to help? Please click on the link to sign up and join us in this fight:  www.afscme.org/vfo

### 

COVID RENT RELIEF PROGRAM

The COVID Rent Relief Program application period is open Dec. 18 through Feb. 1, 2021. Previous applicants do not need to reapply. More Information

COVID 19 – HCR PROGRAM NOTICES More information DC 37 members can call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net for more information on COVID rent relief programs or if they need legal assistance with arrears or eviction matters. 

### 

ART IS LIFE! VOTE by JAN. 8 

DC 37 members shared original artwork impacted by the challenging events of 2020. View the inaugural virtual exhibit Art is Life! and vote for your favorites by Friday, Jan. 8 at on.nyc.gov/artgallery.

###  

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

WINTER 2021 DC 37 EDUCATION FUND FREE TRAINING and BENEFITS

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.

### 

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.

###

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

###

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.

### 

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.

###  

HOLIDAY LIGHTS EVENTS thru JAN. 10

NYBG GLOW

The New York Botanical Gardens Haupt Conservatory is awash in brilliant color and glittering lights nightly through Jan. 9 for the holidays. DC 37 members at NYBG help set up and maintain installations. There are pop up performances of the Hip Hop Nutcracker, ice sculptures, music and more from 5 to 9 PM. 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 nightly through Jan. 10, thanks to hardworking Local 1501 members. The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights begins at 3 PM 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.

###  

DC 37 PERSONAL SERVICE UNIT (PSU)

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.

### 

MELS TAX WORKSHOP JAN. 27, 5:30 PM

The MELS Tax Tips webinar is Wed. Jan. 27. The union’s team of legal experts can help you understand tax preparation for 2020. What’s income, what’s not? Filing status, standard and itemized deductions, tax credits and other tax prep tips. Join the webinar Jan. 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and register at www.dc37mels.com to receive the Meeting ID e-mail before the event. For more information, call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net