DC 37 Retirees in Action: GOTV for Warnock, NAACP Awards, SOMOS Conference

The commitment and energy of DC 37 Retirees shone brightly this fall as a number of association members brought their energy and expertise to the political and community activities they engaged in.
 
Get Out the Vote for Senator Warnock in Georgia
 
DC 37 Retirees traveled to Georgia to take part in GOTV efforts in support of Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in his campaign for re-election to the U.S. Senate. The retirees went door-to-door to get out the vote, helping Rev. Warnock win a second term in the Dec. 6 election, which gave Democrats a solid majority in the U.S. Senate.
 

 
NAACP Honors Retiree Michelle Keller
 
On Nov. 12, the Peekskill NAACP presented its “Drum Major for Justice” award to DC 37 Retiree Michelle Keller for her community work. She was one eight honorees at the organization’s annual Freedom Fund Awards Ceremony. Ms. Keller is also president of the New York City Chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).
 

 
DC 37 Retirees attend SOMOS Conference
 
By Lesly Williams, VP, Publicity/Public Relations
 
A delegation of DC 37 Retirees attended the SOMOS annual conference Nov. 9-13 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The event’s unifying message was "Neighbors Helping Neighbors."

SOMOS defines itself as “a nonprofit organization that unites the Latino community, raises awareness, advocates and elevates social consciousness on public policy in collaboration with the New York State Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican & Hispanic Task force; and ensures the upward mobility of Latino youth through educational empowerment, mentoring programs and scholarships."

The theme of collaboration resonated throughout the different conference sessions. Among the topics discussed were:

• Puerto Rico, Public Health, and Organizing for Health Equity (pointing out the impact that health crises, such as COVID 19 and others, have had on Latinos)
• Impacts of Unequal Treatment for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories
• Standing Together: Public and Private Sector Unions
• Providing a Just Recovery for Puerto Rico (a session that addressed the damages caused by Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, the progress that has been made, and the efforts necessary for a just recovery.)

Several New York City and State elected officials attended the event and echoed the themes of unity and collaboration to benefit all. DC 37 Retirees Association members participated fully at the conference and joined other attendees in a traditional SOMOS Day of Service, which entailed planting and other environmental conservation activities.

Retirees also had the opportunity to communicate to many elected officials their primary concern at this time: Healthcare and, specifically, the New York City administration's determination to modify NYC Administrative Code 12-126. They conveyed to elected officials the devastating and costly impact changes to NYC Admin. Code 12-126 would have on the lives of retirees. These efforts continued upon our return to New York through participation in meetings, phone calling, letter-writing, and demonstrations.