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Daniel Dromm is an educator, community organizer, union leader, and political activist. His experience and dedication to the community has led to Daniel Dromm being overwhelmingly elected as the New York City Council Member for the 25th District (representing Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, LeFrak City, Corona, Rego Park, and Woodside) with over 75% of the vote on November 3rd, 2009.
Daniel Dromm is an award-winning New York City public school teacher. Since 1984, he has instructed and inspired thousands of students at PS 199Q in Queens. In 2006, Dromm was chosen as "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" by his school's principal and in 2009, he was chosen as "Educator of the Year" by the Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside.
In 1992, Dromm courageously came out as an openly gay teacher. The story became front-page news in daily newspapers throughout the city. The ensuing battle tested Dromm's resolve as a fighter who is unafraid to take on the powers that be. Dromm defeated several unsuccessful attempts to remove him from his job and became a role model for equality in the workplace. This episode in Dromm's life illustrated to him how important tenure is as a protection for teachers. Dromm attended St. Mary's Elementary and Boys' High School in Manhasset, NY and graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. He earned his master's degree from City College. Prior to working for the NYC Department of Education, Dromm was Educational Director of the Grant Day Care Center in Harlem. It was there, while fighting for the rights of the poor to affordable childcare, social services and education, that he acquired his effective organizing skills.
Deeply committed to civil rights and social justice, Dromm has established himself a fighter against prejudice, discrimination and violence as the founder and former co-chairperson of the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee. Fifteen years ago, he organized the first Queens LGBT Pride Parade and Festival which he still puts on the first Sunday in June in Jackson Heights. Dromm co-founded the Queens Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG). He helped found Queens Pride House. Dromm also co-founded the Generation Q Youth Services Program in Astoria.
A delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention, and a former board member of the JFK Democratic Club in Jackson Heights, Mr. Dromm has tried hard to promote the ideals and values of the Democratic Party throughout Queens. He co-founded the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens. Dromm is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson Heights and a board member of the Corona-based Community Conciliation Network. He is an active member of the 115th Precinct Community Council. Dromm regularly volunteers with the Jackson Heights Beautification Group.
Dromm is fluent in Spanish and has been honored by the Sociedad Puertorriquena de Queens for his commitment to the Latino community. He is a member of the NAACP - Corona/East Elmhurst branch and has also been honored by the Korean-American Association of Central Queens. In October of 2006, Dromm received a Community Leadership Award from the Times/Ledger newspapers. He received the Marsh-Raimo Award from the UFT, which recognizes an individual who has shown continued commitment to the teacher's union through political action.
Daniel Dromm strongly believes that in order to bring about change, one must affect the political structure. To that end, Dromm's latest initiative is creating the New Visions Democratic Club, a progressive local party club dedicated to serve our diverse community. Dromm has presided over an incredible expansion in membership of New Visions since 2007. It is creating change that motivates Daniel Dromm to serve the public on the City Council.
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