Sesame Street Teams Up with CNN To Host Town Hall Meeting Discussing Racism

Considering the race relation challenges the nation and world has been witnessing, some parents and child advocates might find it challenging to find the words when explaining these situations to young children. Back in April, Sesame Street partnered with CNN to spell out the ABC’s of Coronavirus in a televised town hall for parents and kids. Now, they are back to help families and caregivers educate their children about racism. This Saturday, June 6 at 10a.m. ET, CNN and Sesame Street will be hosting a 60-minute special Coming Together: Standing Up To Racism.

The PBS Muppets will be welcoming diversity and explaining how to be empathetic and understanding. According to CNN, the show intends to talk to kids about the recent nationwide protests.  Big Bird will be co-hosting with CNN commentator Van Jones and reporter Erica Hill. Original Sesame Street cast members will be joining as well – including Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Rosita. They will be helping to answer questions submitted by families. 

Sesame Street has been with us for over 50 years helping to explain the ins and outs of the world to children. They have never shied away from addressing the dark or scary topics of society with kids. A new Muppet was introduced in 2011 who struggled with hunger. Another Muppet moved onto the street who had autism, and in 2009, they even debuted a cute character who was HIV-Positive. And just last year, a new character named Karlie explained how he lived in a foster home.

Viewers can tune-in Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m. ET on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español. It will also stream live on CNN.com’s homepage and across mobile devices via CNN’s apps, without requiring a cable login.

Hawley and Associates was founded on the core belief of empowerment, equality and a brighter future for our clients and community. In this, we stand with our neighbors of color against systemic racism, injustice, hatred, and police brutality. Treating all people with dignity and respect is a cornerstone of our mission, and in this very difficult time we commit to acting in alignment with our values. Based on this, we continue to stand behind you and your mission to help make a difference in the communities we all serve and support.

Senate Lawmakers Seek $5 Billion to Track Down Child Predators Without Compromising Encryption

With the Senate back in session last week, Democratic lawmakers revealed new legislation aimed at drastically expanding the federal government’s resources dedicated to the targeting and prosecution of child predators, developing new technologies to identify child sexual abuse material online, and funding leading community organizations that work to prevent children from becoming victims.

In a nutshell, the Invest in Child Safety Act would create a new Office to Enforce and Protect Against Child Sexual Exploitation, which would manage a Child Sexual Exploitation Treatment, Support and Prevention Fund. The fund would contain $5 billion to be apportioned between 2021 and 2030 to a variety of agencies for programs or activities directed at addressing child sexual exploitation. The Act also makes a few minor changes to the law, including increasing the time frame that authorities must act on reports about child abuse materials received from online platforms, before the platforms are required to delete those materials.

The bills chief author, Sen. Ron Wyden, credited reporting by the New York Times, with exposing what he called a “failure” by Congress and the White House “to respond to disgusting crimes against children that are shared online.” Chilling investigations by Times reporters Michael Keller and Gabriel Dance last year unveiled the failure of Washington and America’s tech companies to aggressively cut off the circulation of child sexual abuse material online, despite having the technical means to do so.

The bill, which also allots for funding to school-based mental health services, amends the existing law behind the CyberTipline, the nation’s central reporting system for child abuse content, managed by the nonprofit National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), doubling the allotted time companies can preserve digital evidence from 90 days to 180 days. The bill also requires entities reporting to the CyberTipline to preserve illicit material using only methods established by information security experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The Invest in Child Safety Act would additionally lead to the hiring of “not less than 100” new FBI agents and investigators specifically assigned to developing cases against online predators. And it would double funding for various related programs, including the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, and the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC), which trains criminal justice professionals in the prosecution and prevention of child victimized cases.

Before it was introduced to the senate, the bill received endorsements from the National Children’s Alliance, the Child Welfare League of America, and the Family Online Safety Institute, as well as David Kaye, the United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Expression.

“Law enforcement agencies at all levels in the United States are significantly under-resourced when it comes to investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse material online, and only able to pursue a fraction of the cases referred to them,” the Open Technology Institute said in its endorsement. “The Invest in Child Safety Act would directly address this problem, providing meaningful resources that would equip law enforcement and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to more effectively combat this crisis and hold predators accountable.”

Hawley & Associates applauds this remedial legislative action, Congress, organizations, and individuals whose hard work contributes to making the world a safer place for children.

Life After Lock-down: Going Back into the Office

With so many phrases and terms being thrown at us every day relating to COVID-19, it’s enough to keep our heads spinning for a while. The most prominent term being discussed is social distancing – the entire world now recognizes the importance of staying six feet apart from one another.  Even though our entire planet is going through this crisis together, we are all in very different stages of pandemic life. But as we begin to visualize life after COVID-19 and re-emerge into society again, we need to start thinking about the new normal and how we will adjust. The “six-feet rule” isn’t going away anytime soon and we must all come to terms with how critical it is to normalize this guideline into everyday life.

Government-mandated lock-down orders to help contain the spread of the virus have radically changed how and where people work, with millions switching from the office to the dining room and meetings moving to video conference. As restrictions are relaxed, offices are being redesigned to minimize transmission risk and prevent a second wave of coronavirus cases. Imagine one-way corridors, buffer zones around desks, and clear plastic screens to guard against coughs or sneezes becoming the new office standards after stay-at-home orders have been lifted.

International real estate company Cushman & Wakefield has come up with a workplace design concept to help initiate the new model of office life. The concept uses social distancing guidelines to keep areas around desks empty. A prototype in the company’s Amsterdam office shows clients how spaces can be newly configured. Changes could be hard to adapt to for workers who are used to the social interactions in modern open-plan offices, and research shows that the more isolation that employees experience, or perceive, has a negative impact on their satisfaction with work and overall mental well-being.

Employers are seeing the immense benefits of remote working during the pandemic and some companies, like Nationwide, have already taken the plunge to make it a part of their permanent work culture. Many companies are performing much better than they predicted at the beginning of the crisis, with employees stating they are getting more work done, feeling more productive, and managing a better work-life balance.

When and if you return from remote work, let’s acknowledge that there are big and small adjustments we can make to improve sanitation and safety in the workplace. While the full impact of COVID-19 on work and the workplace has yet to be determined, it is clear the pandemic’s lingering effects will leave a trail of uncertainty as we navigate a new normal. A silver living of our forced isolation is that is has given us a lot of time to think more strategically about our environments. Let’s use this time to make them better. 

5 Great Tips on How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Home

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. It is also known as Battle of Puebla Day (not Mexican Independence Day). While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Cinco de Mayo will look a little different from previous year celebrations amid the Covid-19 outbreak.  We remind you to celebrate at home and have no gatherings outside the immediate household. Also, please remember the importance of social distancing and to wear a mask while having fun during the Mexican holiday.

Here are 5 tips on how to celebrate at home:

1. Support your local Mexican restaurant.

The chances are your local Mexican restaurant is opening for delivery or take-out.  By supporting our local restaurants today, we can help ensure they will be around tomorrow.

2. Inform yourself on the Battle of Puebla:

Take some time to learn about this holiday and why it is celebrated.  Knowing the history behind Cinco de Mayo, can help you celebrate in a more respectful and educated way. Puebla is actually one of the few places in Mexico that highlights this holiday.

3. Learn to make a true Mexican margarita:

Believe it or not, you can actually have a margaritas that doesn’t come from a pre-made mix!  There are many online recipes and classes on how to make the perfect margarita from scratch (and some creative spin-offs from the original cocktail).

4. Have a Zoom Fiesta:

Gather your friends on a group Zoom call. Set a festive background and put on some fun music and toast with a margarita.

5. Cook at home

If cooking at home is more your style, the options are endless when it comes to Mexican inspired dishes. Enchilada’s, tacos, fresh salsa and creamy guacamole are a great place to start!

Is Compliance Really the Goal of Childhood Behavior?

Compliance is a word that is used regularly in the world of behavior. It’s written about in Individualized Education Programs, it’s used as a goal when students have behavioral episodes, and data is collected on how often it does or does not occur. Even in personal interactions with kids, such as with our own children at home, we often place a more significant weight on compliance than we do decision-making.

“Listen and obey.”

“Do as I say.”

“Because I said so.”

“Don’t argue with me.”

Think about the kind of message that is sending kids. Are we conveying a message that obeying is more important than making decisions or thinking critically? When compliance is the primary focus, we’re instilling in kids’ minds that the lesson to be learned is how to follow instructions. And while that is a crucial life skill all must learn; it must also be taught alongside the evaluative process. Some of the most influential people in history have only made an impact because they refused to blindly follow the demands of authority figures in unjust moments. Without their critical thinking, which led to their active disobedience, we never would have had the social progress brought about by Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Malala Yousafzai or Nelson Mandela.

Focusing solely on pure obedience, or working entirely toward compliance, steals a child’s ability to develop critical thinking skills. Those critical thinking skills are what kids use to keep themselves safe. If that instinctual willingness to disobey is completely suppressed, kids are less likely to report someone who is abusing them, less able to interpret their own fight-or-flight instincts in emergency situations and less willing to create significant social changes in their communities.

So how do we go about instilling these crucial traits while also avoiding argumentative and entitled behavior?

It starts by giving kids options. Instead of telling kids what they can and cannot do, try laying out several options out in front of them and asking what would happen if they chose each option. Help them in making the connection between actions and consequences and they in turn will become more confident in making the right decisions. Kids are more willing to make decisions that we give them credit for.

Oftentimes, when kids disobey or make “bad” choices, it’s not because they want to be harmful or disruptive. It’s because they have not connected their actions to the correct negative consequences, yet. It’s the job of parents, teachers, coaches and advocates to help kids in making those connections, giving them opportunities to learn by trial and error, and helping them process scenarios they might not yet be mature enough to process on their own.

The Uncertainty of the Earthquake Insurance Market

The earthquake market has moved onto unstable grounds as insurers and alternative capital investors demand higher returns on their capital. Over the past 20 years, the earthquake insurance market has narrowed down significantly, with many insurers leaving the market entirely, while others refuse to issue new policies in certain high-risk areas.  Even among those still willing to sell coverage, stricter underwriting standards make some types of dwellings ineligible for coverage.

Those who can obtain coverage find they are required to “self-insure” to a much greater extent than in the past. Rate increases have intensified over the last year, with deductibles up to 20 percent of the dwelling value being more common than not. Buyers should expect higher prices this year for the same coverage.

In an uncertain market, its not a matter of if, but when the next big earthquake hits. Being proactive is key to obtaining the best results and getting an early start on renewals is crucial. Buyers who can provide better and more detailed information on their risks can expect a higher chance of acceptance from underwriters. Make sure you have a knowledgeable broker that has broad access to markets across the industry, so they can obtain a broader range of quotes and help insureds find the coverage that meets their goals.

If you have any questions or are looking for quotes on earthquake insurance, please contact us and we will be happy to serve you.

Pandemic Trend "Zoom Bombing"

Just to add to the already stressful times were are all living in, there is yet another avenue in which hackers are trying to take advantage of online users during the current pandemic.

As we continue to use Zoom video conferencing, it has come to light that there is a new trend called,  ‘Zoom Bombing’.  Just like any other Phishing or Hacking tactic, there is an easy way to avoid any potential disruptions.  Please know, this is not Zoom being hacked directly, but, people accessing your meeting information through other means.

Review the following Zoom blog addressing how they gain access and the best way to protect yourself:
https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/20/keep-uninvited-guests-out-of-your-zoom-event/

Be safe out there!

We Are In This Together! Hawley & Associates 1st Quarter Newsletter

Hawley & Associates COVID-19 Update

As the situation around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to quickly evolve, we want to provide you with an update on how Hawley & Associates is ensuring our ability to meet your business needs at this unprecedented and challenging time.

Hawley & Associates will remain fully operational and will continue to provide the insurance products and services that you have grown accustomed to.

We are monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on a daily basis and are communicating with our staff to share the latest information as we have it.

We have also taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our staff, while continuing to conduct business as “normal”. We have facilitated the ability for our employees to work remotely where appropriate to minimize social contact. You can continue to reach your Account Manager via our main phone number at (425) 462-4758 or through their individual emails:

·         Andy Anderson – Sr. Account Manager:

        andy@hawleyandassociates.com

·         Sandy Zuck – Account/Claims Manager:

       sandra@hawleyandassociates.com

·         TJ Armstrong – Account Manager: 

        tj@hawleyandassociates.com

In this uncertain time, it is understandable that some clients may have coverage questions in regard to business losses resulting from the virus. Many insurance policies have a standard policy exclusion for damages resulting from any communicable disease, such as a virus. It is important to review your policy wording, as each policy is unique to itself, or contact your Account Manager with any questions.

Wishing you and your loved one’s safety and peace during these difficult times. We will continue to provide updates as they develop. Thank you for allowing us to share in your mission and we appreciate the trust you have placed in Hawley & Associates.

With gratitude,

Phillip Hawley

President – Hawley & Associates

phawley@hawleyandassociates.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

GivingTuesday is Here! What Will You Give?

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on December 3, 2019 and every day.

One of the best ways to give is to get involved is in your own community. We have supplied a link to a directory to help you find organizations, events, and ways to give back in your own community.

Thank you for giving! 

Happy Thanksgiving from Hawley & Associates - Gobble Gobble!

All of us at Hawley & Associates would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Our Holiday Office Hours Are As Follows:

Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 - Closing at 2 pm (PST)

Thursday, November 28th, 2019 - Closed

Quote for the Day

2019 Wayne Hawley Giving Grant Winners Announced!

The Wayne Hawley Giving Grant is exclusive to H&A clients, and has helped support programs, projects and organizations whose focus is to benefit children, families and our communities.

We would like to thank everyone who applied for the grant in 2019.  We had a record number of applicants and it was so difficult to make our selection!  Everyone was so deserving! Thank you to all our clients for the amazing things they are doing to help make the world a better place for so many. 
Please click here for information on this year's recipients.

To Those Affected By Hurricane Dorian

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those in the path hurricane Dorian and the subsequent tropical storm.  Our sincere wish is for everyone's well-being and safety.

We talked to a client who was in an evacuation zone.  They were in surprisingly good spirits and had already moved their residential clients to a safe place.  We do stand in awe of the resilience of our clients who live and work in these affected areas and their continued commitment to serve and care for others.

If your agency is impacted by the storm, please be assured we are here for you every step of the way. We are just a phone call or email away.  If you need assistance after-hours, please don't hesitate to call our emergency claims/service line at (425) 577-4957.

On behalf of everyone at Hawley & Associates, we wish everyone strength and safety during this difficult time.
 

Does Your Nonprofit Need Professional Liability Insurance?

In a world where lawsuits seem to be commonplace, it is more important than ever to have the appropriate commercial insurance coverage in place.  Every nonprofit is unique and there is no ‘magic’ online button, or a one-size fits all insurance program for your nonprofit.  

If your agency offers advice or provides professional services, it is imperative to carry Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors & Omissions or E&O). If your organization is sued for negligence for errors and/or omissions while performing your professional services, your professional liability policy can help cover settlements and judgement expenses and attorney fees up to your policy limits.

Professional Liability vs. Directors & Officers Insurance:

There is a common misconception that a Directors and Officers (D&O) policy may be all you need. These two types of coverage may seem similar on the outside, but the main difference is who is covered. 

Your D&O policy provides insurance brought on by a 'breach of duty' or wrongful act allegations and lawsuits arising out of the managerial decisions of board member(s), officers, employees and sometimes volunteers. Professional Liability insurance provides insurance for claims arising from errors and/or omissions made against the organization.

About Hawley & Associates

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Hawley & Associates is solely in existence to provide specialized insurance solutions for social service and nonprofit organizations across the country and the world.

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Our mission is to empower your mission by providing the most comprehensive and cost-effective insurance program and tailored risk management solutions that perfectly align with your unique operations and exposures. Less time and money spent on insurance means more of both to dedicate to the children, families and communities in which you serve.​

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We strongly believe in the industry we serve, and to us it's much more than insurance - it’s about relationships. We are an extension of your organization and an unwavering champion in supporting the great work that you do. 

Exclusive WorldPro Insurance Program for Social Service Organizations

Besides offering tailor-made insurance programs designed specifically around your unique operations and exposures, Hawley & Associates offers the exclusive WorldPro Insurance Program.  It is the most comprehensive and cost competitive program offered to social service organizations today.  Since it’s inception, WorldPro now insures some of the largest nonprofit organizations in the country.

Program Highlights:

¨ High Limits (including abuse)

¨ Stand-alone Umbrella coverage

¨ Program will defend a negligence, error or omissions claim brought anywhere in the world, with      no limitation as to venue, change of venue or any other exclusion involving jurisdiction

¨ Special Defense Fund available to any employee wrongfully accused of abuse or molestation

¨ No territorial exclusions or restrictions

Hawley & Associates has been instrumental in introducing several new social service insurance programs to the market and we will continue to work hard to find even more markets and programs to bring down premiums for our clients and help you serve the under-served.

Contact us today for more information!

Wayne Hawley Giving Grant - Don't Miss Out!

The Wayne Hawley Giving Grant is exclusive to H&A clients that serve the social service and nonprofit community.

The grant is named in loving memory of Phil Hawley's father, Wayne Hawley, who was instrumental in the formation of Hawley & Associates, and a guiding force in making our agency the strong, dedicated and caring company it is today.

The grant is comprised of two individual grants in the amount of $5,000.00 each.

Click here for more information!

Deadline for applications is September 30, 2019!

Happy 4th of July from Hawley & Associates

2019 2nd Qtr. Newsletter Has Arrived! Let's Celebrate Summer!

Celebrating summer with our 2nd Quarter Newsletter.  Click and Enjoy!