Honoring Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month provides a key opportunity for organizations to evaluate whether their corporate culture and support systems align with their workforce’s actual needs. True recognition of employee contributions goes beyond seasonal celebrations and requires practical, daily support that workers can actually utilize. Integrating diversity and inclusion strategies into benefit planning is not just administrative; these decisions directly impact long-term budgetary stability and immediate access to quality medical care.

Health Insurance as a Foundation for Access

A strong health insurance program assures everyone can manage their well-being effectively. Comprehensive coverage facilitates sustainable health by offering early intervention and specialized services beyond basic doctor visits. Employers help staff focus on their health by delivering accessible plans with broad networks, minimizing administrative or financial barriers when medical care is needed. Grasping how different plan features work together is essential for employees traversing complex healthcare systems.

Reviewing these five areas helps organizations choose plans that fit a diverse workforce:

• Preventive Screenings: Regular checkups and early detection prevent small problems from becoming serious and keep employees on track with their health goals through primary care and routine tests.
• Specialist Access: Broad specialist networks allow employees to get timely, expert care for specific conditions, sustaining productivity and supporting clinical needs as they arise.
• Prescription Formularies: Transparent drug coverage makes it easier for staff to access and budget for necessary prescriptions. Knowing about prior authorizations and formulary tiers helps control costs and treatment.
• Mental Health: Inclusive benefits must cover mental health, providing employees with access to support for emotional and mental needs at all times and treating mental wellness as seriously as physical health.
• Telehealth Access: Virtual care solutions increase flexibility, giving busy staff convenient access to medical and behavioral health support, and removing geographic and scheduling obstacles.

Maternity, Postpartum, And Family Care Support

Providing extensive support for family care entails more than covering the costs of childbirth or initial medical visits for a newborn. Employers should clearly communicate the timing of newborn coverage and the specific enrollment steps required to ensure a smooth transition for new parents. Organizations must address access to lactation support and dedicated follow-up care after childbirth to support the long-term health and success of every family within the organization.

Paid Leave and Time Away From Work

The design of a paid leave policy significantly affects whether employees feel empowered to actually take the time off they need for personal or family medical reasons. Workers may experience confusion at the point of need when employers communicate policies poorly or design them too complexly, which may result in unwarranted stress during a crisis. Coordinating these leave policies with existing benefits packages ensures individuals have a clear path forward when they need to step away from their professional responsibilities.

Disability Insurance and Income Protection

Protecting household income through short- and long-term disability insurance is an important feature of a modern, inclusive employee benefits package. Short-term disability delivers required wage replacement during recovery from childbirth, major surgery, or unexpected illness, while long-term coverage protects against extended medical conditions. Proper coordination between paid leave and personal time off helps address coverage gaps and provides employees with the financial security they need to focus entirely on their recovery.

Closing Thoughts and Benefits Review

Honoring the contributions of your workforce entails a commitment to providing real-world support via reliable access to care, time to recover, and robust income protection. You can ensure that your organization stays a place where each person feels supported in both their professional and personal lives through assessing your current offerings. We invite you to review your current health insurance and group benefits options with our agency so we can help you compare plan designs and pricing in the area.

Black History Month: A Look Back & A Step Forward

Black History Month has deep roots in education, community organizing, and a push to correct what was missing from mainstream history teaching. The observance traces back to historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the early 20th-century effort to ensure Black history was studied, shared, and treated as essential American history.

How It Started

In 1926, Woodson and the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, ASALH, launched Negro History Week, aligning it with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

The observance grew over time, shaped by educators, students, civic groups, and cultural movements. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford issued a message recognizing Black History Month, marking a major milestone in national recognition.

Why It Still Matters

Black History Month also matters because Black communities are living, evolving institutions, not historical artifacts. Preserving neighborhoods, businesses, cultural spaces, and local leadership protects the networks that pass down opportunity, identity, and mutual support. In a time when displacement, unequal investment, and erasure can happen quietly, sustained attention helps ensure those communities keep shaping the present and future on their own terms.

Black History Month continues to serve two important purposes:

• Recognition: highlighting contributions that shaped the nation, from science and medicine to labor, arts, civic leadership, military service, and entrepreneurship.
• Context: understanding how policy, opportunity, resistance, and community building interact over time.

That context is not abstract. It influences health outcomes, wealth patterns, education access, and workplace experiences today.

Protecting Inclusion In Culture and Risk Management

Workplace equality depends on whether people feel safe using benefits and reporting concerns. Insurance touches sensitive areas such as privacy, mental health, disability, caregiving, and medical leave, so inclusion requires confidentiality, consistent decision-making, and leadership follow-through.

• Confidentiality That Employees Trust: People avoid care or skip leave when they think personal details will spread. Limit who can access information, train managers on privacy, and enforce consequences for breaches. Trust determines whether benefits are used.
• Manager Training On Leave and Accommodations: Inconsistent handling creates unequal outcomes. Train supervisors to follow policy, document decisions, and escalate complex issues to HR or the proper specialist. Consistency protects employees and reduces risk.
• Anti-Retaliation Practices That Work: Employees should be able to report discrimination, harassment, or benefits issues without fear of retaliation. Provide multiple reporting options, track outcomes, and show follow-through while protecting confidentiality. Rules without enforcement do not protect anyone.
• Vendor and Carrier Accountability: Carriers and vendors affect equity through service quality, claim handling, and network access. Evaluate partners using performance data, not just price. Poor service drives frustration and turnover.
• Inclusive Safety and Wellness Programs: One-size wellness programs can exclude people. Offer multiple ways to participate, including preventive care support, stress resources, and practical access tools. Programs should meet employees where they are.

Bringing It Home

Black History Month began as an education project, a deliberate effort to tell the fuller story. That same spirit translates well into modern decision-making. Learn the history, recognize the contributions, and keep building structures that make opportunity durable. The best step forward is the one that continues in March, April, and every month after.

If you want help reviewing coverage options that support your household or workplace goals, call your local agent. A quick conversation can clarify where protection is strong, where gaps may exist, and which adjustments fit your budget.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month in November provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Indigenous communities. This is the time to celebrate their enduring traditions, acknowledge their role in shaping the nation’s history, and raise awareness of the challenges these communities continue to face. Heritage Month encourages learning, respect, and meaningful action. 

Celebrating a Living Heritage

More than a historical observance, Native American Heritage Month highlights living cultures that continue to thrive through art, music, language, and storytelling. Native Americans include hundreds of distinct tribes, each with its own traditions and ways of life. From the intricate weaving of the Navajo Nation to the longhouse ceremonies of the Haudenosaunee, these practices preserve ancestral knowledge and community identity.

Recognizing the creativity and craftsmanship of Native artists is a powerful way to honor the living heritage. Many communities host art exhibits, craft fairs, and cultural events throughout November. Purchasing authentic Native-made products and attending local celebrations are ways to support Indigenous artists and help preserve cultural traditions for future generations.

Reflecting on History

Honoring Native American Heritage Month also involves acknowledging the complex and often painful history of Indigenous peoples in the U.S. Colonization, forced relocation, and cultural suppression have had lasting effects. Awareness of this history can help foster empathy, respect, and commitment to fairness. 

Museums and educational programs across the country provide opportunities to learn about this past. Visiting tribal museums or participating in online educational events can deepen understanding of Native history from Indigenous perspectives. Businesses and organizations that sponsor such initiatives or share educational resources within the workplace are encouraging employees to engage thoughtfully and respectfully.

Recognizing Contributions to Modern Society 

Native Americans have made remarkable contributions to nearly every aspect of American life, including agriculture, environmental stewardship, art, music, science, and government. Traditional ecological knowledge has influenced sustainable land management and conservation practices. Modern foods, such as corn, beans, and squash, originated from Indigenous agricultural innovation. 

Native American leaders, scholars, and professionals continue to make significant impacts in healthcare, education, politics, and the arts. Celebrating these accomplishments in November underscores the importance of inclusion and representation in shaping a stronger, more unified society.

Supporting Native Communities

Acknowledging heritage goes hand in hand with supporting present-day needs. Native communities face ongoing health, education, and economic opportunity challenges. Businesses can make a positive impact by partnering with Native-owned enterprises, funding scholarships, or volunteering with organizations that assist Indigenous youth and families.

Insurance agencies and other service providers can play a role by making policies, outreach, and client services inclusive and accessible to Native communities. Building partnerships with tribal organizations, offering educational workshops on financial literacy, and tailoring insurance resources to meet the needs of individuals and tribal businesses are examples of meaningful ways to make a difference. 

By celebrating Native American Heritage Month thoughtfully, individuals and businesses can help ensure Indigenous culture, history, and contributions are recognized, not only in November but every day of the year. 

Celebrating Ability: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This annual observance highlights the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment practices that benefit employees and employers alike. For businesses, NDEAM is an opportunity to consider the importance of accessibility, equity, and the role of employer-sponsored benefits in supporting employees of all abilities.

History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” Over time, the observance expanded into a month-long campaign that includes all individuals with disabilities. Today, NDEAM is organized by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor and serves as a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and encourage inclusive hiring practices. Although the theme of NDEAM changes every year, the mission remains the same: to celebrate the talents of individuals with disabilities, break down barriers, and ensure workplaces are accessible and equitable for all. 

Why Disability Employment Matters

Individuals with disabilities make up a significant portion of the workforce. Although these workers bring unique perspectives, skills, and resilience to their jobs, they face higher unemployment rates than people without disabilities. By fostering inclusive workplaces, businesses can support social equity and find untapped talent to strengthen their teams. 

Inclusive employment is more than compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It means creating an environment where every employee has an opportunity to succeed. Companies that embrace diversity and disability inclusion tend to have higher employee satisfaction, stronger innovation, and improved financial performance. 

Role of Insurance in Supporting Inclusive Workplaces

Providing comprehensive insurance benefits is one of the most effective ways for businesses to support employees with disabilities. Health insurance, disability insurance, and other workplace benefits make it possible for employees to focus on their work and well-being without unnecessary financial strain in the following ways:

• Health insurance: Quality health coverage allows employees with disabilities to access the care and resources they need. Offering a robust health plan is a concrete way for companies to demonstrate care and inclusivity.
• Disability insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage provides financial protection for employees who may be unable to work because of illness or injury. This benefit supports workers and reassures them that their employers value their security. 
• Life and supplemental insurance options: Voluntary benefits, such as life, hospital, and critical illness insurance give employees flexibility to meet their unique needs. 

Group insurance benefits convey the message that all employees are supported equally, regardless of ability. This can help businesses attract diverse talent and retain employees long term. 

A Win-Win for Businesses and Employees

NDEAM is a reminder that ability comes in many forms, and everyone benefits when employers create inclusive workplaces. Inclusive employment practices benefit employees and also help businesses thrive. By supporting workers of all abilities, companies can improve morale, build a culture of respect, and foster stronger teams. Our experienced agents at Brad Smith Agency are here to show employers and employees how disability coverage and inclusive benefits can help create secure, supportive workplaces.

Beyond Culture: The Economic Power of Hispanic Heritage in the U.S.

Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate Latino culture, history, and community. But beyond the music, food, and festivities lies a powerful economic story. The growing Latino population is helping to shape the future of the U.S. economy. From workforce participation to entrepreneurship and consumer influence, Hispanic Americans are a driving force of innovation, resilience, and growth.

A Demographic Powerhouse with Lasting Impact

The Latino population in the United States is now the largest ethnic minority group in the country and continues to grow at a steady rate. This demographic shift is altering the cultural landscape and transforming labor market trends, business ownership patterns, and consumer behavior.

Latino Americans are, on average, younger than the general population, and they participate in the workforce at high rates. As a result, they contribute significantly to the country’s productivity and long-term economic vitality.

The Growing Latino GDP and What It Means

If the Latino community in the U.S. were its national economy, it would rank among the largest in the world. The combined economic output of Hispanic Americans represents a multi-trillion-dollar contribution to the U.S. GDP. This number continues to rise with every passing year.

This upward trend reflects growth in labor participation, rising educational attainment, and an increase in business formation across various industries. It also signals the importance of policies and investment strategies that recognize and support the full economic potential of Hispanic communities.

Latino Consumers Are Shaping the Marketplace

With rising purchasing power and a growing share of the consumer market, Latino households are influencing everything from retail to technology to financial services. Their preferences, brand loyalty, and spending patterns are shaping marketing trends and business strategies nationwide.

For businesses and service providers, including those in the insurance industry, understanding and serving the needs of Latino consumers is both a strategic priority and a competitive advantage. Bilingual outreach, culturally relevant communication, and personalized services are crucial for establishing trust and fostering long-term client relationships.

Small Businesses, Big Contributions

Latino entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic group. These businesses range from local service providers to tech startups and national brands. Despite facing historical barriers to funding and market access, Hispanic-owned companies demonstrate strong growth, innovation, and resilience.

Supporting these enterprises is beneficial for both diversity and the economy. When Latino businesses thrive, they generate jobs, reinvest in their communities, and drive broader economic development.

Connect With Us and Celebrate Hispanic Culture and Invest in Your Future 

Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that honoring culture involves meaningful investments and engaging inclusively. Our agency is committed to supporting diverse communities with insurance solutions that reflect their values, protect their assets, and empower their growth. Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive future together.

Juneteenth: Understanding the Past to Pave a Better Future

Juneteenth is more than a holiday—it’s a powerful reminder of resilience, progress, and the enduring quest for equality. Celebrated on June 19, this day marks the historic announcement of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas and, by extension, throughout the United States. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in history, we also recognize its profound impact today and its promise for a brighter future.

What is the Historical Significance of Juneteenth?

Juneteenth originated on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. For many, this day symbolized the long-overdue freedom and hope that had been denied for generations. It is a testament to the struggles, perseverance, and eventual triumph of a community that fought tirelessly for its rights.

Reflecting on the Journey Toward Equality

The legacy of Juneteenth is deeply interwoven with the ongoing journey toward racial equality. While it celebrates liberation, it also serves as a call to address the existing inequalities. Today we see more African Americans represented in government, media, and leadership roles than ever. 

The public and private sectors have worked to remove restrictive or oppressive practices and laws of the past to move closer to the ideal of a society that serves all people. Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in 2021. There is more work to be done. Understanding this history empowers us to learn from the past, acknowledge the challenges, and commit to creating a more just society for future generations.

Juneteenth’s Cultural Impact Today

Over the years, Juneteenth has evolved into a day of celebration, education, and community. It’s a time to honor African American culture through:

• Educational events: Seminars, workshops, and exhibitions that explore the rich history of the Black experience in America.
• Cultural celebrations: Festivals, music, art, and storytelling highlight the creativity and resilience of a community that has shaped the nation. You can celebrate from Galveston, Texas, where the first “Freedom Day” celebration was held on the first anniversary of June 19, 1865, to Philadelphia, where the Juneteenth parade, music festival, and market draw over 25,000 attendees.
• Community engagement: Dialogues and initiatives that foster understanding, healing, and unity among diverse groups. You can consider attending or participating in such programs this month; several will likely be in your local community. 

Paving the Way Forward

Juneteenth reminds us that while progress has been made, the journey toward true equality continues. It challenges us to reflect on the past, support initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers, and advocate for policies that create a fairer society.

At its core, Juneteenth is about access: access to freedom, opportunities, and the ability to build a secure future. That same principle extends to every aspect of life, including financial security and access to essential services like healthcare and insurance.

Moving Forward Together

As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s honor the resilience of those who came before us by fostering a future where equality isn’t just an ideal—it’s a reality. Our agency is committed to serving individuals and families of all backgrounds with fairness, respect, and personalized care. Everyone deserves the protection and peace of mind that the right insurance provides, regardless of race, background, or financial situation.

If you have questions about securing coverage that supports your family’s future, we’re here to help. Contact us today to explore your options with one of our agents.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Understanding the History and Honoring the Present

May brings a deep sense of pride and reflection as it marks Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. For a diverse community rich in history, culture, and resilience, this month serves as a time for celebration and a call to acknowledge stories that have shaped the fabric of America. The AAPI community is a vast mosaic of individuals whose roots trace back to countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond. It is a collection of languages, traditions, and experiences that span generations. Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated from May 1 to May 31. 

Origins of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The origins of AAPI Heritage Month trace back to 1978 when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843. President Jimmy Carter signed the resolution into law on October 5, 1978, proclaiming the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress expanded this observance from a week to a month. In 1992, under President George Bush, May was annually designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. In 2009, it was renamed as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

Challenges Faced by the AAPI Community

While AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the architects, artists, and athletes who have made their mark, it is also essential to understand the darker chapter of the community’s history. Consider the Japanese American internment camps during World War II. More than 120,000 individuals were forcibly relocated and incarcerated by the U.S. government, their livelihoods and futures displaced by the xenophobia of wartime hysteria. We are not looking at ancient history—many of those affected are still with us today. 

As another example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first significant law restricting immigration based on race and nationality. It specifically targeted Chinese workers, seen as threats to American jobs. These past events play a role in shaping the collective psyche of the AAPI community today. History is a lens through which we can better understand the complexities of the present. 

AAPI Populations Today

The AAPI community is composed of more than 50 ethnic groups. The 23 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders residing in the U.S. can trace their roots back to more than 20 countries. In the present, the broader community continues to face challenges, many of which are tied to race, discrimination, and stereotypes. Employment and economic status are far from uniform among AAPI community members. While some subpopulations are concentrated in higher-paying professional and management occupations, others are concentrated in lower-wage service occupations. 

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have significantly contributed significantly to American society and culture. These include contributions to medicine, science, art, literature, sports and recreation, government and politics. Kamala Harris became the first Asian American U.S. Vice President in 2021. 

In the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month, let us not only acknowledge the past but commit to shaping a present and future in which the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of the Asian American Pacific Islander community are seen, heard, and celebrated every day.

Women’s History Month: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future

March has long been dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history. Women’s History Month recognizes the remarkable achievements of women who have shaped our world and reminds us of the ongoing work to ensure women’s voices and stories are heard, valued, and uplifted.

Where Did It All Begin?

The origins of Women’s History Month can be traced back to Women’s History Day, organized by the school district and celebrated in Sonoma, California, in 1978. A few years later, communities throughout the U.S. began celebrating the day. In 1980, the Women’s History Alliance advocated a week-long holiday. President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as Women’s History Week, and the following year, Congress forwarded a resolution establishing national observance. In 1987, the U.S. Congress declared the entire month of March Women’s History Month. 

This progression reflects a growing recognition of the importance of honoring women’s contributions to society. By dedicating an entire month to celebrating women’s achievements, we acknowledge the need to continue empowering women in all fields.

What Is the Purpose of Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month has two main purposes. First, it serves to educate people about the incredible women who came before us and whose lives and accomplishments have changed the world. From Susan B. Anthony, who fought for women’s suffrage, to Marie Curie, who pioneered groundbreaking research in radioactivity, the history of women is filled with stories that must be told.

Second, and equally important, it is a call to action and a reminder that, while we have made great strides in achieving gender equality, we still have a long way to go. Women’s History Month encourages us to reflect on the past and actively work toward an inclusive future in which every woman has the opportunity to be empowered, celebrated, and given a platform. 

How Can We Continue to Progress Forward?

Women have made incredible strides in every imaginable field, and we must continue highlighting these contributions. The work is not over at the end of March – it must continue throughout the year. In addition to acknowledging achievements, we must provide spaces for women’s voices to be heard. To do so, we must continue to create environments where women are recognized as leaders in schools, workplaces, and public forums. Organizations worldwide have begun to realize that gender diversity is a core component of a successful, innovative, and productive group.

Women’s accomplishments should not be seen as outliers but as the norm. Rather than spotlighting iconic figures, our narratives must shift to the countless women who have made substantial contributions in all fields, including business, technology, politics, and the arts. It is essential to the culture to ensure the everyday stories of women’s achievements are part of our collective understanding. 

Supporting women’s economic empowerment is a key area to create lasting change. The gender pay gap, which still exists in many industries, is a matter of equity. By advocating for equal pay for equal work, women gain access to leadership positions, and we pave the way for a more balanced and just society.

Honoring Black History Month and Beyond

Black History Month is commemorated across the U.S. in February each year to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and rich past of Black individuals and communities. 

The Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month traces its roots to the first “Negro History” week established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Carter was a well-known author, scholar, and historian in his day. He earned his doctorate in History from Harvard University, making him the second Black American to graduate from Harvard with a PhD after W.E.B. Du Bois (the co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP). 

During his years of education in the U.S. school system and later as a school principal, Dr. Woodson observed the glaring absence of knowledge on the Black experience. He dedicated his life to making Black history a part of accepted school curricula and the public conscience. He founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915 to carry out his mission.

Black History Month Today

More than 100 years after the formation of ASALH, the group stands firm as the founders of Black History Month. Each year, ASALH chooses a theme to focus the public’s attention on subjects that merit our attention. The theme for 2025 is “African Americans and Labor.” A choice that “focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds—free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.”

Ways to Honor Black History Month at Work

As a business owner, human resources department head, or staff coordinator, celebrating Black History Month is just one of the many ways you can help your company or group showcase its continuing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion of all people. Consider these activities for your group:

• Donate to a Black organization: Survey your staff to find out which local, Black-led nonprofit they would like to raise donations for. Take the one with the most votes and run a fundraising campaign or a donation-matching challenge throughout the month. Present a big check to the nonprofit at the end of February with the leading staff who helped. 
• Host an employee luncheon at a Black-owned establishment: If you know a great place, take everyone out to eat and let the owner know you support them. If your employee number is too large, consider sending each department on different days or purchasing meal vouchers. 
• Volunteer with a Black-led nonprofit: Most large cities have an NAACP chapter or a local nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Black youth. Pro Tip: Find a nonprofit whose mission aligns with your company culture or products and find out how you can work together to make a difference. 
• Support Black-owned businesses: If you work with suppliers or business-to-business transactions, make a concerted effort to find and add a new Black-owned business to your supply chain this month. 
• Invite speakers to a company event: Look up your local speaker’s bureau, NAACP chapter, or university to invite a guest to your next event. The ASALH offers premier speakers on Black history topics for larger businesses and audiences. 

Make Your Company Culture Welcoming to All People

Celebrating Black History Month is one of the many ways your company or group can foster a culture that welcomes and respects everyone. Events to encourage continued learning, equitable group benefits for all employees, and an interested and professional approach to promptly addressing staff issues go a long way toward this goal. 

Create an Equitable Work Environment with Group Benefits

Need more help creating a diversity and inclusion program? Our agents can help advise you on a group benefits policy that provides for all employees, regardless of age, race, gender, or other protected status. Contact our office to discuss your options today. 

4 Ways to Make MLK Day a Day “On” Instead of a Day Off

Dr. Martin Luther King was a legendary figure in civil rights history. His life marked a turning point toward greater inclusion, tolerance, and unity in our country. His work is commemorated each year on the third Monday of January. MLK Day is the only federal holiday observed as a day of service to others. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” In this spirit, individuals, nonprofits, and businesses are encouraged to make MLK Day a day “on” instead of a day off. 

Volunteer With a Nonprofit

Take yourself or bring a few friends and family to volunteer at the local food pantry. Research and find a nonprofit hosting a service activity that aligns with your particular interests in the community. Business owners may want to consider giving employees paid time off to work with a nonprofit of their choosing. Fun and fulfilling opportunities like this are also a great way to make employment and your group benefits plan more attractive to prospective hires.

Teach Youth About the Civil Rights Movement

It could be just your family or a presentation at the community center, but find a way to educate youth about the civil rights movement. While not everyone can put together and deliver a presentation, consider supporting or sponsoring one in a meaningful way that helps to spread the message of equal rights to young people.

Host An Activity to Help Others

Businesses and nonprofit organizations often find themselves in the privileged position of being depended on by others. That could be as a leading member of the Parent-Teacher Organization or the CEO of an Inc. 500 company. Use this strength to find a way to give back to the community. Make your offer of help align with what you already do. For example, leaders in an organization can offer free educational seminars. Large companies may consider holding a job fair or offering special assistance with resume writing or interviewing skills for people of all demographics. Choose an activity that inspires you and your employees.

Participate in a Parade to Spread Positive Messages

If you can do nothing else, show your support at your nearest MLK Day Parade. Show up and cheer on the floats, spreading positive messages. With some forethought, you or your company can also sponsor a float to promote human rights while promoting your company name to parade attendees. 

Make MLK Day Part of Your Diversity and Inclusion Program

Dr. King brought an important message of equality and forever changed history. Please take the opportunity through your actions, or that of your business, to honor his legacy this January and make a difference in your own right. 

If you have questions on how paid time off and diversity and inclusion programs relate to your group benefits policy, don’t hesitate to call. Our agents will be more than willing to answer your questions and review your existing policy with you to ensure it is up to date.