Happy New Year 2015

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THE DEAL

Yours, Mine and Ours: Planning Stepfamily Finances

The Pew Research Center reports (http://www.pewso-cialtrends.org/) that four in ten American adults have at least one steprelative, defined as a stepparent, a step-or-

half sibling, or a stepchild in their family. While the Pew study says that many stepfamilies operate harmoniously, it also notes that adults “feel a stronger sense of obligation to their biological family members than they do to their step kin.”

That is one reason why blended family finances can get so messy. Couples planning to blend families often have to make financial arrangements that respect previous relationships with ex-spouses and their families. Issues range from childcare and eldercare to potentially complex matters involving businesses, investment assets, and real estate. That’s why involving trained experts in stepfamily financial planning is a must.

Here’s a basic checklist of issues and solutions potential spouses and partners should consider:

Start with all cards on the table. Today’s first-time marriages or partnerships alone can introduce some staggering financial variables – business and inheritance issues, college debt, con-sumer debt, or even past bankruptcies. Couples planning step-families face even more complications. But all couples need to start with a critical first step – sharing personal information with a potential impact on finances. Start with the following:

Current credit reports and credit scores. • Extensive loans or bad credit for one or both partners can endanger future purchasing plans for auto, home, or tuition. It’s also impor-tant to share information about personal or cosigned loans to family and friends.

Assets and liabilities. • Potential spouses or partners should know each other’s financial assets and liabilities and any issues connected with them. As mentioned above, debt and credit issues may be a problem, but if one spouse has extensive assets, it’s important to clarify whether those

By Jason Alderman

continued on page 8

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VIEWPOINTS

As a result of the North Korean-related hacking of Sony’s computer system, certain “racist” emails of Sony ex-

ecutive Amy Pascal were made public. This may appear as an isolated incident of racism amongst individuals. But it offers opportunity to uniquely examine certain aspects of the “sociology of rac-ism” that not only fester in entertainment, but extensions of this same sociology have histori-cally led to deadly consequences in the streets of America when Black men encounter law en-forcement.

By “sociology” I am simply referring to America’s sum total of ethnic and cultural distinctions and exchanges; shared and conflicting beliefs, ideals, and values; common sociopolitical influences; and the human actions, ethos, and consciousness that publically and privately shape American society, institutions, and gov-ernment.

Among Pascal’s emails were “jokingly racist” comments that President Obama probably liked Kevin Hart, along with the movies 12 Years A Slave, Django, The Butler, and Think Like A Man. She thereafter launched an apology campaign, topped with a meeting with Al Sharpton where he scolded her about the “lack of diversity” in movies (which is inarguably relevant yet arguably impertinent to the impetus behind her comments). White House Spokesperson, Josh Earnest, said her apology was “appropriate.”

But wait, Hollywood is no longer producing Sambo-like movies that cast Blacks as dimwits . . . are they? So what requires apology? Think about it . . . Kevin Hart can sell out just as many or more arena seats to mixed audiences as any comedian, Black or White. And every movie Pascal mentioned was a relative box-office success on its own cinematic merit.

For the record and despite “lack of diversity,” 12 Years A Slave earned $188m worldwide and won numerous awards, including Oscars for “Best Picture of the Year” and “Best Sup-porting Actress” by Lupita Nyong’o, who People magazine subsequently dubbed “Most Beautiful Woman in the World.” Django had blockbuster earnings of $425m worldwide and starred former Oscar winner Jamie Foxx. The Butler earned $177m worldwide and starred former Oscar winner Forest Whitaker and billionaire-extraordinaire Oprah Win-frey. Think Like A Man earned $96m worldwide and was based on Steve Harvey’s book that ranked #1 on The New York Times best seller list.

So nothing should be wrong with any president or anybody liking any of these films with decorated Black actors. After all, they grossed nearly $1billion for both Black and White people in the industry. Both Black and White people walked the red carpet. Both Black and White people applauded these stars and movies at black-tie awards. And all of the Black actors are probably on Obama’s short-list of invitees to certain occasions anyway, and all have most-likely attended a White House event already.

So beyond box-office and star-power, some other veiled criteria must lurk behind the scenes of these movies that render Pascal’s apology “appropriate.” To wit, the unidentified elephant in the room that drips with racism, relates historically to America’s unarticulated but implicitly understood “sociology of racism” that places definitively higher values on

ideals, interests, and institutions that are White, Anglo, Protestant or Jewish.

In this vein, had she said that Obama or any other president “liked Tina Fey, Adam Sandler, or Seth Rogen movies,” it would be a nonstory. Not be-cause they – or even White actors from the past – are more talented per se than their Black con-temporaries. But because there’s a qualitatively greater premium that is always assigned increas-ingly to the sophistication of White movies, the sig-nificance of White actors, and the affluence of the White audiences they draw.

So the goal of equal validation of Blacks (via diversity) is really a phantom pursuit because the goalposts are continually moved out-of-reach, in relative and incremental measure, to assure that White accomplishments signify the apex.

But it neither begins nor ends there. Understand that this sociology is 4-centuries in the making. Its implications and evidence saturate society on multiple and widespread levels, whereby a diminished worth has been historically and intrinsically equated to the Black experience as a whole . . . Black ethos, Black history, Black culture, Black leaders, Black lives.

Extreme frictions from this sociology help explain existing racial tensions of why Ameri-cans of all races are now protesting nationwide against such desensitivity, while displaying placards in 1960’s-fashion, stating: “Black Lives matter.”

However, to enact concrete systemic change, people should be mindful of implementing a collective approach that recognizes the origin of this 400-year sociology, as opposed to protesting against its symptoms and outgrowths. But this becomes problematic because, any effort to confront the source and substance of this sociology head-on, would be viewed as too subversive. This, in consequence, would interrupt the government access and cor-porate revenue streams that prop-up certain Black leaders, who would then have to put a “For Sale” sign on their operations.

Whether shooting movies or shooting Black men, there are ingrained sociological and systemic elements that underlie and desensitize government and society. So within this historical unfoldment, neither Amy Pascal nor Sony is the problem, and holding meetings about diversity and police body-cams is not the solution. Hopefully though, messages like this will garner proper consideration so that Black America will not have to rely on more hackings from communist North Korea as the next best hope to prod America to become an all-inclusive democracy in the truest sense of the concept.

Ezrah Aharone is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Political Science at Delaware State University and the author of Sovereign Evolution: Mani-fest Destiny from Civil Rights to Sovereign Rights and Pawned Sover-eignty: Sharpened Black Perspectives on Americanization, Africa, War and Reparations. His forthcoming book The Sovereign Psyche will be published in the spring of 2015. He can be reached at www.EzrahSpeaks.com.

Sony and the Sociology of RacismBy Ezrah Aharone


VIEWPOINTS

If i t looks like a fish, smells like a fish, tastes like a fish then it probably is a fish. The saga of Bill Cosby and the never-ending stories of young women drugged

and molested continue to unravel like some tangled, knotted, and smelly ball of yarn. The questions of why these women didn’t come out before or why, since the first story hit the media outlets, they continue to pile on one after the other are not the most important questions to be asked. Most of the al-legations against Mr. Cosby go back more than 20 or 30 years when he was at the height of his dynastic power and prowess and a superstar. The Cosby Show was one of TV’s biggest hits in the 1980s, and is credited for single-handedly reviving the sitcom genre and NBC’s ratings to number one. So how could the public persona of “America’s Dad” spiral to the depths of accused sexual deviant and serial rapist?

Granted Bill Cosby has never been charged, tried, or convicted in a court of law on any of the “allegations” that have recently sullied his personal life, integrity, and legacy. However, he has settled out of court in years past some similar charges levied against him. And he has, in years past, paid expenses, college tuition, and provided support to several young women in exchange for… what? Silence? Sexual violence and assault has reached an epidemic proportion, but it is not because there are more cases now than ever. No. It is because in 2014 greater numbers of women (and men) are more likely to report these assaults to law enforcement and others than ever before. However, we still live in a country where victims of sexual assault and violence tend to be re-victimized by the insti-tutions charged with protecting them, the hyper sensational media, and even close friends and family that all support a “rape culture” that first discredits, questions, or blames the victim before first listening to and believing the victim’s account of the story and then in-

What about Bill Cosby?By Dr. T

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. [email protected]

Artistic Director and Founder of The Conciliation Project www.theconciliationproject.org and a Professor of Theatre at VCU

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vestigating that account. This would give the victim the type of support and compassion that they need to begin to deal with the physical, emotional, and psychological damage they have suffered and continue to hold onto years and decades after the assault took place. Instead of support to help them through the traumatic effects of sexual assault, rape and violence, “we” ask questions like, “What were you doing there?” ” Why did you go to his room?” “Why did it take you so long to report it to any-one?” The onus of responsibility as to why the rape or assault occurred is targeted at the victim instead of the victimizer.

No one can know for certain, except the victims themselves, whether Bill Cosby assaulted them, but we cannot continue to ignore the mounting evidence however circumstantial or old it may be. Something is rotten somewhere, and there needs to be a defense mounted or an accounting made. Silence is not an op-tion here. To speak of unspeakable things that happened to you when you were young and defenseless takes tremendous cour-age. It is to begin the process of healing from the trauma and to

claim your life back. The truth may be difficult to look upon, but it remains the truth nonetheless. Let’s unwrap the truth and deal with the smell.

Bill Cosby


By J. Chevonte’ Alexander

With the New Year come renewed goals, renewed thinking, new expectations and a greater outlook on life and everything in store for the next 365 days. Today is the last day of 2014, and like most of us, we are welcoming 2015 with open arms! For

many of us, the New Year is an opportunity to kick-start your health regimen. Beginning Janu-ary 1, you will eat healthier and work out. This is, for many of you, your New Year’s resolu-tion!

According to the University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology, here are the top 10 New Year’s Resolutions from 2014.

1 Lose Weight2 Getting Organized3 Spend Less, Save More4 Enjoy Life to the fullest5 Staying fit and healthy6 Learn something exciting7 Quit smoking8 Help others in their dreams9 Fall in love10 Spend more time with family/church

In fact, a third of New Year’s resolvers make weight loss their primary goal, and about 15 per-cent aim to begin an exercise program. We asked our readers what is their plan to make 2015 a better year for health and fitness? What are you going to do to improve your health or life period? What is your 2015 goal? How are you going to achieve your goals? It looks like health and fitness is a top priority for many of you!

On behalf of the Urban Views Weekly team and family, we wish you a very healthy, happy, and prosperous 2015! Happy New Year!

Make 2015 Your Best Yet

Putting Your Health First in the New YearI want to take my running down to no

more than six miles for long distances, get my butt up and begin strength

training and work on my sprints to improve my speed.

Tai Harris

I am going to dust off my exercise dvds and treadmill and clean up

my eating. My mantra will be “50 by 50”. I will turn 50 in Septem-

ber and would like to lose at least 50lbs by my 50th birthday.

Valerie Collier

My plan to make 2015 a better year for me is to be more trusting of God, to maintain bal-

ance in my life (work, rest and play), remain calm through challenging times, and to be fearless--not allowing anyone to deter me

from my dreams and goals regardless of what may come my way. 2015 is the year of action!

Plant seeds now and in time they will grow!Ashley McBride

I want to continue to eat well seven days a week without binging on the weekends.

I would like to complete a Muddler and Triathlon and lose 3% body fat.

Jazmine Lee

I will continue eating healthy and work-ing out and lose these last 15lbs, repair

my ankle and get back to consistent run-ning, run my first half marathon, learn to

swim and do my first triathlon.Amy Green


On behalf of the Urban Views Weekly team and family, we wish you a very healthy, happy, and prosperous 2015! Happy New Year!

Putting Your Health First in the New Year

So, get ready, set and GO into 2015 with a brand new look on life! Accomplish your goals and

make 2015 your best yet for health, happiness, fitness and

so much more.

I want to take my running down to no more than six miles for long distances,

get my butt up and begin strength training and work on my sprints to

improve my speed.Tai Harris

I am going to dust off my exercise dvds and treadmill and clean up

my eating. My mantra will be “50 by 50”. I will turn 50 in Septem-

ber and would like to lose at least 50lbs by my 50th birthday.

Valerie Collier

My plan to make 2015 a better year for me is to be more trusting of God, to maintain bal-

ance in my life (work, rest and play), remain calm through challenging times, and to be fearless--not allowing anyone to deter me

from my dreams and goals regardless of what may come my way. 2015 is the year of action!

Plant seeds now and in time they will grow!Ashley McBride

I want to continue to eat well seven days a week without binging on the weekends.

I would like to complete a Muddler and Triathlon and lose 3% body fat.

Jazmine Lee

I will continue eating healthy and work-ing out and lose these last 15lbs, repair

my ankle and get back to consistent run-ning, run my first half marathon, learn to

swim and do my first triathlon.Amy Green

I want to drink more water, continue with my strength/body weight group

training, be consistent with cardio, and finally remember I am a spiritual

& relational being. When I am out of tune with God, ignoring the Spirit, and

isolated from others, it is stressful, emotionally damaging, and unhealthy!

Charlene Smith

I plan to eat clean 5 days out of the week, Meal prepping on Wednesday

and Sunday! Carelessly eating the wrong foods will make me put back on

unwanted body fat!Tina Johnson

I am starting my year with a detox to kick things off. I am building a team of supporters, so we can hold each other

accountable.Renee Walston Johnson

Come January 1, I am headed back to the pavement. I am about to be a

brand new person!Toinette Glover Claiborne

I want to get into a great workout routine and not let anything change

my scheduleAlexis Martin

I will conquer the hormones and lose some weight and incorporate some bicycle

work in the workouts.LaTasha Rasberry

I will conquer my junk food addiction, lose 20 pounds and beat my pre-diabe-

tes/pre-hypertension diagnosis. I will spend more time with positive people

and enrich my relationships.Tasha Stephens

My 2015 goals are going to be about my nu-trition. I am cutting out the foolishness and

eating good, wholesome food while trying to maintain my fitness level. I am looking for all improvements and PRs. I do not want a

lot.Mone’ Everett

With this upcoming year I plan to train for my very first marathon, and enroll into a

masters program. I am finishing up school this summer and I will be looking for a new

career and a home to raise my family in, along with planning for a wedding.

Ashley Monay Shines


Watch Video at UrbanViewsWeekly.com

From Stepfamily Finances page 2

CIVIC BEAT

We often start the new year with enthusiasm and high expectations, and yet by year-end so many of our great plans are unfulfilled. Will 2015 be

another year of doing the same thing and expecting different re-sults, or will this truly be a new year?

Here’s a suggestion for nonprofits who want to focus on differ-ent results: create a short-term assessment task force to review your planning processes and the people and resources available to implement your plans.

Your task force should be a small, focused working group com-prised of people who are committed to your organization but not currently involved in its operations. Task force members could include a major donor, past program participant, a new board member, or a local business per-son or faculty member. What you don’t want is a task force comprised of the executive director, development director, and board chair. You want fresh eyes on the organization. Those who are at “arms length” can ask questions and make suggestions without the knowledge or “baggage” that comes from knowing “we tried that three years ago” or “the board would never approve that” or “we can’t afford that.” Members will look at your organization with the goal of helping you achieve your goals.

Four steps for task force members.

Step one. Review the organization’s strategic plan; fundraising plan; and marketing, commu-nications and social media plan. Look at program descriptions, goals, objectives, outcomes and impact; and financial reports and fundraising reports. If the nonprofit is an educational institu-tion, review recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation reports. Look at demograph-

FUNdraising Good TimesYour 2015 secret to success: an assessment task force

ics of communities served and their identified and emerging needs.

Step two. Create a list of questions that arise during the review. Add to the list as you contemplate the documents holistically. What’s missing? Where are the redundancies? Individual ques-tions should be shared with fellow task force members. What are the common themes that arise?

Step three. Meet individually with the executive director or presi-dent, fundraising leadership, program directors, accountants or bookkeepers, board members, clients or students and others who you believe can provide insights and answer questions.

Step four. Create a list of things for the nonprofit to consider. These suggestions can include short and long term suggestions: all should focus on how to help the organization best deliver on its mission and vision. No more than one page.

Twothingsfornonprofitstoremember. First, this is a small, short-term task force so keep the group to no more than seven people, and don’t let the process drag on: the work should be completed in a month if possible. Second, while you don’t have to adopt all or any of the sugges-tions, you will have a new look at what you are doing and how you could be more successful.

Happy New Year!

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

assets will be shared legally or promised to others.

Legal issues. • If divorce, child custody, foreclosure, bankruptcy, or any other civil or criminal legal proceedings are pending against either partner or members of their families, full dis-closure is essential.

Business and estate issues. • If potential spouses or partners have significant estate or busi-ness assets assigned to children, former spouses or family members, those commitments need to be factored into the finances of the planned marriage or partnership.

Bring in professional expertise. Beyond disclosure, it’s good to have qualified professionals who have specific expertise with blended families and their many unique issues. Both partners should start by bringing any existing advisors into the discussion. But if none exist and friends and family members don’t have solid suggestions, the following organizations might provide lo-cal experts with specific skills in helping stepfamilies plan:

Financial planners. • The Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards are two nationwide organizations that can identify advisors in your area.

Tax advisors.• Your state CPA society can suggest qualified personal, business and estate tax advisors in your area.

Estate planners and attorneys. • Organizations like the National Association of Estate Plan-

ners & Councils and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel might be able to help.

Address problems before move-in. Most experts tell you it’s best to start any new marriage or partnership with a clean slate – or a slate that’s as clean as you can make it. That’s doubly true with stepfamilies. As many income, asset, debt, child custody, estate and business issues as pos-sible should be identified and solutions put in place before the family is legally joined.

Make a fresh estate plan. Financial experts say it’s time to review all money issues whenever you face a major life event, and remarriage or re-partnership certainly qualifies. Even if the in-dividuals have their own separate estate matters in order, stepfamily issues restart the planning clock on everything.

Plan – or re-plan – your retirement. You may have planned a great retirement with a former spouse or on your own, but what if your future spouse hasn’t? Whatever steps you’ve both taken toward retirement, you need to review your strategies so you can retire comfortably together.

Bottom line: Money issues complicate all relationships. But stepfamilies have unique, detailed planning needs that should be discussed and settled before marriage or move-in.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.


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CIVIC BEAT

Civil rights leader Benjamin Chavis, now president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, says he en-visions Black newspapers as becoming the “new main-

stream” rather than an alternative press as it is often called.

“The Black Press, I believe has an opportunity where it can make even more traction than it has in the past,” Chavis said in a recent interview with the Trice Edney News Wire. “In oth-er words, I don’t see the Black press as a side press from the mainstream press. I want the Black press to become the new mainstream because the demographics are changing.”

Chavis was among the speakers at a gala celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the Washington Informer Newspaper, pub-lished by NNPA member Denise Rolark Barnes. Black-owned newspapers are often called specialty, alternative or minority press by government agencies and corporate America.

But, according to an analysis of U. S. Census Bureau population stats, people of color, including African-Americans, will gradu-ally increase to become a clear majority of America’s population over the next four decades.

“All in all, minorities, now 37 percent of the U.S. population, are projected to comprise 57 per-cent of the population in 2060,” according to a U. S. Census report. “The total minority popula-tion would more than double, from 116.2 million to 241.3 million over the period.”

During that period, “the black population is expected to increase from 41.2 million to 61.8 million” as the White population will peak in 2024 - 10 years from now - and then gradually decrease by 20.6 million by 2060, the Census reports.

Chavis sees this increase as a prospective boon for NNPA’s more than 200 Black-owned newspa-pers as it anticipates its 75th anniversary in 2015 - but only if certain strategies are put in place.

First, he said, the Black press must focus on a stronger economic foundation by generating more revenue. African-Americans spend $1.2 trillion dollars a year, he said, noting that Black newspapers must partner with the Black Church, Black banks, Black colleges, and Black orga-nizations to network and support the Black press.

This strategy would require much unity, Chavis says. “This is beyond connecting the dots. The dots have to converge...There’s too much disunity in our community. And I’m not just talking about organizational disunity. I’m talking about disunity even among the so-called personalities...In my long career in civil rights I’ve seen what happens when leadership goes in divergent paths...To me, it’s a disservice to our community to allow personality conflicts to get in the way.”

Secondly, White-owned businesses must be made to understand the value of supporting Black newspapers as businesses and as a sustainable institution, the same as the broadcast media, Chavis says.

“To reach people in our community. They can’t just look at something on TV or hear it on the radio and act. They’ve got to look at it and read it more than once. That’s the value of the Black

print press,” he said. “The pen has to have an economic under-girding so that what is written gets distributed; so that what is written gets circulated. Sometimes we overlook the necessity to the strong economic foundation in our quest for freedom, justice and equality.”

Finally, Chavis said, Black newspapers must take full advan-tage of the digital universe.

“Technology, particularly digital technology can be a great equalizer. Some people think the digital will supplant the print. I don’t. To me, the digital will make more valuable the print press because every day it’s about the content. We have the content, but we have not aggregated the content,” he said.

Denise Rolark Barnes, who has been publisher of the Informer for 20 years, succeeded her now late father, Dr. Calvin Rolark, a prominent D.C. businessman and Black leader. Barnes recalls how the Black press has led America’s media when it comes to many of the issues that have now emerged as headline news

for White-owned media, such as police brutality, economic justice and voting rights.

“The more you do it, the more stories you realize need to be told; the more you realize that our community, our Black history every day is being thrown away,” says Barnes, in an exhibit hall showing historic front pages and photos from the Informer. “I’ve learned that history does repeat itself and is repeating itself.”

Hundreds of people packed into the Carnegie Library in Downtown Washington, DC to salute the Informer and its legacy during the event in late fall.

Iconic radio talk show host Joe Madison recalled how the Black press has been so audience-specific that readers know that those who advertise in Black newspapers specifically want to reach Black people. “It means it’s for us,” Madison said.

Madison also underscored Black newspapers as a chronicler of Black history. “Most of us would not have known about Emmett Till had it not been for the Black Press. Most of us wouldn’t have known, quite honestly about Martin Luther King Jr. if it wasn’t for the Black Press because White media certainly wasn’t publicizing it...The Black Press is, as Frederick Douglass would probably say, our North Star.”

Ben Chavis is one who has benefited tremendously from the Black press. He is one of the his-toric Wilmington 10, who was pardoned by North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue two years ago in a 1971 firebombing amidst the civil rights struggle. The pardon finally came after the Wilmington Journal of North Carolina, published by Mary Alice Thatch, escalated the campaign for justice.

Concludes Chavis, “It is in the business of not only reporting the news, but defending the news when it comes to the interest of Black people. That’s what gives the Black press its unique value, not only to Black America, but to the rest of America.”

As NNPA Prepares for 75th Anniversary:President Envisions Black Press as ‘Mainstream’By Hazel Trice Edney TriceEdneyWire.com

NNPA President Benjamin Chavis

Photo by Roy Lewis/Trice Edney News Wire


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Bookkeeper - PT for Church - G/L, A/R, A/P, Pay-roll, ACS exp. beneficial, office [email protected]

VOICE COACH WANTED 804-638-4488

Residentialfor Rent

Apartment ReferralServices Policy

Apartment referral ser-vice companies sell lists ofavailable apartments forrent in your area. Pleaseread contracts thoroughlyto ensure that you under-stand and agree to all theterms and the cancellationpolicy of the contract.

APARTMENTS UNFURN.

CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES

Employers arelookingfor greatemployees!Check our joblistings weekly.

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WAYSIDE TOWNHOUSEAPARTMENTS

On Wayside Dr. Large 2 BR $775& 3 BR $850. No pets (exceptservice animals). Chalkley

Elementary, Manchester MiddleSchool.Move in Special!

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CIVIC BEAT

Website: www.CVAACC.org | Email: [email protected]

Sometimes the very consumers who need health care the most are the least likely to enroll. This has been one of the chal-

lenges faced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the federal agency responsible for administering the Affordable Care Act.

To meet this challenge, the agency is looking to Silicon Valley for help. This week, HHS an-nounced an innovative collaboration effort with tech firms PayNearMe, Monster.com, and Peers.org, to bring important Open Enroll-ment information to low-income and other traditionally hard-to-reach communities.

Monster.com, for example, is already the coun-try’s largest online platform for job seekers, counting more than 200 million registered users. The job site reaches a vast amount of unemployed and under-employed Americans -- precisely the audience that is likely to be uninsured. Through part-nership with HHS, Monster.com will provide tips and advice on open enrollment through the company’s blog.

Similarly, Peers.org has agreed to post information about Healthcare.gov on their website, and will host a live video chat with HHS officials to answer questions from the Peers community.

Perhaps the most interesting partnership involves the electronic cash transaction company PayNearMe. PayNearMe’s customer base is made up of individuals who operate in the cash economy. This includes low-income consumers and those who have limited or no access to a bank account. Almost half of this segment are people of color.

The company allows the cash-preferring people to pay their monthly bills - rent, electricity, water, etc. - in cash at their local 7-Eleven and Family Dollar stores, without the high fees that generally accompany

pre-paid debit cards and money orders, and with the convenience of same-day payment.

Between November 15th and February 15th, the 2015 open enrollment deadline, all PayNearMe receipts printed at 7,800 7-Elev-en stores nationwide will include informa-tion about upcoming enrollment deadlines and encouragement to explore tax benefits and new plans at HealthCare.gov.

PayNearMe receipt reminders serve as an innovative way to literally place coverage information into the hands of tradition-ally hard to reach consumers, because the receipts serve as proof of payment of im-portant expenditures, and are therefore carefully scrutinized and held onto by the customers.

As HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell put it, “These innovative companies help us to reach our consumers where they are with the in-formation they need to sign up and reenroll in quality, affordable care through the Health Insurance Marketplace.” It’s a great idea.

The government sector sometimes gets a bad reputation for lacking imagination and innovation. It’s refreshing to see HHS step outside of Washington, D.C. to take advantage of the tech community to extend

their reach and better communicate with their underserved constituents.

Benjamin Todd Jealous is a Partner at Kapor Capital and former President & CEO of the NAACP. Kapor Capital is an investor in PayNe-arMe, and he serves as Board Observer for the company.

Tech Innovators Help bring Health Care to Hard-to-Reach ConsumersBy Benjamin Todd Jealous

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MADE MERRY

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• ONLINE at MartinsFoods.com

• IN-STORE by visiting our Deli department

• PHONE by calling 1-877-265-9811

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