Center’s Blog
Use this page to stay up-to-date on COVID-19, homeland security emergency management, campus safety, job resources, career pathways, upcoming webinars, scholarships, Washington State news and more.
“Whither Emergency Management?” – September 2020
“Whither Emergency Management?” Emergency Management, Once Removed By Jim Mullen Prompted by a series of racially charged incidents involving the use of force by police, the Seattle City Council is intent on reducing or “redirecting” SPD’s budget resources. Among the Mayor’s counter - proposals is the transfer of the [...]
Rising Star Award
“In November of 2019, I established the Rising Star award at the Center to recognize and honor individuals in the all-hazard emergency management profession who have assisted his or her community in a positive and productive way. The Center has always been focused on student success and helping people [...]
Exploration Guide for All Hazard Emergency Management Careers
HSEM Center - Our History In the aftermath of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) developed standards for planning, responding to, and recovering from similar terrorist attacks. Through Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8) the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Management System (ICS) was [...]
“In the Wrong Hands” – August 2020
"In the Wrong Hands" By Jim Mullen Emergency Management, Once Removed It is long past time to restructure or eliminate the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Reservations expressed at its inception about the potential abuses of power that such an agency might commit were ignored. Post 9/11, such [...]
Work Plan Summary
Activity 1: Diversity within the Community and Technical Colleges System – Recovering and Eliminating Systemic Racism and Implicit Bias The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) new vision statement, “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that [...]
Strategic Planning Summary
Our Center had its Strategic Planning Session this year in a span of four meetings with its Advisory Board members, Senior Fellows, and staff members. We would like to thank Mark Todd who facilitated our sessions and helped format the structure of the meetings, which provided a wonderful and [...]
Wizard of Oz: Leadership with Sincerity
By Linda Crerar John Lewis, the U.S. Congressman from Atlanta, Georgia, sadly died on July 17, 2020 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Lewis was a civil rights activist who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the1960s for equality, justice, and peace. Throughout his life, Lewis [...]
Staying emotionally well during the COVID-19 Pandemic
We know this is a trying time for all of us and in these times of so much uncertainty, there can be a lot of stress, anxiety and fear. We are all trying our best to support and work with our wonderful students, which is why it’s even more [...]
Confluence News Magazine: Memorial Day (2020)
Confluence serves as an intersection where we share events, interests, and important information about our Center and the state’s all-hazard emergency management pathway programs.
Congratulations Graduates of 2020
Congratulations Graduates of 2020 By Kellie Hale Being in a graduating class for 2020 has been a tumultuous time. None of us expected the current events to such a huge impact on our daily routines or scheduled plans (e.g. graduation ceremonies). I am a part of the graduating class [...]
Vets 4 Hire Fellowship Program
The Vets 4 HIRE Fellowship Program to support military service personnel and veterans in making a successful transition from military to civilian employment and to provide a pipeline of skilled veteran talent for positions within King County.
Mental Wellness and Resiliency
Mental Wellness and Resiliency: Adjusting to Life and Addressing Challenges During Uncertain Times By Ryann Leonard, PhD Feeling fatigued? More impatient than normal? Are you finding it hard to balance working from or just being at home? You are not alone. These are all signs that your mental wellness [...]
The National Center for Campus Public Safety
The National Center for Campus Public Safety's (NCCPS or the National Center) mission is to bring together all forms of campus public safety, professional associations, advocacy organizations, community leaders, and others to improve and expand services to those who are charged with providing a safe environment on the campuses of the nation's colleges and universities.
The Cascadia Playbook
A Cascadia event is based on the threat of a catastrophic magnitude 9.0 Subduction Zone earthquake and resultant tsunami.
COVID-19 – What You Can Do to Help
What you can do The State of Washington is seeking to fill shortages of specific personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection-control products. The Department of Health is supporting enrollment and activation of emergency volunteer health practitioners for the COVID-19 response. There's a vital need for blood donors right now. [...]
Confluence News Magazine: June (2020)
Confluence serves as an intersection where we share events, interests, and important information about our Center and the state’s all-hazard emergency management pathway programs.
Confluence News Magazine – May (2020)
Confluence serves as an intersection where we share events, interests, and important information about our Center and the state’s all-hazard emergency management pathway programs.
Leaders Helping Veterans to Successful Civilian Employment Transitions
Leaders Helping Veterans to Successful Civilian Employment Transitions: An Interview with Center’s Advisory Board Member, Steve Vincent, PMP By Linda Crerar There is an increased demand in all sectors of the community for professionals, who understand the complex nature of Public Safety, Security and Emergency Management.
Safe Start Washington
Safe Start Washington Governor Jay Inslee, in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health, has established a data-driven approach to reopen Washington and modify physical distancing measures while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19. This approach reduces the risk of COVID-19 to Washington’s most vulnerable populations and preserves [...]
Emergency Management Once Removed by Jim Mullen
Jim Mullen has spent three decades in emergency management, including 12 years at the local level as director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management and 8 and a half years as Washington State’s Emergency Management Division Director. Jim retired from state service in March 2013. Jim also served as President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) from January 2011 to October 2012. He is currently sole proprietor of “EM Northwest Consulting” based in Seattle.
When Disruption Becomes the New Normal
When Disruption Becomes the New Normal: Resilience and Connection within the Education Community By Kellie Hale Community colleges and universities across the state of Washington have all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, instructors were ordered to move their classes online so students could complete their course [...]
Washington 2-1-1: Helps Connect You to Community Resources Statewide
2-1-1 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, childcare, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. 2-1-1 is always ready to assist you in finding the help you need. Dial the [...]
Interview with Ryann Leonard, Criminal Justice Faculty
Interview with Ryann Leonard, Criminal Justice Faculty at Big Bend Community College and Highline College How has operations changed? Ryann Leonard: For me, very little has changed. I have been teaching fully online for several quarters. The difference for me is I have set up more check-ins with students [...]
Interview with Darren Linker, Occupational Health & Safety Degree Program
Interview with Darren Linker, Director of the Occupational Health & Safety Degree Program at Pierce College and Edmonds Community College How are your students coping with the change? How are you coping? Darren Linker: The biggest impact for me is the adjustment to working from home, and the challenge [...]
Washington Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters
Marty Grisham: Washington Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters and the Importance of Volunteers By Kellie Hale Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month in the United States? It is a month where the importance of volunteering is recognized and honored. To celebrate volunteers and their contributions (particularly [...]