Cultivating Compassion

I’ve often wondered, in a real spiritual sense, what it would take to heal the many broken communities across this country. These communities are wastelands of enormous potential. When I search my soul, a word constantly resonates deeply and strongly. The word is “compassion, compassion!” Webster defines compassion as a sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. In my life, I have had many examples of this consciousness. Most of them have been strong women throughout history, some known to the world, some known to a few, but all driven by the same desire to alleviate suffering, for example Dorothy Height, Shirley Chisholm, and Maxine Waters. Many have experienced this compassion closer to home, from grandmothers, mothers, and aunts. Sometimes there have been other women in the community whose impact has left far-reaching effects. I was fortunate to witness a firsthand account of this compassion as my grandmother cared for my bedridden grandfather until his passing. This experience and others have cultivated my compassion. In return it allowed me to be a caretaker for my mother years later until her passing. Compassion can sometimes show itself in many ways: healing the sick, feeding the poor, or just a kind gesture that leads to an uplifting of broken spirits. One person in particular known for her compassion is Joy Sidney, small in stature, but has a big heart. I have been blessed to know and work with her on several community projects such as the school backpack drive, which she started a few years ago. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Joy and this is what she had to say:

Q. Joy, tell us a little something about you?

A. A little something about me, I have been gifted with an opportunity to help our community children.

Q. What is it that makes you feel so much love in your heart for people?

A. Divine goodness. I can’t take credit.

Q. What was your inspiration for the backpack drive?

A. The children, along with the diligence of United Stylist (US) Community Support, inspires the school supply drive.

Q. What is the single greatest reward you have received from such a community contribution?

A. The smiles on the faces of children, parents, and volunteers.

Q. Where do you see the love that you have for the community taking you in the future?

A. Last year, we were recognized as one of the largest drives in the Tennessee Valley. We must go into the community and physically work to make a difference.


Q. How do we contact you if we want to volunteer?

A. To volunteer with the "Got Your Backpack and School Supplies" School Supply Drive, email us at jsidne256@aol.com or call 256.513.3634.

We don’t have to be superheroes to confront pain and suffering. All we have to do is feel love for each other, and compassion is the trigger mechanism. It allows us to connect to humanity and to feel a deeper sense of responsibility for the things that are happening around us. Responsibility in turn breeds purpose, and purpose creates opportunity. Opportunity gives us the chance to release our full potential as “Human Beings.” We begin to feel more connected to people and life is made fuller when we experience it at this level.


“ Pouring compassion is water on dry dirt—something’s got to Grow!”– Dwight Pope

UNCF Gala

An evening of elegance, inspiration, and excellence would be the best way to describe the 32nd Annual United Negro College Fund (UNCF) “Building Bridges to Opportunity” Gala. The event took place on April 1, 2010 at the Von Braun Center North Hall. This formal affair was filled with dignitaries from Huntsville, AL such as Tommy Battle (Mayor of Huntsville), Dr. Delbert Baker (President of Oakwood University), Dr. Richard Showers (District One Huntsville Council), Dr. Julius Scruggs (President of National Baptist Convention) and several others from across the United States who came to support this special occasion. The Master of Ceremony for the evening was radio personality and program director for WEUP Radio Station Mr. Steve Murry. The event inaugurated with rousing renditions of the “Star –Spangled Banner” and “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” presented by the Oakwood University Aeolians. The Keynote speaker for the evening was Major General Charles F. Bolden, Jr., who was nominated by President Barack Obama, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the twelfth administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on July 17, 2009. As administrator, he leads the NASA team and manages its resources to advance the agency’s missions and goals.
Other highlights of the evening were the presentation of Miss UNCF 2010, Christal Williams, and special presentations by the Gold Sponsor “SAIC” who awarded several high school students with scholarships. This splendid event culminated with a breathtaking performance by the musical guest for the evening, Kirk Whalum, who is one of today’s top saxophonists. This event is definitely one you do not want to miss in years to come and Radar Magazine would like to congratulate Cheri Wilson, Campaign Manager for the UNCF of North Alabama, on a job well done.

Federal Contracting Opportunities for Women

Are you a women-owned small business? Do you want to do business with the government?
If your answer is yes, things are looking up!

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently proposed a rule aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSB). This proposed rule will expand opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts, in particular those owned by women, minorities and veterans.

While women-owned firms in this country employ 13.1 million people, just 2.7 percent of Federal Recovery Act contracts have been awarded to women-owned firms. Only 3.4 percent of all federal contracts are awarded to woman-owned companies, despite the federal government having a goal of awarding 5 percent of contracts to women-owned firms.

This proposed rule identifies 83 industries (identified by “NAICS” codes) in which WOSBs are under-represented or substantially under-represented in the federal contract marketplace. For a full listing of these 83 codes, go to the Government Procurement Assistance Center under Services at website www.wbcna.org/.

“We are excited about this proposed rule,” says Stephanie Sellers, who is WBCNA’s Program Manager and Certified in Federal Contracting, “because this rule is aimed at leveling the playing field for women-owned small businesses to compete for and win federal contacts.” The federal government has an existing statutory goal that 5 percent of federal contracting dollars go to women-owned small businesses. Other goals are:
- 23% of prime contracts for small businesses
- 5% of prime and subcontracts for small disadvantaged businesses
- 3% of prime and subcontracts for HUBZone businesses
- 3% of prime and subcontracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses
Some of the components of the proposed rule include:
• To be eligible, a firm must be 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more women, and primarily managed by one or more women. The women must be U.S. citizens.

• The firm must be “small” in its primary industry in accordance with SBA’s size standards for that industry. For size standards in each industry, go to SBA’s website at http://www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities/officials/size/index.html.

• The proposed rule authorizes a set-aside of federal contracts for WOSBs where the anticipated contract price does not exceed $5 million in the case of manufacturing contracts and $3 million in the case of other contracts. Contracts with values in excess of these limits are not subject to set-aside under this program.

• The proposed rule allows women-owned small businesses to self-certify as “WOSBs” or to be certified by third-party certifiers, including government entities and private certification groups.
More and more small business owners want to do business with the Government in our region and that is only going to increase as BRAC continues to bring in more Federal work and contractors to support it. As such, the WBCNA announced in January the establishment of a Government Procurement Assistance Center (GPAC) to help small businesses learn how to compete in that market.

While the WBCNA has been coaching and training existing and aspiring government contractors for years, the plan is to enhance our offerings to better serve entrepreneurs in North Alabama. The following services are being offered:
• One-on-one customized coaching
• CCR registration assistance
• NAICS codes identification
• Online training
• Certifications (8A, HUBZone, MBE, WBE, DBE)
• Networking opportunities and business matchmaking
• Assistance with Capabilities Statement development
• Identification of small business contacts (government and prime)
• Website resources
• Identification of business opportunities and bid match assistance

Training is a major component of the GPAC. Workshops on the following topics will be among those offered throughout the year:

• 12-Step Program for Doing Business with the Government
• Certifications (8A, HUBZone, MBE, WBE, DBE)
• How to Successfully Market Your Small Business to the Government Sector
• GSA Schedules - What are They and How to Use Them
• Government Contractor Accounting Made Easy
• Mentor-Protégé Program
• Developing Entrepreneurial Skills
To learn more about doing business with the government, call 256-535-2038 to schedule an appointment with a business coach, or go online to www.wbcna.org. WBCNA is conveniently located in the Chamber of Commerce at 225 Church Street.

By Joanne W. Randolph, WBCNA President & CEO

She walks firmly outside the box

Let’s face it; society has always imposed its will on our way of thinking. Many of us are leery of this but as soon as we stop reasoning about it, we tend to get drawn right there among the masses unconsciously going with the flow. Since day one, the ways of life of mankind have been greatly influenced by written and unwritten precepts that “the machine” or “the man” has laid down. This exists all over the world. People typically adjust and take it one day at a time. The system is beneficial to some and not so beneficial to others – this of course, is old news. The system is what it is and our reality as it pertains to it is based upon how we choose to view it.

The physical man has been unfairly deemed (via society/science) the dominant species of the male/female genders. Sometimes when people read/hear information like the aforementioned, we tend to minimize the value of contributions of females towards the betterment of mankind. Although ill-intent may not be the catalyst, we may also place the male on a pedestal and view the female in a subservient capacity. This way of thinking has been manifest since the beginning of time. The repetitive nature of this mindset passed down from generation to generation does nothing but fuel the engine of the big myth, however, millions of women over the years have taken that same fuel and rightly utilized it for motivation. In doing so, women who strive to take it higher are automatically walking firmly outside the box.

It is no secret that the woman has more forces acting upon her, than the man as she perseveres through the intrepid journey down the road to success. Not only does she have to deal with myths, stereotypes, and societal billings, but via her natural sense of nurturing and caring, depending on the magnitude of the situation, her emotions or feelings could potentially be a factor as well, but regardless, through her faith and inner strength she deals with it and presses forward. The strength of a woman marching into success outside the box is stronger than that of a freight train engine. Yes talent and ability are essential; but resolve, will, and sheer determination have to show up on the score board as well.

It is weird how the driven female not only has to walk under a “male-powered microscope,” but there are cases where other females have their “security cameras” on them as well. Let’s just be real, a driven person already generates energy. Now if that person happens to be a female, not only is energy created, but a buzz, chatter, trends, and any other signal that something is happening, is too. With the buzz comes challenges. The main challenge may be that when society detects a bound and determined female marching at a high rate of speed towards her goals, two things can potentially take place: 1. In a public forum, this is considered great and very inspirational. 2. However behind some closed doors the very same achievement could be viewed as threatening. This is how society has been programmed, but the great thing about it is the fact that many women for years, have by-passed this program and have achieved everything with flying colors. Furthermore, their influence on other aspiring women has a greater impact than the great accomplishment itself.

To me, there is nothing more powerful and influential on God’s Green Earth, than a woman accomplishing her goals regardless of what society dictates. She defies the odds every time she walks the good walk. If she has her mind set on certain endeavors, she is already outside of the box (per what she has to contend with). She is a force to be reckoned with after having to deal with previously immovable obstacles.

If a man had to walk in a woman’s shoes for an hour, could you imagine the aftereffects? I liken the woman’s influence to the force which keeps the world spinning on its axis. A womanless world is a non-existing world. I thank God for her; because she is LIFE.

© 2010
Marc Lacy
Poet * Author * Lecturer

PERSONAL BUDGET & SAVING TIPS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Tonya Douglas
Banking Center Manager, RBC Bank, Huntsville, Ala.

Successful women in business know how important it is to keep customers’ needs at the forefront of those to-do lists. We would never let our good customers get stretched too thin. However, many women I know don’t put themselves in the same category as their customers. They don’t think of their own needs as a top priority, and that can be a mistake, especially when it comes to managing personal finances.

It’s as important for women in business, as it is for every consumer, to remember to pay yourself first. Harness the power of compounding. Keep three to six months of savings on hand for emergencies. If those three statements seem as unrealistic to you as “flying to the moon,” then you may need to develop a little self-confidence in your fiscal plan.

You First
Many wonder how it’s possible to pay yourself first when your creditors seem to have such big, recurring appetites each month. The answer is, start small, but start. You don’t have to reserve a lot of money for the “pay yourself first” category, but if you take the amount of money you typically spend once a week on lunch and set that amount aside in a savings account for a set period of time – say 90 days, you will accomplish three important things:

1) You will prove to yourself that you actually can save money.
2) You will begin to earn interest on your savings – and as a result will have accumulated a little more than if you had put the money under the mattress.
3) You will have made a start on building -- or rebuilding -- your rainy day fund.

At the end of 90 days, you can evaluate whether savings should be a larger amount of your weekly or monthly budget and you can adjust accordingly with the confidence that you are up to the challenge of saving.

Compounding Magic
It is very important to remember that it is never too late to start saving. If you are 50, compounding is just as powerful as it is for 20-year-olds. And let’s face it, most 20-year-olds are not likely to look at an activity called “retirement” and think it is very relevant to them. For 20-somethings, the cumulative effect of even modest savings contributions (plus interest) makes a relatively small amount of savings grow surprisingly quickly into a substantial nest egg.

Whether you are 20 or 70, the power of compounding works the same way. For older savers, the shorter time horizon means the cumulative positive impact will not be as impressive as for younger savers. Nevertheless, it is never too late, for anyone at any age, to start saving and realizing the magical power of compound interest for long-term goals.

Rainy Day Fund
Once you are in the habit of saving and have started seeing your principal and interest working together, it is important for you to understand that some savings are long-term and some are short-term. In other words, your emergency fund and your retirement fund are not the same thing.

When you are paying yourself first, you might want to consider dividing your “personal payment” into two categories. One portion goes for long-term savings such as retirement or a future down payment for a house, and one portion goes for the emergency fund, the rainy day fund.

The current economy makes having an emergency savings fund more important than ever before. In a slower economy, it can take longer to find a job – or a better paying job – than it might have in the past. So, having a fund to fall back on in the case of a job loss or surprise expense is especially critical now.

Most experts advise that you should add to your emergency fund until you have built up enough savings to cover your living expenses for three to six months. While that can seem a little daunting, even having a little money set aside can make the difference when you find yourself facing an unexpected car repair, medical emergency or similar unbudgeted expense.

Budget with Savings in Mind
You know when you build your budget to take into account your current take-home pay and your current monthly expenses, but remember to add savings to the mix.

Pay yourself first. Put your savings into one or more interest-bearing accounts. Make sure that you are making long-term plans, but are also ready for short-term cash needs. Starting to save today will put you in a position to weather short-term storms and prepare you for long-term success. That is as much a truth of personal finance as it is a business basic.

This article is provided by RBC Bank. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making financial decisions. RBC Bank does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your own financial, tax or legal advisor.

About RBC Bank
RBC Bank, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., offers a wide range of financial services and advice to individuals, businesses and public institutions throughout the Southeast. RBC Bank’s network includes more than 430 full-service banking centers in six states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia), an extensive ATM network and telephone and online banking. RBC Bank is the 38th largest U.S. bank by consolidated assets, according to SNL Financial’s List of the Nation’s 50 Largest Banks, September 2, 2009. RBC Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) (RY on the TSX and NYSE), Canada's largest and most stable bank as measured by assets and market capitalization. In August 2009, Global Finance Magazine ranked RBC as the safest bank in the Western Hemisphere. RBC is also one of the world's financial, social and environmental corporate leaders, having appeared on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index every year since its creation in 1999. Additional information about RBC Bank may be found at www.rbcbankusa.com.

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Parenthood vs. Professionalism

Over the past 30 years women have been ushered into the professional arena, often standing side by side with their male counterparts. In 1967 only 27.7% of homes had working mothers. However, by 2007 63.3% of families had working mothers. (As seen below)

Due to a shift in economics, household dynamics have taken a drastic shift causing many women to seek job positions outside the home, while still trying to hold together the family unity. Children have been put into the trusted hands of caregivers to carry out some of the jobs that mothers were once solely responsible for. Men have been forced to take a more active role in the household responsibilities and childcare duties, which in many ways can be viewed as positive for the children, because they get to see both parents take care of them, not just one. The necessity for two parents working instead of one, to carry the financial responsibility of the household, has caused many mothers to feel guilty and distressed about leaving their children in the hands of someone else. “Women, don’t distress, it is not your fault,” the society we live in today dictates that in many instances if both parents don’t work, the family would be living in or close to the poverty level.

The desire to provide a comfortable living for your family should never be viewed as neglect, but as a source of family security for current and future needs. “Real Parenting,” involves making wise choices for your children and not letting the TV, video games, internet programs, and outside sources do it for you. Here are a few tips to parents on ways to continue family unity: 1) Never neglect family time, plan activities that you and your children can share with just mom and dad. 2) Weekends can be especially fun when parents are not scheduled to work, because it gives a longer time period for families to spend together. 3) Share time with extended family when possible. Family unity also includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Sometimes family can assist with childcare when the family budget is strained or there is a desire for children to be close to grandparents, or family that lives close to the home.
All parents feel a need to spend time and money on themselves, but remember children will only be children once in their lives. So, sometimes we have to put some of our needs aside and concentrate on family and what is best for all of us. Spending less money on hair-dos, beautiful nails, and fancy clothes allows for more money to be spent on your children. Mothers, love your children, make the sacrifices for them, you won’t regret it, because that’s what you call, “Real Parenting.”
Note: Visit my website www.joneia.com and answer the question listed below. I will post your response in the next issue.
Question: Have both parents working outside the home, hurt or helped family dynamics?

Love Always,
Joneia P. Brown