Standing together, we cannot be broken!

October 20, 2021

rising beyond the Clouds

This month's Sister Circle Gathering

Commune with us this Sunday, October 24, 2021, in downtown Denver from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., either in person or virtually, for spiritual awakening that, in these times, you can't afford to miss.  Our gathering spot is 725 York Street, Denver, Colorado 80205.  Light refreshments will be served.

  click for Zoom Invitation

Note:  Sisters are asked to please wear face masks.  For anyone who forgets, masks will be provided.  We will practice social distancing.

Sister Nathifa Miller

 Motivational Speaker

Nathifa Miller, JD, CDP, Workforce Development Manager, Equity Specialist.  Nathifa began her career more than 20 years ago as a practicing attorney. She specialized in working with families and children who were at risk of being involved in various “systems.” As an attorney, she provided expert legal advocacy and representation to specialized populations. In this work, she promoted, supported and applied a multidisciplinary approach to address the needs of the entire family. She believed this was an important building block for systems change. This work provided her the opportunity to work across the state of Colorado with local communities and city and state government agencies.  In addition, Nathifa developed various programs such as the Prevention Partnership Program, where she served as the director.  During this chapter of her career, Nathifa developed a passion for public health.  

In 2016, Nathifa accepted a position as the Collective Impact Coordinator for Families Forward Resource Center (FRCA intermediary organization).  In 2017, she transitioned seamlessly into the role as Workforce Development Senior Specialist for the Center for Public Health Practice at the Colorado School of Public Health, and currently holds the position of Workforce Development Manager and Equity Specialist.  In this work she coordinates and provides support, in the area of advanced training and technical Assistance.  As Equity Specialist, she leads all efforts in the development and implementation of customized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training and technical assistance.  As well, Nathifa is Adjunct Professor at the Colorado School of Public Health.  In addition, Nathifa continues in her court appointed position as Vice-Chair, Continuing Legal and Judicial Education Committee, Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation.  Here,  she has been an advocate in advancing the work of equity, and recently partnered to develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee, in which she served as Chair.  The subcommittee was revamped, which is now Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, in which she services as Co-chair.

The Mothers' Corner

Parenting, some might agree, is the most difficult job anyone can have.  This is especially true for mothers of Black children.  Sister-to-Sister, Inc. has created this section of its monthly newsletters with them in mind. Here, we will share some informational sources.  If you have suggested articles, blogs, essays, or books that you would recommend to ease the work of Onyx mothers, please share them at info@sister-to-sister.org.  

*Being a protective Black mother isn't a parenting choice, it's the only choice.  See, https://kiddiemom.wordpress.com/2019/12/29/being-a-protective-black-mom-isnt-a-parenting-choice-its-the-only-choice/

*Being Black is not A Risk Factor: A Strength-based Look at the State of the Blk Child See, https://www.nbcdi.org/sites/default/files/import_files/being-black-not-risk-factor.pdf

(A publication of the National Black Child Development Institute)

*Black and Married with Kids.com https://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/

 Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself. -Cicero

Deconstructing Cravings

The body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat, digesting whatever food you put in it and maintaining homeostasis. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline? I’d like to suggest that cravings are not a problem. They are critical pieces of information that tell you what your body needs. 

The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too restrictive or devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water or more love in your life. The key to stopping the sugar craving is to understand and deliver what your body really needs. 

No book or theory can tell you what to eat. Only awareness of your body and its needs can tell you. Of all the relationships in our lives, the one with our body is the most essential. It takes communication, love and time to cultivate a relationship with your body. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body’s cravings, you will create a deep and lasting level of health and balance. 

The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of a weakness. Try these tips to respond to your body:

• Have a glass of water and wait 10 minutes.

• Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet or root vegetables.

• What is out of balance in your life? Is there something you need to express, or is something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving?

• When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savor it; notice its effect. Then you will become more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time.  

Food Focus: Natural Sweeteners

Who among us doesn’t love sweets? The sweet flavor releases serotonin in our brains, the chemical responsible for our sense of well-being and contentment. But when it comes to sweeteners, not all are created equal. There are side effects and health risks from refined sweeteners like white table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, and from artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet, saccharin and Splenda. Since refined sweeteners have been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fiber, they can spike blood sugar, which can often lead to cravings and mood and energy fluctuations. Instead, using naturally and minimally processed sweeteners can reduce cravings for sugary things. 

Here are a few natural sweeteners to substitute in drinks, food and baking. Since they are all approximately 1.5 times sweeter than refined sugar, you can use less. You can find them in most supermarkets or natural food stores. When replacing sugar with liquid sweeteners in a recipe, reduce the amounts of other liquids. 

Raw Honey

Everyone seems to love honey, one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the market. Honey will have a different flavor depending on the plant source. Some are very dark and intensely flavored. Wherever possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and contains small amounts of enzymes, minerals and vitamins. 

Agave Nectar

Agave is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a "sugar rush." It has a delightfully light and mild flavor.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks. Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best.

Adapted from "The Cane Mutiny," New Age Magazine, March/April 1999.

Recipe of the Month: Maple Fruit Compote with Honey-Ginger Toasted Nuts

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2-3 apples

2-3 peaches or pears 

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 cup raisins 

juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup walnuts or nuts of your choice

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. Wash, core and chop fruit into slices or chunks. 

2. Place in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water. Add the maple syrup and raisins.   

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

4. Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook for another 10 minutes, until soft.

5. While fruit is cooking, place chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

6. Drizzle honey over the nuts and add ginger but keep stirring since the honey can easily burn.

7. Top warm fruit with toasted nuts and enjoy!

Forward to a Friend

It’s such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this blog to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.

Teri Sewell Huff

Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach

and Culinary Nutrition Expert

terisewell@gmail.com

Job Announcements

ACLU of Colorado

Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances

ACLU of Colorado, the state’s oldest and largest civil rights and civil liberties organization, is looking for exceptional candidates for the position of Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances. The Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances is responsible for leading, designing, and directing ACLU of Colorado’s advocacy work, with a focus on strategic issue campaigns. The Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances will develop and oversee effective multi-disciplinary, high-impact campaigns to achieve ACLU policy priorities in state and local governments and through state and local ballot initiatives, along with legal, legislative, communications, and organizing tactics. The Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances will employ policy and political analysis in collaboration with strategic alliances and coalitions, using the tools of lobbying, organizing, and other advocacy strategies to enhance the overall political capacity and effectiveness of the organization and achieve short- and long-term policy and political goals. The Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances reports to the Executive Director and is member of the organization’s senior leadership team. The Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances supervises the legislative, campaigns, and organizing staff, and builds, supports, and inspires new and existing networks of activists and volunteers, building the power and influence of the ACLU of Colorado and its movement partners.

More information available at aclu-co.org.

Colorado Bar Association 

Network Administrator  

Manage network infrastructure, roll out upgrades when needed. Build out new servers as needed.  Manage satellite offices. Ensure stability and security of company computer network (hardware and software) and  websites. Assist staff with computer, technology, website related questions. Perform general department administrative  tasks related to the network infrastructure. Administrator for cybersecurity training platform. 

Hiring Range: $55,000 – $65,000  

 Membership and Sales Assistant  

The Membership and Sales Assistant will fill critical roles in our organizations by providing  exceptional administrative support to the Membership and Sales Manager and Communications  and Membership Director. The Assistant will also be tasked with special projects at the direction  of the Manager and Director. This position reports to the Membership and Sales Manager. 

The role of Assistant emphasizes customer service, organization, initiative, and attention to  detail in performing duties. The ideal candidate must demonstrate a solid understanding of  navigating basic office protocols, elevated social skills, project coordination experience and the  ability to work exceptionally well with all levels of staff, members, and vendors.  

Hourly position; salary range $38,000 - $41,640