This week has been a whirlwind. I almost missed posting. Between Program Council, annual review conversations and paperwork, and moving forward on Immunization Education and Small Farms opportunities, plus random other meetings, I am struggling to keep my ‘to-do' list updated.

I attended a portion of the UC CORO graduation. I had a chance to meet with this cohort when they first started their journey. That may have been in January 2020; it's difficult to recall exactly but it was back when we did things in person. Jing Yu, from our Oakland office was our UC ANR graduate. Congratulations, Jing! The Northern cohort developed an anti-racism learning and reflection tool and user guide for supervisors and staff. The intent is that leaders of staff set the stage for widespread anti-racism across UC. Take a look at the cohort's deliverable consider integrating into your own personal and professional growth activities. I liked the emphasis on the opportunity for an individual to be the change and continue ensuring that the conversation is a movement, and not a moment. Another great link is the UCOP anti-racism resources page.

UC ANR's own staff assembly team continue to be active. For a second year, The ANR Staff Assembly Council is sponsoring the ANR Grows Program f to encourage ANR Staff to grow their own healthy food. Inspired by the Victory Gardens during World War II and implemented during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program goal is to inspire staff to channel their energy into cultivating their own food. The program reimburses ANR staff up to $50 for soil, seeds, transplants, compost, and gardening supplies and was wildly successful last year, with 114 staff members participating. A few ANR staff members who got growing with the seed money from ANR Staff Assembly shared some of their thoughts and photosof their gardens with the ANR Employee News. Applications are open for the current year through May 15, 2021 for all staff who would like help starting a garden. Don't wait to apply – gardening season is already here!

Also occurring for a second year, ANR Learning and Development is sponsoring the Staff Mentorship Program. This is another exciting opportunity for staff career development. The program is unique in that the mentors are both staff and academics, providing a breadth of experiences and perspectives for the staff mentees. The call for mentees is currently open and all interested staff are encouraged to participate in the informational webANR on May 20, 2021 and chat with past participants.

I have quite a bit of gardening to do this weekend. I hear the weather will be beautiful for spending the weekend outside. I hope you each get a chance to enjoy the outdoors.