- Author: Wendy Powers
I suspect that many look forward with great alacrity to the winter break that is almost here. I don't know about others but I fully expect to see some winter weather though my destination is far less exciting than that of others (The Netherlands, India, Cancun, New Orleans, etc.).
President Napolitano used 'alacrity' in her remarks the other day at the President's Advisory Council (PAC) meeting. Following she was quizzed on the spelling; she did quite well. The President praised UC ANR for our work in response to fires this year. The majority of her comments focused on her acceptance of the committee recommendations for oversight and funding of UC ANR. Members of the PAC had questions for her but, overall the PAC was pleased with the outcome of the committee's work.
During the PAC meeting we learned more about the CARA project that archives UCCE records. Three counties are complete (Ventura, Merced, and Humboldt). Take a look and read through a 1987 issue of Tomato Topics or see a 1932 photo of the historic home that sits on the Hansen REC.
Speaking of history, many are likely familiar with a historic version of the Extension Worker's Creed. But did you know that the creed was recently updated to reflect 21st-century work and priorities? Below are the original version and the updated version.
Original
I Believe in people and their hopes, their aspirations, and their faith; in their right to make their own plans and arrive at their own decisions; in their ability and power to enlarge their lives and plan for the happiness of those they love.
I Believe that education, of which Extension is an essential part, is basic in stimulating individual initiative, self-determination, and leadership; that these are the keys to democracy and that people when given facts they understand, will act not only in their self-interest but also in the interest of society.
I Believe that education is a lifelong process and the greatest university is the home; that my success as a teacher is proportional to those qualities of mind and spirit that give me welcome entrance to the homes of the families I serve.
I Believe in intellectual freedom to search for and present the truth without bias and with courteous tolerance toward the views of others.
I Believe that Extension is a link between the people and the ever-changing discoveries in the laboratories.
I Believe in the public institutions of which I am a part.
I Believe in my own work and in the opportunity I have to make my life useful to humanity.
Because I Believe these things, I am an Extension professional.
Updated
I believe that mutual respect, openness, creativity, and innovation—
the core values of the 21st century—are the hallmarks of Cooperative
Extension work.
I believe that Extension educators are called upon not only to affirm
these values but also to ensure that they comprise an integral part of our work.
I believe that Extension educators constitute the most valuable of all
infrastructure—human infrastructure—and that this deep reservoir built of trust
and collaboration retains an infinite capacity for fostering human achievement.
I believe that we are more than simple purveyors of knowledge—
we are knowledge enablers whose charge is to add value to knowledge by
demonstrating how practical, meaningful, and lasting use can be derived
from it.
I believe that our long-standing experience with an affinity for
collaborative learning reflected in the work of Seaman Knapp and Booker T.
Washington, singularly equip us for the immense challenges that await us in the
21st century.
I believe that the collaborative learning embodied in Extension work is
enhanced by a generous measure of empathy and compassion.
I believe that in an era of frenetic growth punctuated by rampant
scarcity, we are called to be sustainers, securing and enriching the lives and
livelihoods of those we serve without eroding the ability of future generations
to secure and enrich theirs.
I believe that by acknowledging and celebrating our differences, we
enhance opportunities for personal growth and enrichment and secure the
personal freedom of and respect for all.
I believe that the prevailing winds of change are summoning us to do
what we have always done best: to work, to teach, and to inspire through
dialogue and empowerment, demonstrating to our diverse audiences the value
of accepting and embracing change as an inevitable facet of life and as an
opportunity to formulate new ways of thinking, living, and working.
I believe passionately in these ideals and because they embody the
essence of Cooperative Extension work, I proudly proclaim and honor them as my own.
Words may change but what remains the same is the need and value of Cooperative Extension and the greater UC ANR to communities all across California. My New Year's resolution is to remind myself often of my good fortune for being a part of UC ANR.
Happy holidays everyone!