Welcome to the TOGETHER@WORK Blog. This is Elizabeth, UC ANR's director of workplace inclusion and belonging. In this new blog, we will celebrate our community; engage in deeper learning around issues of equity, diversity and inclusion; and communicate how UC ANR is moving towards aligning values, behaviors and policies to uplift practices of inclusion and belonging.

I am energized by the passion and collective dedication I have experienced connecting with ANR employees across the organization. Many have shared their personal stories, suggestions, and work being done/completed on issues encompassing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. 

Attending the statewide conference, meeting with many of you – engaging in conversations of learning, laughter and moments of true connection – solidified my gratitude for joining the ANR community. During the conference, a good number of colleagues took up the call to respond to a long survey around the historical, current and future focus for work within my role.

Another group shared their artistic talents in visualizing inclusion and belonging at ANR. We are currently hosting a final survey for everyone to choose their top six entries to be highlighted on our upcoming Inclusion & Belonging website, as well as published as postcards for us to share within and outside ANR. 

VOTE HERE BY JUNE 1: bit.ly/ANRPostcardContest2023

Photo: Scott Brayton | Tagline: Selena Syrett and Andrea RayRay

One theme that has been shared many times with me is the idea of connection and shared values of community. To learn more and gain expertise and recommendations, I have begun to travel to UCCE and REC sites to meet with staff and academics. This past week I traveled to the South Coast REC in Irvine and the Imperial County UCCE office in Holtville. What an honor to engage in these communities – learning more about the research and community work and seeing in person how deep relationships are built across California.

The colleagues I met with shared their top three moments of their experience in this past year. For example, Jose Vallejo (Community Education Specialist) shared the joy of returning to his elementary school and walking in and seeing his teachers and working alongside children in his old classroom and truly connecting with them through games and hands-on activities to teach more about healthy choices. 

I enjoyed my visit with Imperial County UCCE staff & academics! Left to right: Lupe Ibarra, Rigoberto Ponce, Martha Lopez, Nannette Kniffin, Jennifer Garcia, Tayebeh Hosseini Yazdi, Christopher Wong, Jose Vallejo, Jessica Delgado, Elizabeth Moon, Ana Resendiz, Ali Montazar, Cuong Nguyen (photographer), Brooke Latack

In this and other shared stories, what I heard was the commitment to create spaces for human flourishing. As I continue to meet with ANR colleagues throughout the state to revitalize and refresh our Living Principles of Community and gain a deeper understanding of how these continue to be operationalized within the work we do, I believe our mission to build out inclusive, diverse, equitable and culturally competent workplaces will continue to successfully grow and achieve success.

Interested in sharing ideas and challenges? Please visit the following feedback form: https://forms.gle/AWCinz3MYWGhzH5n9

Wish to discuss an issue directly with me, email: emoon@ucanr.edu, call 530-883-1174 (Ext 1612) or connect with me in-person.