Taking Responsibility in One Accord

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is powered by the efforts and impact of its statewide programs and academic research. A critical component of our success is in large part due to collaboration. Although the needs of every county and community in California differ, our approach to partnership development, internal and external, doesn't have to be.

In alliance with Staff Assembly Council, Workplace Inclusion and Belonging presents Taking Responsibility in One Accord. TaRO was initiated thanks to a grant awarded by UC President Drake that challenges grantees to address bias and bigotry. 

TaRO is a training focused on equity as a framework for community organizing and service. Using an equity framework can help combat bias and bigotry in the workplace – an unconscious reality that hinders our ability to succeed and be effective – by revealing the ways in which we unknowingly exclude, dismiss or overshadow those we aim to serve.

Our ideal audience for this training is UC ANR employees (staff and academics alike) who have made concerted efforts to build rapport with diverse clientele and seek guidance in elevating their impact as a leader in the community. 

Objectives

1. Pinpoint the fundamental barriers that hinder progress in serving the community across all disciplines represented in a space (staff vs. academics, statewide programs vs. county-specific projects, etc.)
2. Develop a capacity for greater resilience and purpose for dealing with challenging situations and uncertainty.
3. Acquire tools and frameworks that will assist in effective problem-solving.

Interested in applying?

Whether you are ANR staff or an academic, if you are genuinely interested in understanding and employing an equity framework in your role, we encourage you to apply. To ensure that all participants are intentional about this opportunity, and because all travel expenses are reimbursed, spots are limited and participants will be selected based on the quality of their application. 

APPLY HERE

Applications are due on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 11:59pm.

Tentative Itinerary

Dates: March 19-20, 2025

Location: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550)

Guest Facilitator: Dr. Nia Imani Fields

Dr. Nia Imani Fields is an educator and advocate for social justice. She was born and raised in New York. Having been raised in a family where education, purpose, and community were foundational--it's no surprise she has spent her career working with youth, organizations and communities. 

Dr. Fields has a doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership and a M.S. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy with a focus in Community and Youth Development. Throughout her career, her focus has been to work towards the positive development of youth, families, and communities.

Dr. Fields has been appointed as Professor Emerita from the University of Maryland, College Park. While at the University, Dr. Fields served as the Assistant Director of Extension and Maryland 4-H Program Leader. In this role, Dr. Fields provided leadership and direction for 4-H Youth Development programs, faculty and staff.

Her research interests center around positive youth development’s relationship to social capital and social justice. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Director for a national nonprofit where she supported a strategic vision towards economic mobility and well-being for young adults across the country. 

Day 1: Wednesday, Mar. 19 | Afternoon/evening

On the first day, we'll welcome all participants over dinner and a social hour in the late afternoon/evening. Aside from getting to know your fellow colleagues, we'll also engage in activities to help us prepare for our full day of TaRO training.

Location: TBD

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2: Thursday, Mar. 20 | All-day

The second day will be the "bread and butter" of our time together. This is where you'll show up fully present and prepared to engage in meaningful discussion and activities led by our guest facilitator, Dr. Nia Imani Fields. 

Location: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Meals Provided: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (to-go)

Logistics

Nearby Airports:

• Oakland International Airport (~30 miles)
• San Jose Mineta International Airport (~34 miles)

Nearby Hotels:

• Double Tree by Hilton Livermore (720 Las Flores Rd, Livermore, CA 94551)
• Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn (7600 Southfront Rd, Livermore, CA 94551)
• Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Livermore Wine Country (1700 N Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94551)

Meet the Coordinators

Elizabeth Moon | Director, Workplace Inclusion and Belonging

Saoimanu Sope | Chair, Staff Assembly Council