Time flies, even from the garage. I am grateful for that; I like to be busy during all waking moments. November was busy enough that December has caught me by surprise. Tomorrow, December 1 is Giving Tuesday! There are many worthy causes and greater need this year than last. My own priorities shifted as the year progressed. But, I won't forget UC ANR. After all, while COVID-19 put the world on pause ... our mission continues to move forward! I am debating whether or not I will get up early to try to have my contribution matched. Starting at 12:01 am on Dec. 1 gifts to the UC ANR, Statewide Programs, and Extension locations will be MATCHED!! UC ANR has a match pool of $15,000 to match gifts and double the impact! ucanr.edu/GivingTuesday. Given that I don't have trouble sleeping, I won't count on a match.
Cyber Monday is not conducive to a strong internet connection. Hopefully the week improves. Fortunately, the calendar is exceptionally light this week though I would hate to miss out on any portion of them due to poor connectivity.
Despite only catching about 60 percent of the conversation, a group of us had an interesting call this morning with counterparts in Nevada to think how we might partner more to leverage resources and reach more people without increasing any individual's workload. Programs touched on include 4-H, Master Gardener, Master Food Preserver, and Master Naturalist. I believe there to be considerable potential for a strong return on the investment and look forward to our next call to see how conversations can progress.
Later this week the Vice Chancellors for Research have their monthly call, in addition to a special call on Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday is a virtual tour for a few of the Regents and some of our new members on the President's Advisory Commission. I am looking forward to hearing their reactions to learning more about UC ANR. The week winds down with the usual slate of calls for the first Friday of the month (REC directors, County directors, Extension directors).
Overall, my schedule this week is such that it would have made for a great week to travel out to some of the offices or RECs and have a chance to meet with the teams. While that's not possible this week, the time when I can be back doing so will be here before we know it! In the meantime, it is good to know that I can support the work through Giving Tuesday!