This last town hall I presented the refreshed Principles of Community which took the combined efforts of over 500 UC ANR colleagues and 18 months to finalize. These principles form the foundation of the values that represent our organization and align directly with our Mission 2040 to cultivate thriving communities.  We address the challenges facing communities and intentionally build partnerships, dig into research, collaborate, and support each other to find solutions. We must commit ourselves to these values through our everyday actions and with a keen eye towards assessing where, as an organization, we can strengthen our commitment through policy and systems.

As colleagues and communities we commit to showing how we all belong, each voice matters, and each person is integral and valued in achieving our mission.  All aspects of our shared humanity are woven into our COMMUNITY Tapestry. Each day when we start work, we must keep our mission and vision front and center and with intentionality uphold our Principles of Community.

Malcolm Gladwell shared on the What Now? Podcast how we must keep our values tight and our ideas loose. For me this podcast episode encouraged me to reflect and define my values, and ask myself the following questions:

• Do my ideas align with my values?
• Do the ideas and actions I take every day support those values?
• How can I take one active step today to learn anew how to live by the values I hold?

What are some ways that your ideas, actions and values align with our refreshed Principles of Community?