It seems like it is Groundhog Day all over again for the last four months. We take one step forward and three steps backward. We are on day 118 of the COVID-19 Modified Operating Procedure for Extension. Some of the most recent news from the Provost last week included the announcement that no out-of-state overnight travel will be allowed through January 1 at this time. No one wants us to return to normal schedules more than I do; however, SC DHEC’s data clearly indicates that we must stay the course and follow our Return to Work Framework Plan. We have created a trademark for Extension by providing unbiased, research-based information. We must follow the guidance provided by science. We have all heard the rumblings about Clemson’s main campus opening and K-12 schools getting ready to ramp back up to begin the school year. Remember that we in Extension are not under the same pressures to get back to working in our previous capacity due to the significant dedication all of you have put into adapting and keeping programs going strong during COVID-19.
We carefully devised a GREAT reentry plan, and we will keep following the plan. From the beginning, I have always said our plan for this pandemic must be fluid, and now I think we can all understand why. One month ago, our plan was moving forward. We had hoped that we would have all counties in Phase 3 by July 1. However, summer vacations started up with people visiting our state, as well as our citizens visiting other locales. Many did not take masks and social distancing seriously, thus causing another surge in infections. Please, do not contribute to the spread. We must all follow safety protocols, including mask usage, social distancing, and frequent handwashing.
I want to remind you, again and again, to use this time wisely and continue to evaluate your programming. Look around at what others are doing in Extension or outside of Extension within your networks. Look for best practices. Have you been reading the program team spotlights every week in this newsletter? There are many success stories that you may be able to apply to your work. Ask your colleagues what new approaches they are impressed with.
Take the time to write down the following questions and answer them. Show your answers to others for their input. Encourage your team members to do the same.
- Is this program the best it can be?
- How can this program have a more significant impact?
- How can I measure impact more accurately?
- How can we reach a larger audience?
- How can I get a jump-start on my program once we are out of the pandemic?
- How can I be a better team member?
I understand your frustrations and eagerness to get back to in-person programming. But, let’s take the time we have now to make our programs more accessible to others who may not have otherwise been engaged. We could grow our stakeholder audiences during this time. Extension has been through many challenging situations, and we have always come out better from the experience. I realize that when we are going through an experience like COVID-19, the future seems a little dim. Looking forward, I can tell you that I am more excited about beginning a new year than I have ever been. There have been many lessons learned over the past four months. We will be more ‘seasoned’ in the new year. We were caught unprepared back in March, but now look how far we have come.
Please do your part to keep yourself and those around you safe. I urge you not to waver in continuing to follow the recommended safety protocols to inhibit the possibility of additional COVID-19 cases. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
