If there’s one thing that most of us can appreciate at this time, it’s the incoming cooler weather. It seems Fall is coming early to us this year.
I want to remind everyone that county office stages for reopening will be determined by data provided by SCDHEC’s weekly Recent Disease Activity by County report. Your supervisor will contact you each Tuesday to let you know the status of your county office, and the new Office Reopening Stages webpage for employees will be updated weekly. The revised Clemson Extension Return to Work Framework Plan provides additional details on office reopening stages. Please read through it if you have not already. I know we all want to get back to our offices. We want that connection to our colleagues, the convenience of having at hand what we need to do daily work, and the ability to greet stakeholders coming through our doors.
Every day, we must communicate the message that Extension is not closed. An office space should not define us, and we cannot let people think we are getting paid to sit home and do nothing. Extension CONTINUES to serve South Carolinians as we always have. We are utilizing more technology tactics in place of in-person activities and that has presented us with the opportunity to broaden our audiences. Over the past 106 years, Extension has evolved to adapt to changing times. Look at how far we have come from the train whistle stop days. Extension traveled across the state and brought unbiased research-based information and education to the communities. There was no physical office.
We have been fortunate that our Extension budget has not taken a big hit. However, because of ongoing uncertainties with issues such as a stimulus bill deal and COVID-19 vaccines, we must watch every penny we spend. Your Extension Leadership Team is examining different avenues to help us secure our budget, and now is the time to examine how we might generate additional revenue from our programmatic efforts. Extension’s virtual programming efforts and online educational materials have gained a significant amount of traction since March. In the team highlights section of today’s newsletter, the Livestock and Forages Program team reported they have webinar participants, not only from out of state but from out of the country. The Horticulture Program Team reported that HGIC has a 70% increase in website traffic as compared to last year. You must not let barriers over the past six months hamper drastic changes that will help your programs. Listen in to the Making it Grow show tomorrow hosted by Amanda McNulty at 7 p.m. on ETV. I will be her guest and will highlight how different Extension programs from 4-H to Agribusiness have adapted during the pandemic. You may learn something that is of great benefit to you.
Public perception seems to be all over the board, with many not knowing who or what to believe. From my point of view, there are two reasons for this: fear and mistrust. Extension is South Carolina’s resource for true scientific research-based and unbiased information. Remember that our stakeholders are not just contacts to report. They are struggling with many of the same uncertainties, including financial matters, job security, and family caregiving for children and older parents. They depend on us, and we provide comfort and continuity. Although we may not be deemed ‘essential’ in the actual definition, your efforts are critical to many. You make a difference, never doubt it.
The next few months may determine our destiny as an Extension System to not only survive, but flourish during these times. We cannot afford to let public perception erode around us. We must rise to the occasion, continue to be productive, and restore confidence that there will soon be a return to a more normalized life for all of us. Reassure your stakeholders that the Extension Model is time-tested and alive and kicking. The reason our model works is simple. We are a trusted source of unbiased research-based information and education in South Carolina. We don’t deliver fake news. We will get through this if each of you does your part and continues to engage with our stakeholders enthusiastically. Again, our stakeholders need us now more than ever, and we have the creativity and determination to serve them.
In closing, President Clements is hosting a virtual town hall for faculty and staff tomorrow from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and registration is required to participate.
Please do your part to keep yourself and those around you safe. Be a Part of the Solution. I can’t say it enough. Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. Be a model citizen and serve as a responsible ambassador for Clemson Extension. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
