As this year comes to an end, it is still a time to commemorate the annual traditions that we hold so dearly. These celebrations are meant to foster joy and gratitude for family and friends and encourage us to reflect upon the past year and memories from long ago. Who would have ever believed a year ago at this time that a raging pandemic would roll across our state and country, as well as the world? A significant portion of our country’s citizens have lost family members or their own lives, had their health affected, as well as jobs or businesses. Entire communities have been devastated. As we try to focus on the traditions we bestow so much importance on, there is disruption. People are struggling to find joy.
I want everyone on the Extension team to remember that we have made a difference, and we must continue to do so. We can reflect upon the obstacles we overcame over this past year to keep Extension moving forward and how we proved our value amidst a time of fear and disorder. Over eight months ago, and without any reservations, you began flipping the Extension delivery methods practically overnight to meet programming challenges. While many other large organizations from various sectors were in a state of chaos, you were plowing ahead because of your compassion and strong connections to stakeholders – especially those most vulnerable. In some cases, you have had to give more of yourselves, and the level of admiration I have for your persistence is infinite. You implemented new virtual programming skills that, in many cases, actually drew new audiences. You ensured safe practices for services that could not be provided in a virtual format. You did not want to leave any stakeholders behind.
The Agribusiness and Livestock and Forages teams quickly responded to farmers and producers through what may be the toughest time of their livelihoods with badly needed resources like financial training and educational materials specific to COVID-19 impacts, as well as mental health support programming. Unimaginable engagement levels have been produced by some teams, including Rural Health and Nutrition and Horticulture’s HGIC, through staggering amounts of online and phone communications. Large-scale Agricultural Education and 4-H Youth Development programs were delivered into homes through virtual strategies and hands-on activities when in-person activities were canceled. The Forestry and Natural Resources team created more virtual programs, the Food Systems and Safety team continued to roll out entrepreneur product tests, and the Agronomic Crops team provided on-site services with a new map tool that allowed stakeholders to connect with them while following necessary safety protocols. The above summary does not even begin to do our 2020 story justice.
Over the years, our Extension team has been able to address some of the same problems on a smaller community level that the pandemic has created worldwide: financial and production issues for producers and business owners, inclusive learning environments for youth, food safety and distribution, and public health and wellbeing. Agents and specialists connected with stakeholders and guidance was utilized.
Last Wednesday, COVID-19 deaths in the United States surpassed the number of those who perished on 9/11. After 9/11, people from all walks of life wanted to join together to protect our country and way of life. There was what some considered to be inconveniences: new security measures, personal scrutiny, more complicated procedures of many different aspects. But Americans stood together and understood the importance of following practices that would help keep us safe. Now we are asked by the CDC and other major public health organizations to practice safety protocols to stop a raging pandemic – wear a mask, social distance from others, and gather only in small groups. Is this harder to do? It depends on who you ask. Is it a time when it is just as important? It seems that it is more so. We hear many stories from those who were infected with COVID-19, transmitted it, or lost loved ones because of it. The common theme among those stories is the call for caution and awareness.
All of us probably wonder what a ‘re-do’ of 2020 could have been like. Our world has been turned upside down. However, we can no longer afford to allow this virus to gain or even maintain its devastating foothold. Our country is better than this. A public health threat can be defeated by the public itself. We all can help be a part of the solution for South Carolina and practice COVID-19 safety protocols to make our way back to the normal we knew. How well these protocols are followed over the next 100 days will most likely determine the course of 2021. Please do your part.
Our stakeholders are thankful for you, so I encourage everyone to list three things you are thankful for this year and why. It may be someone who has helped you become your best personally or professionally or your family members for putting up with you through your ups and downs. One thing that I am thankful for is that we have been able to keep Extension jobs in place. During this season of traditions, vocally express your love and respect for others; they can’t hear it enough. We can also make plans for a brighter 2021. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happiness for the traditions your family will celebrate. May 2021 be a year we can recognize the hope that we wish for.
Please view my Video Message as we approach the Holiday Season.
