Dear friends,
Since COVID-19 arrived last spring, Extension’s educational programs and operations have quickly pivoted into innovative ways of addressing Minnesotans’ needs. This edition of Source includes several stories of how those transitions have succeeded.
I am proud of how Extension employees have responded to the COVID crisis as well as to the economic impact of the pandemic on Minnesota families, communities and organizations. At the same time, conversations within Extension and with community partners in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis have highlighted the need for social change and for an end to systemic racism. Extension’s faculty, staff and volunteers have stepped up to address these multiple challenges with useful, relevant programming.
There is still much work to be done; these challenges are not likely to be resolved in the near future. However, as we make the transition into fall and winter, I am confident that Extension’s educational programs will continue to evolve and improve, building on what all of us have learned so far in this year of change. I am grateful to have a strong team in place leading Extension and the University of Minnesota.
Thank you for your continuing support of Extension and for reading Source. Please let me know if you have ideas or questions about how Extension is responding during these difficult times.
Bev Durgan, Dean,
University of Minnesota Extension