Message from the President

Happy New Year! If you are like me, you may have also been hoping that as of January 1, 2021 the world would go back normal and all of the issues from last year would quickly resolve. However hopeful we may have been, we are still forced to face our faith in our leaders, the inequality and inaccessibility that continue to impact our country and our communities, and the loss that many of us have experienced due to the pandemic. There has been a trickle down from all of these macro level issue that have impacted our campuses, our students, and our day to day responsibilities. One of the things that have kept me going is knowing there is hope. And despite the fact that there are so many things out of our control there are so many resources and tools available to help us. I recognize Zoom fatigue is a real thing so I hope these resource will provide you some additional hope and support as we continue to push forward.

Self-Care

· @thenapministry on Instagram

· Self-care for Educators with Dr. Tina Boogren Podcast

· The Daily Shine Podcast

· Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore

· A Guide to Self Care while Social Distancing- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnrtxAmdQ_w

· Use This Science to Boost Your Immune System & Fight COVID-19 w/ Dr. Roger Seheult: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-school-of-greatness/id596047499?i=1000506467797

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

· How to be Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi

· What If? : Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue by Steve L. Robbins

· The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius by Gail Saltz

· Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces by Karen Caitlin

· The Diversity Gap Podcast

Work Smarter, not Harder

· Doing More With Less: Avoid Fake Work- https://www.forbes.com/sites/rodgerdeanduncan/2014/12/04/doing-more-with-less-avoid-fake-work/?sh=757280086c1e

· How to gain control of your free time- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3kNlFMXslo

· How to Make a Great To-Do List- https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/05/21/burst/to-do-lists-productivity-coronavirus.html

One positive thing that has evolved from the pandemic is a deeper understanding of the value of our relationships. Now more than ever we must continue to come together and that can happen in big and little ways. Make a commitment to text or call that friend you haven't talked to in a while. Take time to watch that new Netflix show with your partner, guilt free. Check-in on the family remember that has been on your mind. Find time to connect with colleagues through virtual happy hours. Although we are heading into the one year mark of a time filled with loss, disappointment, and uncertainty, make it a point to constantly reminder yourself that you have people in your circle who care. Oh, and never forget to give yourself grace.

I wish you all a wonderful new year and look forward to connecting at the PennACE conference.

All my best,

Lesli