Principles of Community kicks off with high-energy celebration

If you walked into Betty Irene Moore Hall on the morning of Feb. 10, you were probably greeted with delectable aromas before you even saw your first smiling human being.

The exquisite scents from the various Food and Nutrition sample stations were just one of many delightful factors contributing to the enjoyable vibe of the 35th-anniversary celebration of the Principles of Community.

Once inside, event-goers had the opportunity to stop by one of over five dozen booths to learn about employee resources, purchase books or jewelry, nab free stickers or spin a wheel for prizes. The Public Affairs and Marketing table nearest the door consistently had a line, employees waiting to see if they’d win a reusable grocery bag or a “Believe in Better” T-shirt. The nearby Green Commuter Program booth was filled with hundreds of free stickers. To its right, A Seat at the Table had books for sale. Toward the back, massage therapists stood by, offering free massages for staff.

The Blaisdell Medical Library had an interactive table with the children’s game Operation. DiversABILITY gave out sensory toys, the Interfaith and Intercultural (IFIC) Employee Resource Group (ERG) had coloring sheets, and the Muslim Faculty and Staff Association ERG provided snacks.

“Women in Tech, yay!” one event-goer was overheard saying. (Note: The official name of the group is Womxn in Technology.)

The booths were clearly a hit!

Perhaps the highlight of the entire event – the various cultural dances.

First up, representatives of the Miwok Native American Tribe sang two songs, which they declared as prayers to Mother Earth. The group’s main speaker made the crowd laugh with a few jokes but ultimately ended with an important message:

“Resentment. Anger. Let it go,” he said.

Next up, Baile Folklorico took the stage in bright dresses and performed with intoxicating footwork. Aztec dancers appeared with jaw-dropping headpieces made of dozens of feathers. In another room, Chinese dragon dancers dazzled.

There were an estimated 600 people circulating in and out of the two rooms, the lobby, and an upstairs area. Most had some type of food dish or drink – horchata, Thai iced tea, or another cultural offering.

If you stood back and watched, you’d see lots of smiling, eating, and laughing, colleagues having animated discussions, and friends catching up – doctors in white coats, nurses and techs in scrubs, leaders in suits, and students in sweatshirts.

“I hope this is held annually,” one attendee said in an anonymous post-event survey. “What an exceptional display of our principles of community.”

“It was great to gather as a community and be and feel UNITED,” another said.

“Thank you for this space,” a third said. “We need this kind of joy and community more than ever right now.”

The Principles of Community Celebration truly brought together the UC Davis Health community.

Exactly as intended.

Missed the virtual kick off remarks? Watch them on YouTube.

Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate, or be educated in the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.