Good morning,
 
On this first Friday of December, we enter a season filled with celebrations such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve among others. The impetus that led to these holidays is rooted in transformative periods of world history. Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem during the Maccabean revolt; Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus as Israelites were challenging Roman rule; and Kwanzaa took hold during the height of the American Civil Rights Movement. As we begin to reflect on this past year and ready ourselves to an impactful 2022, we are reminded that our individual challenges today may seem small in comparison to the struggles our forebears faced, we are never-the-less facing significant history-making transformative events right now.
 
December 21st marks winter solstice. Long celebrated by many indigenous and nonindigenous cultures around the world, winter solstice is often viewed as return to the light from darkness, and our celebrations reflect hope often associated with renewal.  From the COVID-19 pandemic to global climate change to rapid technological advancement to quality-of-life disparities between our fellow Americans and people around the globe -- it is hard now to imagine what the world will look like for our grandchildren’s grandchildren. However, our decisions and actions today will determine the successes and failures of tomorrow. Over the course of our lives, we are confronted with changes we cannot control but these moments force us to reimagine the way we do things. Other times, we are the ones enacting change because we know that the time or situation requires it. It is up to us to lead through any necessary change that enables us at USDA to do our part to build a better tomorrow. This will require us to be self-aware and strengthen trust between one another and our teams.
 
This month is about recharging, with an eye always toward the future. As we gear up for the new year, we will be energized and ready to face change head-on, create change where it is needed, and challenge ourselves to lead towards a bright future for our families, our descendants and America at-large.   
 
This time last year, many of us were unable to see those closest to us, uncertain of the future and how long the pandemic would continue. Now we have the opportunity this month to reconnect with our loved ones, making the holidays even more joyous. As we head into the new year, many USDA employees will prepare to return to the physical workplace, charting a new step forward as we contain the COVID-19 pandemic and work to ensure USDA is at its best and reaches new heights. To enable a safe return, this week we updated our telework and remote work policy, Departmental Regulation (DR) 4080-811-002 on Telework and Remote Programs. We strive to make USDA a great place to work for everyone and that includes prioritizing a strong, healthy, and inclusive workforce.
 
Many of you are already elbow deep in aligning our USDA programs and investments to our FY22 goals and priorities. This is in addition to efforts to build on existing programs and services and develop new long-term opportunities. USDA’s dedicated team has worked efficiently to deploy the American Rescue Plan and we are up to the task to deliver an unprecedented level of resources with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the potential for the Build Back Better Act. I encourage you to keep moving forward. Like the historical figures that sparked our traditions, do not let ego, fear or doubt deter us from doing our best for America and the world. Use the holidays and their stories to inspire you, inspire your coworkers, and overcome obstacles that would otherwise make us less in the eyes of our children and their children.
 
Most importantly, spend some time recharging with your loved ones and reflecting on all the progress we continue to make at USDA. Because of your hard work, people across this nation – and the world – can look to 2022 with even more hope and optimism.

Secretary Vilsack