Principles of Community Week returns to Davis, Sacramento and Zoom rooms all around the world starting Feb. 12.

In the words of organizers, the UC Davis event “celebrates the Principles of Community — our shared aspirations to value our individual differences and common ground, as we work to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community.”

This year’s theme is Connecting as a Community, and the opening ceremony will be held via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Monday (Feb. 12).

Hendry Ton, associate vice chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Mikael Villalobos, associate vice chancellor for the Office of Campus and Community Relations in the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, will provide welcoming and closing remarks.

Following the virtual ceremony, a resource and networking fair — plus a live cooking demonstration from Food and Nutrition Services — will take place at Betty Irene Moore Hall at UC Davis Health, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Other notable events include:

• Addressing Hate: A Conversation on Understanding, Reflection and Responsibility: “How do we examine the roots of hate? How does hate affect us as individuals and as a community? What are our roles and responsibilities for understanding and addressing hate? This conversation will draw us into self-reflection, shared dialogue, and collective learning around this year’s Campus Community Book Project themes of hate and radicalization.” (4 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Manetti Shrem Museum)
• Lunar New Year Celebration: “Join the UC Davis AandPI community to recognize the Year of the Dragon at the Lunar New Year Celebration. Students, staff and faculty are invited to gather in community to enjoy refreshments, performances, and more. Usher in a new year of prosperity, strength, and good fortune.” (4 p.m. on Feb. 15 in the Activities and Recreation Center ballroom)
• Empowering LGBTQ+ Leadership Series with Ralph Hexter: “LGBTQ+ Leaders is a six-part series that highlights both past and present UC Davis leaders in an engaging journey where practical leadership strategies, wisdom and bit of humor converge. During these sessions, speakers will share their leadership path, including lessons learned, barriers, and strategies for growth. This month, we will host Ralph Hexter, former provost and executive vice chancellor, and former interim chancellor.” (Noon on Feb. 16 in UC Davis Health Education Building, room 1204 LH)

But celebrations of the week need not be limited to formal events. As organizers note online, the spirit of Principles of Community Week can be incorporated into events ranging from casual discussions of the Principles of Community to office potlucks celebrating employees’ heritages. Anyone hosting their own event is encouraged to submit a photo and description by email.