In this time of great social change, communities are more important now than ever before. ICA members have expressed interest in finding ways to better connect with their peers, especially during times like this, when we're unable to connect in person. We miss interacting with our members, and while we still "see" some of you on various social media channels, those are fraught with complications and are public-facing, and not all members are interested in tweets and hashtags. We've heard your desire for a place where you can reliably find your colleagues when you need feedback, or encouragement, or just someone who "gets" what you do and what your challenges are. We are keeping true to our words when we said last year, before the virtual #ICA20 conference, " we will meet you where you are".
The Link--so named because it makes tangible the connectedness of our new visual identity/logo, which looks a bit like a chain, to join us all together--provides an avenue for members and nonmembers to connect in ways they've enjoyed at conference but can now experience year-round! We encourage you to use this platform to ask questions, connect and collaborate on new research studies, reply and network with early career scholars looking for advice on how to navigate their careers, or plan your in person interactions when things get back to the new normal. Find a conference hotel roommate, plan a group dinner out in Paris for #ICA22, or discuss plans for a Blue Sky you're planning. It can all be done here!
We look forward to seeing all the interactions and conversations taking place on The Link! As always, whether in person or online, we ask that you keep all interactions respectful (for a refresher on guidelines please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions and ICA's Code of Ethics before diving into this platform).
The ICA community is filled with vibrant, intelligent, and frequently hilarious human beings, and I'm excited for the opportunity to broaden our ability to learn from each other and support each other via this platform. Together we can turn this into a valuable resource for all current and future ICA scholars, and improve the field as a whole in the process. I can't wait to discover what you have to share.
Warmly,
Laura
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Laura Sawyer
Executive Director
International Communication Association
Washington DC
United States
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