By Brianna Harrison,
Conference Communications Chair

Interculturalism, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging all flow through us. We hope it can flow from us as well. Though we all strive for a world where we can get along, be civil, and support each other, this work – our work – seems to be constantly under attack. Organizations and institutions continue to roll back diversity and equity programs. Inclusive language is quietly being scrubbed from websites and mission statements. People who think they have all the answers believe that interculturalism is an inconsequential part of life at best, downright harmful at worst. Us-vs-Them mentality runs rampant through our communities. So, what can we do? 

We keep doing our work. And we support each other as we do our work. There is only so much we can do on our own. We cannot save the world as individuals, and we need to be refilled and reenergized as we pour out so much of ourselves into what we do. We need a network and community of people who believe that the world can be better to lift us up so that we can each do our part. We seek out strategies and resources to help overcome the roadblocks we encounter, and we share those strategies and resources with others in our fields. Gradually, we help people see the beauty and value of interculturalism and inclusion. We help others learn to work together and thrive in multicultural environments. It is what we love to do, and it is what we believe in. Through our unity, unity spreads throughout the world. That is worth the effort.

The SIETAR USA conference helps us in these endeavors to learn from each other and pour into each other. This year, we will learn new intercultural models, discuss how to leverage social media in our work, reflect on inclusivity, and much more. We will honor the legacies of past voices in interculturalism, hear the wisdom of seasoned interculturalists, and help each other to heal through these difficult times. Through workshops, presentations, reunions, and dinners this conference is sure to strengthen you. No matter what you need in your career or life journey, the conference has something for all of us. It is an opportunity to come together and find joy in each other, and to recommit to the work that we love to do.

We at SIETAR USA would love to see you at the 2025 conference. Come network, fellowship, learn, and grow with us. As we address many of the world’s problems without wallowing on them, let’s lean on each other and find joy. We are looking forward to the best conference yet!