Dear all,
I am delighted to be writing to you about the ALWD 2021 Biennial Conference, Working on our core: wellbeing, equity, and inclusion. I have an update and a quick ask.
The update: a virtual ALWD 2021
The ALWD 2021 Biennial Conference, June 16-18, will be an all-virtual event.
Our conference team's work is well under way. The team is taking a creative, thoughtful, and human-centered approach. The University of Michigan Law School, our fabulous conference host, will be providing critical technical infrastructure and is already considering how to bring Ann Arbor to you virtually! I was, at some level, eager to write this email, because I am relieved about the certainty this brings for everyone, and I am truly feeling energized about the possibilities and opportunities that will come with this being a virtual space conference.
I'd like to take a moment to share the thinking behind this decision. While the Board, the conference planning team, and our friends in Ann Arbor are deeply disappointed we will not be gathering in person in June, this decision ultimately was grounded in the very elements that make up the conference theme: wellbeing, equity, and inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions are likely to continue into 2021. Michigan, like most other schools, is not presently permitted to hold large gatherings. Many of our colleagues are facing budget and travel moratoriums. Even if various restrictions were lifted, many may still not be able to travel or not be comfortable doing so. All of this raised equity and inclusion concerns. Also, making the decision now gives certainty to our conference team as well as all of you in your planning.
In the coming months, the conference team will share information about registration. Meanwhile, the program committee awaits your proposals! The proposal deadline is November 6. Access the brief and easy proposal form on the ALWD site.
The ask: Share your ideas with us!
The ALWD conference team would like to hear from you! The team welcomes your ideas about the scope, timing, nature, and pace of programming at the ALWD 2021 conference. I hope you'll take a few minutes to fill out this short Google form. Your response by October 26 would be much appreciated!
Appreciation for our conference team
Last but not least, thank you to our conference team, led by Olympia Duhart (Conference Chair), Erin Carroll (Program Chair), and Dyane O'Leary (Site Chair), for their tireless ongoing work. I am beyond grateful for their strong and clear-eyed planning and leadership during these challenging times.
_____________________________
Thank you everyone! Wishing you and yours joy and wellness this Fall season.
Best,
Katrina