The ICA 2021 conference theme of Engaging the Essential Work of Care: Communication, Connectedness, and Social Justice calls for our examination of how care forms the fabric of our social and interconnected lives. From the moment that we enter this world we are completely dependent on the care of others, and as we move through our lives, the care of our teachers, doctors, leaders, and artists shape us into the adults that we are today. Even as we leave this earth, on our last days, we are comforted by the care of loved ones.
“Care” can be understood from a variety of perspectives relevant to communication. Namely, care can refer to:
- Providing Assistance for Others (She takes care of my aunt.)
- Being Interested in a Topic/Issue/Idea (They care about the notion of compassion.)
- Concern about Others’ Well-Being (He cares what will happen to his children.)
- The Provision of Needed Attention or Resources (Do they provide care at the hospital?)
the 2021 ICA Annual Conference, 27-31 May 2021 in Denver, Colorado, USA, will be planned from the start as a hybrid (dual online/in-person) conference. Participants will have the option to choose whether to attend either as an in-person attendee (with simultaneous access to the virtual space) or as a “virtual only” attendee using the online platform.