by Adam Earnheardt, NSNC Interim Executive Director
Forward. It’s that simple. Move forward. Look forward. It amazes me how that one word—Forward—can simultaneously conjure feelings of anticipation, hopefulness, and enthusiasm. It’s hard not to want to look forward these days. Even when you italicize the word Forward, it just looks cool. Speak of 2020 or 2021 and you’re often met with hissing, cursing, and unfortunate stories of loss. But look Forward to something in 2022 and you’re met with “I need this,” “I can’t wait to see you,” and “I must get out of the house.” Those direct quotes come from our fellow NSNC members who say they’re looking Forward to meeting in Birmingham in June.
So am I.
I’ve been on conference planning committees that spend months debating themes. Our illustrious planning committee debated the theme for less than two minutes. That’s no joke. I don’t remember who deserves the credit for saying the word, but there was an almost immediate synchronized unmuting on our Zoom call. “Yes!” What it comes down to is this: we’re planning something big for Birmingham, something we can all look forward to. I hope you’ll take so time and look over our slate of speakers (which will be updated over the next month). Just like our planning committee said of the conference theme, I hope you’ll say “Yes” as well and join us in Alabama, June 9–12.
