2025: Into the Year, Together—A Letter from our SEGD President

SEGD President Traci Sym speaks at the President’s Reception & Auction for Excellence, hosted at the 2024 SEGD Conference Experience Dallas

2025. We start this year with many unknowns and a few absolute truths. The truths are easy. Time will move forward… by the second, minute, hour, and day. Things will change in ways we expect. Things will change in ways that surprise us. We will sometimes be on our own and sometimes with others. We will face adversity, we will find moments of joy, and we will feel all kinds of ways about all kinds of things. And if we’re lucky, we’ll allow ourselves an opportunity to learn something new about the world, or our neighbors, or ourselves.

In her book, A Field Guide to Getting Lost, Rebecca Solnit encourages us to “leave the door open for the unknown, the door into the dark. That’s where the most important things come from, where you yourself came from, and where you will go.”

I am energized by this notion and the realization that where we will go requires the participation of others. Other ideas, other perspectives, other skills, other opinions. Working in collaboration with others not only builds momentum, it keeps us accountable. When we work not just for our own gain but for something larger than ourselves, our potential for change and growth amplifies.  

One of the most gratifying things about being a part of SEGD is the ability to wade into these unknown waters alongside a community of peers. Throughout the year, SEGD offers opportunities for connection at local and national events, conversations, and shared perspectives as part of our SEGD Voices series, as well as inspiration and resources on our site that support our work and practice areas. I challenge us to look to these offerings as an invitation for companionship, for collective action, to allow us to see in new ways and shake off old, outmoded habits.

2025. Here we are. Where will we go?

-Traci

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