From the President: The Communicative Nature of Growth

In the spirit of 2025, as a Year of L.I.F.T. (Leading with Imagination and Forward-Thinking), this year’s Presidential Spectra columns have discussed strengths, the calm-chaos dynamic, and now growth—an ideal output and perhaps culmination of our prior conversations. We have engaged in L.I.F.T.-focused discussion that will continue into this year’s 111th National Communication Association convention both at Legislative Assembly gatherings and at the Presidential Address.

Many have called our current environment in 2025 some of our darkest days. At present, the United States federal government shutdown persists impacting thousands of families. Countless others around the globe are experiencing hurt and harm from military conflict, governmental actions, threats to freedom, concerns about safety, and widespread targeted attacks. Conflict abounds in waves that make standing, withstanding, and standing again difficult. Given the landscape of today’s challenges, we are indeed in need of dialogue about growth and of “Communicate to Elevate,” Dr. Tina Harris’s thoughtfully chosen theme for this year’s annual convention.

What, then, can we say about growth? My hope is that NCA continues to foster intentional, deliberate, meaningful, and impactful growth amid uncertain and weary times. I believe assuring we are growing through what we are going through is paramount. And, equally important, is actively maintaining curiosity and a commitment to sustaining our own personal growth, the growth of NCA members, and our Association’s growth.

Communication is embedded in this endeavor of growth. Consider a few key concepts associated with the communicative nature of growth:

• Insight – often arises through processes of oral and written communication
• Understanding – often follows processes of dialogue
• Perspective – often gained through processes of shared meaning and expressions of dissent
• Challenge – often occurs through processes of expressed agreement or disagreement

Through insight, understanding, perspective, and challenge, we grow. Amid new obstacles, hindrances, and frustrations, our growth affords learning that is useful for navigating the next wave of needed insights, understanding, perspective, and challenge. Thus, our growth is a perpetual process of personal movement, which is often hidden from others in interactions though our physical bodies, virtual engagement, or digital presence may be visible.

Our Association is experiencing the processes of this growth journey. Through voluntary leadership and engagement, as well as through the dedicated commitment of the National Office team, NCA is growing. I hope you will join me for this year’s Presidential Address and Awards ceremony to hear about our L.I.F.T. progress and for more conversation about personal, member, and Association growth that is hidden in plain sight.

With gratitude and greater regard,

Jeanetta D. Sims, Ph.D., APR
2025 NCA President

P.S. – For additional support and personal growth, view the encouragement captured from this month’s Virtual Learning Opportunity (VLO) on Virtual Healing Spaces.