Letter to Registrants Confirming ASWM 2020 Conference is still happening.
The ASWM Board called a special meeting to address concerns that the novel coronavirus is presenting. By overwhelming agreement, we are proceeding with our plans to host this event on the Santa Ana Pueblo at the end of this week. Our hearts go out to those affected.
We know that these issues are much on the minds of everyone who is planning to attend our conference. Our plan is to follow the guidelines from the CDC and to proceed with the event. We have carefully crafted a program that includes presentations by women scholars and activists from the nearby Pueblos, and we have arranged to videotape those and many other sessions. It would be very difficult to replicate this program at another time or place.
Here is what the CDC says about domestic travel:
See the map at this address: https://www.cdc.gov/
Takeaway: The United States is considered in the lowest level of risk for travel.
And from CDC FAQs: Should I cancel my trip? https://www.cdc.gov/
Watch Level 1: CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to destinations with level 1 travel notices because the risk of COVID-19 is thought to be low.
We are working with the hotel to maintain a healthy environment. Hand sanitizers will be available. Our board and planners also believe that our work goes beyond conference sessions to promote healing and well being. We will practice and encourage modified behaviors such as “jazz hands” instead of handshakes and hugs, etc.
We look forward to seeing you. If you must cancel, unless you request a refund in writing to aswmevents@gmail.com, we will assume your cancelled conference fees are a donation to ASWM to help offset costs this year. We thank you for your generosity. We do encourage those who are ill not to attend.
Our cancellation policy is: The cancellation fee between March 1 and March 12, 2020 is $50. Sorry, we cannot refund ASWM annual dues. There will be no refund for cancellations after March 12, 2020.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to collaborating with you.
Warmly, The ASWM Board