The document discusses the benefits of joining professional associations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). AND is the largest association of food and nutrition professionals with over 70,000 members. Benefits of joining include networking, leadership opportunities, scholarships, access to resources, and discounted conferences. AND is governed by a Board of Directors and House of Delegates made up of volunteers. It aims to empower members and improve public health through nutrition. Joining associations provides chances for growth, leadership, influencing issues, and lasting connections.
2. Why Join a
Professional Association?
Most offer student membership and provide
resources for educational preparation and
career building
Specific benefits include:
Networking
Leadership experiences
Eligibility for scholarships and awards
Access to the latest online and print media
Job opportunities
Reduced rates on conferences
Special rates on credit cards, car rentals, and hotels
3. The Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics
Formerly the American Dietetic
Association
Largest association of food and nutrition
professionals
Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1917;
changed its name January 2012
Currently over 70,000 members
4. Who Are Members of
the Academy?
Five membership categories:
Student member
Active member
Retired member
International member
Honorary member
5. Mission, Vision, Philosophy
The Academys mission statement:
Empowering members to be the nations food
and nutrition leaders.
The Academys vision statement: Optimize the
nations health through food and nutrition.
The Academy strives to improve the nations
health and advance the profession of dietetics
through research, education, and advocacy.
6. The Values of the Academy
Customer focus: Meet the needs and exceed
the expectations of all customers.
Integrity: Act ethically with accountability for life-
long learning and commitment to excellence.
Innovation: Embrace change with creativity and
strategic thinking.
Social responsibility: Make decisions with
consideration for inclusivity as well as
environmental, economic, and social
implications.
7. Strategic Goals of the Academy
The public trusts and chooses registered
dietitians as food and nutrition experts.
Academy members improve the health of
Americans.
Members and prospective members view
the Academy as vital to professional
success.
8. Academy Headquarters
The headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois.
Houses the paid staff members who carry on the
Academys day-to-day business.
Also in the same Chicago location are the offices
of:
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
Credentialing arm of the Academy
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (ANDF)
Funds education initiatives
Nonprofit corporation and the largest private grantor of
scholarship and fellowship funds in the field of dietetics
9. The Academys
Washington Office
The Academy retains paid employees at
an office in Washington, D.C.
These employees work on the Academys
behalf on legislative matters that affect the
future of the dietetics profession.
10. The Volunteer Element of
the Academy
Officers of the Academy are volunteers who are
elected by the membership.
Major offices are elected by national ballot.
Members of particular subgroups, such as
Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs), elect their own
officers.
The work of the Academy is accomplished by
two major entities:
Board of Directors
House of Delegates
11. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors governs the Academy.
Made up of 18 members.
The board does the following:
Sets and monitors strategic direction
Oversees fiscal planning
Provides leadership for professional initiatives
Selects, supports, and oversees the CEO
Appoints persons to represent the Academy
Establishes guidelines and policies for appeals,
publications, awards, and honors
Administers and enforces the Code of Ethics
12. The House of Delegates (HOD)
The HOD governs the profession and develops policy on
major professional issues.
Made up of 106 members
The HOD does the following:
Monitors and evaluates trends affecting the profession
Monitors member issues and mega issues, and the resulting
actions
Reviews, debates, and approves professional standards
Adopts and revises with CDR a Code of Ethics
Provides direction for quality management in dietetics practice
Identifies and develops position statements
Assists with recruitment and retention efforts related to
leadership development
Serves as the voice of the members of the Academy
13. State Affiliates and District
Dietetic Associations
Each state plus D.C. has its own state
dietetic association affiliated with the
Academy.
Individuals may designate any state
dietetic association for their membership.
When an individual joins the Academy, a
percentage of his or her dues is rebated to
the state dietetic association, making the
individual a member of that states
association.
14. State Affiliates and District
Dietetic Associations
State dietetic associations elect their own
officers and host meetings at least once a
year.
State associations are made up of district
dietetic associations that serve the needs
of dietitians in specific geographic areas
within the state.
15. Dietetic Practice Groups
(DPGs)
Composed of individuals who have a common interest in
a particular area of dietetics practice, regardless of
membership classification or employment status.
27 DPGs (The former DPG for dietetics
educators/preceptors became a separate entity with the
Academy as of June 1, 2013.)
DPGs are national in scope and have their own elected
officers and dues many offer student membership
rates.
Engage in activities such as newsletters, continuing
education, and leadership skill development.
16. Member Interest Groups (MIGs)
MIGs provide a way for members with common
interests, issues, or backgrounds to connect.
MIG membership is not based on practice or
geographic location.
The current MIGs are:
Chinese Americans in Dietetics and Nutrition
Fifty Plus in Nutrition and Dietetics
Filipino Americans in Dietetics and Nutrition
Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition
Muslims in Dietetics and Nutrition
National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition
National Organization of Men in Nutrition
17. Honors and Awards
Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Award
Lenna Frances Cooper Memorial Lecture
ADA Medallion
Honorary Membership
ADAF Awards for Excellence in Practice
18. Why Should I Become a
Member of the Academy?
Professional associations such as the Academy
provide opportunities for personal and
professional growth, leadership, and lasting
friendships.
The Academy plays a key role in influencing
issues such as healthcare reform, food labeling,
child nutrition programs, nutrition screening for
the elderly, and long-term care.
The Academys homepage on the Internet (
www.eatright.org) has an extensive listing of
member services and benefits.
19. Other Professional Associations
Dietetics professionals are often involved in
numerous professional associations that may
relate to their professional activities and
interests.
Each association has its own mission, agenda,
and member benefits.
Most groups have a student membership
category that provides opportunities for
networking and professional study and growth.