President's February 2009 Message
Nadine Pazder, MS, RD, LD/N
nadine.pazder@baycare.org
Florida Dietetic Association
President’s Update: February 2009
Dear FDA Members,
Have you voted in the ADA elections yet? I have! The online ballot opened yesterday, February 1. As just a reminder, Florida has a number of members up for election: Judy Rodriguez (for ADA president-elect), Cathie Christie (at-large delegate), Clara Lawhead (Professional Issues delegate: Community Nutrition), and Lauri Wright (chair-elect DEP). And ask your colleagues around the country to vote to vote our ticket as well.
ADA has issued a challenge to the state affiliates in an effort to increase voting participation. It is called Project Vote and the affiliate with the most voting members or the largest percentage increase in votes cast will win an award. Our number to beat: 399 votes.
The polls close on March 3.
Advocacy and Public Policy
It is not too late to register for the Public Policy Workshop which is online and beginning Sunday afternoon. Most of the districts are hosting a plenary session party at 4pm followed by break out groups to plan for the visit to the local congressional office. The first 100 days of any administration sets the tone for the 4 year term. ADA intends to be visible and vocal as healthcare reform develops. Don’t be left out! Sign up today to attend a plenary party near you. If dietetics is your profession, then politics is your business.
Lucille Beseler is an example for all of us in grassroots advocacy efforts. Lucille has developed a relationship with Debbie Wasserman Schultz such that as nutrition professionals from Florida, we now have her ear. Lucille had the honor of attending a swearing in ceremony for the congresswoman on January 26 on the US Courthouse steps in Fort Lauderdale. Lucille will be hosting a campaign fundraiser for Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz in March. Please consider making a donation in any amount to her campaign.
FDA has asked Governor Crist to proclaim March 2009 “National Nutrition Month” and specifically March 11, 2009 “Registered Dietitian Day” in Florida. Thank you to FDA President-elect Eunshil Shim McKenna for writing our proclamation.
On March 16 Eunshil, state policy representative Melissa Dancer-Brown and I will represent FDA at meetings with Florida Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros M.D., MPH and Deputy Secretary for Advocacy and Policy, Kim Berfield.
Pinellas District member Mary Ann Miller and I had the opportunity to meet Acting US Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson at a health screening event in Tampa sponsored by partners Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Tampa Bay Lightening Foundation on January 15. His message to us: “thank you for your dedication to helping Americans achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle”.
Member Recognition
FDA member and Tallahassee Dietetic Association member, Suzanne Laws has been nominated for the American Diabetes Wholesale's Diabetes Educator of the Year for 2008. She is one of five finalists and the only RD. The winner will be determined by votes on their web site. Please help support Suzanne by visiting their website www.americandiabeteswholesale.com and voting for her by March 20th!
Leadership
The FDA leadership team completed a working retreat over the weekend of January 17-19, 2009. The strategic plan has been updated and approved by the board, and will be posted on the FDA website for member review. Each of the districts has developed goals that support the FDA strategic plan and it is through member participation that the objectives are accomplished. Thank you to Molly Gladding for facilitating our strategic plan!
FDA Diet Manual Editor Cathie Christie and her team are proud to present the 2009 edition of the hard copy manual. While the intranet and internet versions are updated quarterly, this is the first major revision of the paper version in 5 years. It will be available this month and you can order it on the FDA website at www.eatrightflorida.org.
Events
Coming soon to the Naples Grand Resort, the Florida Dietetic Association Annual Symposium! The program has really taken shape. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Roizen, co-author of You: on a Diet. And back due to popular demand is Dr. James Joseph for our symposium wrap-up. I hope that you will be able to join us for spectacular speakers, informative sessions, relaxing surroundings and networking opportunities.
Until next time,
Nadine Pazder RD
