January 8, 2016
On behalf of DIFM I would like to wish you a Happy New Year! We are excited that you are a DIFM member or interested in learning more about DIFM. I have made it a goal to ENHANCE and EXPAND DIFM’s services, education, presence, products and benefits in my 2015-2016 term. The Executive Committee and I couldn’t do it without you. You have provided valuable feedback, asked for more educational opportunities and have helped us to be 4000+ members strong. Because of your participation, outreach efforts and input, the DIFM team will continue to support you in many different areas while continuing our evolution of improvement.
We have updated our website with a new look and feel, organized a resource toolkit, enhanced our numerous member benefits available, and continue to finalize our Certificate of Training program, due to be complete very soon. We have organized and archived beneficial webinars, and are currently working on a Speaker’s Bureau and DIFM Ambassador Speaker Stipend policy and application. We are seeking out sponsors that align with our mission, vision and high standards, and may be beneficial to your practice. We are organizing a pre-FNCE conference that will be a must-attend event prior to our stellar annual Mind-Body Happy Hour and events at FNCE.
We are collaborating with like-minded academic institutions, organizations and conference programs to offer additional benefits to our members while encouraging presence and involvement in an array of venues. We are partnering with other dietetic practice groups, affiliates, and MIGs such as the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition (HEN), Vegetarian Nutrition (VN), American Overseas Dietetic Association (AODA) and Asian Indian in Dietetic and Nutrition (AIND) to provide webinars, training and exposure in a variety of practice settings and culturally diverse areas.
We are working with our Academy liaisons in DC regarding action Alerts and being at the public policy table in all areas of dietetics, but especially integrative and functional medicine and nutrition. We are working with the Academy’s Food and Nutrition Security task force, Council of Future Practice and Professional Development teams to advocate for our members, be change drivers and educate stakeholders.
We want all of our DIFM members to be ambassadors, leaders, champions for the integrative RDN- the nutrition expert in holistic health, nutrigenomics, gut microbiome and Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy (IFMNT©). As DIFM ambassadors we will continue to strive to promote food as medicine to the public and our healthcare colleagues, continue to build on our education and training, use our education in biochemistry, food science and be sought out for our knowledge in supplements, therapeutic diets, complimentary modalities and mind, body health.
Would you like to be a DIFM ambassador?
- Join our DPG or recruit a friend/colleague
- Share the benefits and resources of DIFM’s newsletter, webinar, toolkit
- Join us on social media (Twitter, FB)
- Share our video and display our video on your website (must fill out a brief release form)
- Showcase a product or service in our Member Product Marketplace
- Participate in conversations on our Electronic Mailing List (EML)
- Sign-up to volunteer
- Request a DIFM EC member speak at your local meeting
- Write a webinar, newsletter or book review article
Let us know! 2016 is going to be a year of taking our passion and putting it into action. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but with your help, we can be the change we want to see. I will keep you updated here on our progress and all DIFM-related happenings as we bound through the New Year and I welcome you to join us.
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Milton Berle
Thank you for your commitment, dedication and all that you do everyday.
Cheers,
Monique
DIFM Chair