Welcome back CDA members! I hope you are having a great summer. I’m looking forward to serving as your president for the upcoming membership year. Last year we had our biggest membership yet, close to 300 members! This year I expect that we will exceed that number.
If you haven’t done so already please renew your membership either online at www.chicagodieteticassociation.org or mail in the enclosed application. This year, in order to maintain the same quality of programs, the dues have been raised to $40 active members and $15 for students/retirees. As a member you will be invited to 4 dinner programs (8 CEUs), our “kick-off” networking event in August, have access to the members-only section of the website where the membership directory and other materials are housed, and receive the Nutrition in Chicago newsletter. You will also have the opportunity to advertise your business on the CDA website. Lastly, through the weekly announcements you will recieve information about the latest job openings, CEU opportunities in the area, and other nutrition-related events.
We have some great dinner meetings in store for you this year. As in previous years, we expect spots to fill up quickly for meetings, so please check your email for the Evite around 3 weeks before the meeting date and RSVP if you are planning on attending. If you are unable to make the meeting, please cancel in a timely manner. We anticipate that there will be a waiting list, and “no –shows” result in unnecessary costs to CDA. Check out upcoming weekly announcements for more information on the RSVP process.
This year CDA is ramping up its presence in the social media scene. Connect with your colleages on Facebook and use it as a forum to discuss current events in the dietetic world. Some ways to network on facebook:
-Let CDA members know what you are up to, for example, if you are doing a lecture.
-Post a nutrition related question for collegues.
-If you hear something in the media, post it.
CDA has also been tweeting and blogging regularly. Follow CDA on twitter (@ChicagoDietetic) and visit the website often to check out the new blog posts.
Whether you are new to CDA or have been a member for years, I encourage you to get involved in a committee. It is a great way to meet other members (as well as a nice resume booster). Some committees that are shaping up to be very active this year are the public relations committee and legislative committee. The PR committee will be working hard to get CDA’s name out in the community as well as promoting registered dietitians as the nutrition experts. PR is also partnering with Fresh Moves (a mobile produce truck) to incorporate dietitians in their programs and create volunteering opportunities for members. The legislative committee helps CDA members build relationships with their legislators. This year they will be getting the word out about our licensure renewal which is coming up soon. Please contact me at ctampe@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved with a committee.
Last year, we piloted “Socials for Success”, a networking program for dietitians with under 5 years of experience. Socials for Success had two fun, well attended events last year. This year the program will be continuing, so stay tuned for more info.
Thank you for your continued commitment to CDA. I’m looking forward meeting you in August at our “kick-off” event and anticipate a GREAT year ahead.
Carolyn TampePresident 2011-12Chicago Dietetic Association
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