A message from our 2020-2021 President – Amanda Ihmels:
Dear North Dakota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Members,
As some of you may be aware, we are anticipating an active legislative year starting in January. The ND Board of Dietetic Practice (NDBODP) has voted to move ahead with modernizing the licensure statute pertaining to dietitians and nutritionists. More information from NDBODP is coming regarding proposed changes. The NDAND Public Policy Panel has been attending the NDBODP meetings over the past year and is in support of modernizing our licensure law.
As a result, NDAND has elected to hire additional support through a firm, Olson Effertz to assist with education and advocacy. We have begun working with 2 of their consultants, Pam Sharp and Kayla Effertz Kleven and have found them to be very experienced with many years of legislative work in various areas. More information about Olson Effertz can be found here.
Hiring a professional firm comes at a significant cost. As this is an unplanned cost to NDAND, we have reduced spending as much as possible in other areas for this budget year. To help make our education and advocacy efforts more successful, NDAND has started a fundraising campaign: Protect North Dakotans. Grow Our Future.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 by January 1st, 2021. This would decrease the amount of money needed from our savings account and allow for more member benefit activities in the following fiscal years.
We value your commitment to NDAND and hope to receive your full support for the modernization of our licensure. Support for this effort is needed through volunteers, engaging with the Public Policy Panel, participation in fundraising activities and remaining active in your local district. We need our entire membership engaged in this legislative session. If we are, I have no doubt we’ll be successful in our efforts!
35 years ago North Dakota was one of the first states to obtain licensure. Many of our mentors and educators fought hard for the nutritional safety of their fellow North Dakotans. We can come together again as a membership to help better define nutritional practice and who is qualified to practice.
Stay tuned for more information from NDBODP regarding the proposed changes to modernize our licensure and from NDAND Board of Directors.
If you feel moved by this call to action you are encouraged to donate via PayPal or mail a check to our treasurer Jill Schiermeister with Protect North Dakotans. Grow Our Future in the memo line. You can email Jill at jill.schiermeister@sanfordhealth.org for her mailing address.
I appreciate your time and involvement in this process. Our Board of Directors is here to help answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Amanda Ihmels, RDN, CSO LRD
North Dakota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President 2020-2021
Aihmels@bismarckcancercenter.com
701.516.2551
RAFFLE:
NDAND Board of Directors are selling raffle tickets as a part of our fundraising efforts. Tickets are $10 for the calendar raffle and prizes range from $20-$200. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket please contact Amy Davis at: Amy.Davis@SanfordHealth.org or a local board member.
Goal Progress:
