As you may be aware from previous SVAND and/or VAND member surveys and email communications this past year, our parent organization, VAND, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formed a task force to examine potential structural changes to our organization which would address concerns related to resource availability, utilization, and sustainability. 

As a result of the task force activities, the SVAND Board of Directors has voted to transition from an Internal District to a Regional structure model within our VAND affiliate. 

What does this mean to You, our member?

1. No separate membership dues or additional form to complete.

   1. Joining/renewing membership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and choosing Virginia as your Affiliate will automatically enroll you as a member of our local Southwest Region.

2. Continued opportunities to attend local in-person and virtual member events.

3. Continued local representation on the VAND Affiliate Board of Directors.

4. Improved communication

   1. Members will see more consistent communications regarding upcoming events, outreach efforts, and other important notifications as a result of this streamlined member enrollment process.

5. Increased CEU opportunities

   1. Local Southwest members will have improved access and awareness of upcoming CEU activities across the Commonwealth through VAND communications.

6. Regional events may include a low-cost fee for attending. This structure is similar to how we have operated this year, with waiving the membership dues and charging $10/CEU credit for event attendance (with a higher fee option for non-members).

7. Several volunteer leadership opportunities still remain for members to get involved and hone professional skills although fewer positions are required to operate and support the Region.

   1. Volunteers are appointed through VAND Affiliate processes based on member outreach and member interest.

   2.  All members that want to get involved are encouraged to help their regional committees organize and participate in their local events

   3. Regional leadership positions include Region Director, Region Member Services Coordinator, Region Legislative Representative, Region Student Liaison

   4. Members looking for different types of leadership opportunities, to serve longer terms, or to have a wider organizational impact, are invited to join the VAND board.  

  8. Southwest Region finances are incorporated in the VAND Affiliate budget and

      management policies and procedures.

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This link has been included in previous membership communications on this topic, but if you would like further information regarding the different Affiliate structures, please visit the AND website  (login required): Districts and Regions - DPGMIGAffiliateLeaders (eatrightpro.org)

It is the hope of the SVAND Board of Directors that this structural change will help our organization to thrive in the future and continue to connect local Registered Dietitians, Dietetic Technicians Registered, and Dietetic Students with events, opportunities, and resources to be empowered as Virginia’s food and nutrition leaders.