01/16/02 American Dietetic Association establishes new membership category

American Dietetic Association establishes new membership category

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2002

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CHICAGO -- The American Dietetic Association, the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals in the United States, has approved the creation of a new membership category that will allow dietetics professionals from outside the United States to become members of ADA.

'This new category will extend membership to dietetics professionals worldwide and will also provide an opportunity for them to partner with ADA to develop effective resources in the global marketplace. Membership in ADA is a tremendous benefit to dietetics professionals, wherever they live and in any area of practice," said ADA President Susan T. Borra, a Washington, D.C., registered dietitian.

ADA's House of Delegates, the Association's governing body, approved the new membership category in a vote that ended January 9.

Qualifications for international membership in ADA will include completion of formal training in food, nutrition or dietetics received outside the United States or U.S. Territories, verified by the country's professional dietetics association and/or national regulatory body. International members may serve on ADA committees and attend all meetings.

Membership applications are now being accepted, with memberships taking effect June 1. ADA's international membership dues are $170 per year, plus a one-time $25 application fee, payable in U.S. dollars.

Nutrition professionals from outside the United States who are interested in becoming ADA members can contact Carolyn Clark at 312/899-4827 or send an e-mail to cclark@eatright.org.

Benefits of International Membership in the American Dietetic Association

International members of the American Dietetic Association have access to a wide variety of programs, information, resources and networking opportunities. A partial list includes:

Journal of the American Dietetic Association
ADA membership includes a subscription to the monthly Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the most widely read peer-reviewed journal in the nutrition field. In JADA, members learn about new research, practice information and industry and Association news.

ADA's Food & Nutrition Conference & Exhibition
Members can broaden their knowledge and professional skills and connect with their peers at ADA's annual meeting, which offers more than 100 cutting-edge educational programs and networking functions. The 2002 Food & Nutrition Conference & Exhibition will be held October 19-22 in Philadelphia, PA Members receive special rates for registration and for purchases at the ADA Bookstore.

ADA's Member-only Web site
Much of the information on ADA's Web site, www.eatright.org, is available only to ADA members. Features on the member-only site include an online version of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association; an education center that offers continuing professional education credits; Courier Online, the monthly electronic newspaper containing ADA headquarters news; exclusive summaries of nutrition science research studies, focusing on such critical international issues as obesity, complementary care and dietary supplements, retail food, genetics and biotechnology; and many other valuable resources including links to affiliate dietetic associations and dietetic practice groups.

Electronic Link
ADA members can participate in one or more electronic mailing lists -- an ideal venue to share ideas and discuss pertinent issues with colleagues from around the world.

ADA's Book & Publication Catalog
Members receive preferred pricing on the latest in peer-reviewed and practice-related professional materials as well as patient- and consumer-education publications, products and services.

Dietetic Practice Groups
Members can improve their job performance, gain insight into specialized areas of food and nutrition, and network with colleagues by joining one or more of ADA's 28 dietetic practice groups. DPGs specialize in such areas as Nutrition in Complementary Care, Clinical Nutrition Management, Diabetes Care and Education, Oncology Nutrition, Pediatric Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Food and Culinary Professionals, Public Health/Community Nutrition, Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition, Women and Reproductive Nutrition and Hunger and Environmental Nutrition.