Connecticut Dietetic Association

Awards
There are several awards that are available to honor professionals in the field of dietetics:
CDA recognizes the competence and professional contributions of our colleagues through the following awards: Outstanding Dietitian, Recognized Young Dietitian (35 years or younger), Emerging Dietetic Leader (5-10 years of practice), and Recognized Dietetic Technician. These are presented at the Spring CDA meeting. Nomination packets are available from the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The CDA President's Award recognizes an individual's commitment and contributions to the field of dietetics and nutrition. Any CDA member can nominate someone for this award. Nominations should be submitted to the Awards Committee by March 15 of each year.
The ADA Student Awards Program allows Connecticut to recognize an outstanding student from each type of dietetics education program.
The ADA Outstanding Dietetic Educators Award acknowledges the teaching, mentoring, and leadership activities of faculty and preceptors in approved dietetics education programs in each geographic area. CDA can submit the name of one educator from each type of program to ADA for consideration on a national level.

Bulletin
The CDA Bulletin is the official newsletter of the Connecticut Dietetic Association.  It is published and mailed to members 2 times a year with additional eBulletins posted on our website.  It provides members with valuable information regarding educational opportunities, Delegate’s reports, current activities, public policy updates and more.

Public Policy Panel
The goal of the Public Policy Panel (PPP) is to provide a bridge from members to ADA's legislative and public policy leaders. Members of the PPP network and communicate with legislators at the state and national level, as well as collaborating with regulatory agencies and other organizations. Working together we identify opportunities for CT Dietetic Association to shape public policy, drawing on ADA stances and resources.

Public Relations
The Public Relations Committee promotes the Connecticut Dietetic Association and activities of dietetic professionals in Connecticut. It also works with the CDA Board of Directors to advance strategic plans for the organization.

Registration
This committee reviews, evaluates, and recommends action for continuing education programs conducted in the state and assigns continuing education credit. Included is the coordination of continuing education programs with the Commission of Dietetic Registration of The American Dietetic Association.

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Dietetic Educators
The Dietetic Educators Committee has representative members from each education program in Connecticut including Didactic Programs (DPD), Dietetic Internships, Approved Pre-Professional Practice Programs, Graduate Nutrition Programs and Dietetic Technician Programs. Committee members usually meet three times per year to plan student recruitment activities (in cooperation with the Recruitment and Retention Committee), organize student programming, plan for gifts and scholarship awards at the CDA Fall and Spring Meetings and assist the CDA Awards Committee with distribution of student award applications. Committee members work together to enhance their education programs and share CADE self-study results and information.

Food Security
The Food Security Committee consists of CDA members who would like to become involved with eliminating food insecurity and hunger in Connecticut. The Committee consists of dietetic professionals from diverse backgrounds. Their mission is to identify how dietitians and dietetic technicians can be active in meeting the food security needs in Connecticut and to increase awareness of food security issues in our state. The Committee was developed in 1998 and has been involved in various projects in the state. Two Food Security Committee activities which have been successful are: 1.) networking with existing food security organizations in the state and 2.) motivating dietetic professionals to become involved at a grassroots level with an informational booth and food drive at the CDA Spring and Fall meetings. The Committee meets three times a year and new members are always welcome.

Fundraising/ADAF
The Fundraising Committee efforts support both CDA and American Dietetic Association Foundation (ADAF).

Membership/Recruitment & Retention
This Committee's mission is to increase diverse representation in the profession. In 2000-2001, Minority Recruitment and Retention Committee (MRRC) and State Professional Recruitment Committee (SPARC) merged due to their common goal for recruitment. MRRC was the legacy of Mrs. Frances E. Thomas,
MS, RD and Polly Fitz, which was formed in 1987 after the creation of the Task Force for Minority Recruitment and Retention (1985-1987). In 1998, the committee began a scholarship for deserving students, who exemplify diversity and multiculturalism in their studies, goals and personal outlook. The committee also recognizes a professional colleague for diversity, called the Apple of Diversity Award. The committee publishes the R & R Hi-Lighter, a bi-annual newsletter.

Nominating Committee
Annually, a slate of officers is developed which provides nominees for each office whose term is ending. The committee meets to ensure candidates meet the required qualifications. The committee also coordinates the preparation of the ballot with the Executive Office.