Can someone kindly enlighten me as to why IBCLCs who don’t fit the listed categories below, like non-RN IBCLCs, are excluded from this new Associate Member category?  Are IBCLCs not “practitioners in other health related disciplines” and do we not work in the “many fields of food, nutrition and health”?  Or, oops, maybe certain “pharmaceutical” companies who heavily endorse and support The American Dietetic Association (ADA) provide the reason?

Below is a copy of the e-mail from ADA President, Sylvia Escott-Stump, should anyone wish to contact her at [log in to unmask]  Before I send her an e-mail, I would love input from any of you who are “in the know” about this.

Thanks for filling in some blanks for me!

Rebecca DeYoung-Daniels, MBA, RD, LD, IBCLC
Kansas, USA



>>From the ADA President ... 

Sylvia A. Escott-Stump, MA, RD, LDN 

Monday, June 20, 2011 

To Members of the American Dietetic Association: 

A diversity of views and expertise adds value to an organization, and larger numbers strengthen an organization’s advocacy efforts on behalf of its profession. A wide range of ideas and solutions can be easily exchanged, facilitating the integration of multiple facts or knowledge. Following an extensive dialogue and a thorough review of available data, including information from other organizations, the House of Delegates approved the “ADA Associate” category, effective June 1, 2011. 

This new category is expected to facilitate ADA’s ability to collaborate with practitioners in other health related disciplines and to strengthen relationships with external organizations, advancing both the registered dietitian brand and ADA initiatives. 

The new Associate category is designed to enhance the collaborative nature of work in the many fields of food, nutrition and health. Collaboration greatly enhances an organization’s chances of success in furthering the Association’s strategic direction. Working together in an inclusive atmosphere that reflects ADA’s values and philosophy creates goodwill, collegiality and lasting relationships. 

ADA estimates 100 Associates will join in the first year, increasing to approximately 336 Associates by Year 5. 

The concept of increasing inclusivity with a category of allied professionals has been envisioned by ADA leaders in the past, as a growing number of collaborators have been inquiring about “joining” ADA. Numerous organizations similar to ADA offer some form of membership to their like-minded colleagues. A partial list of these organizations includes the American Association of Diabetes Educators; Academy of Physician Assistants; American Culinary Federation; American Nurses Association; American Pharmacists Association; American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition; National Association of Social Workers; and the School Nutrition Association. 

Those eligible for the new ADA Associate group do not have voting privileges, cannot hold elected office in ADA nor can they post to member blogs. The Associate category has tightly described rights and qualifications. Associate dues for Fiscal Year 2012 are $232 plus a one-time $25 application fee. 

Who Can Be an ADA Associate? 

ADA Associates are required to hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent. The appropriate degree and training, certification or license in one of the following food/culinary and health-related professions meets the qualifications for an ADA Associate: 

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) 
• Certified Midwife (CM or CNM) 
• Certified Professional — Food Safety (CP-FS) 
• Dental Hygienist (BS-DH or RDH or LDH) 
• Dentist (DDS) 
• Pharmacist (RPh or PharmD) 
• Physical or Occupational Therapist (PT/OT) 
• Physician (MD or DO) 
• Physician Assistant (PA) 
• Registered Environmental Health 
• Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) 
• Registered Nurse (RN) 
• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) 
• Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) 
• Degree in Culinary Arts from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or U.S. culinary association 
• Certification from the American Culinary Foundation or the International Association of Culinary Professionals 
• Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine 
• Certification from the Dietary Managers Association 


The Member Value Committee will closely track who joins the Associate category and why, and will annually survey Associates to evaluate their experience. This information will be used to make appropriate adjustments in Associates’ rights and qualifications. 

What Are the Benefits to Current ADA Members? 

ADA envisions both tangible and intangible benefits from the new Associate category, including: 

• Greater awareness of and appreciation for ADA’s RD and DTR members 
• Enhanced brand recognition 
• Increased demand and utilization of RD and DTR services 
• Enhanced awareness of the profession and its unique role in food, nutrition and health 
• Enhanced support for ADA’s public policy efforts 
• Greater visibility for ADA members with consumers (untapped markets) 
• Increased attendance at DPG, MIG and affiliate meetings 
• Increased non-dues revenue (application fee would ensure cost neutrality). 


Frequently Asked Questions 

What measures are in place to deal with unethical behavior? 
Applicants will be required to abide by the ADA/CDR Code of Ethics, practicing based on evidence, current information and ADA’s philosophy. 

What about promotional use of ADA membership? 
Prior to being instated as an ADA “Associate,” applicants will be required to acknowledge that neither ADA’s logo nor any statement regarding ADA affiliation or membership can be used on products, programs, services, marketing or other promotional materials (print or electronic). 

What about CDR certificate courses or certifications? 
Certificates of Training in Weight Management programs are not offered to in the Associate category; only RDs are eligible for any CDR certifications (CSG, CSSD, CSP, CSR, CSO). 

What about eligibility for ADA professional liability insurance? 
The new Associate category would not be eligible for ADA’s liability insurance; Student members (for the student type of policy) and ADA members with a CDR credential (RD or DTR) are eligible for discounted professional liability insurance. 

What about access to ADA Foundation awards and scholarships? 
While each award and grant has separate criteria governing eligibility requirements, ADA membership is a requirement to receive the majority of awards, grants and scholarships. Additionally, most awards and grants require the recipient be a registered dietitian.<<



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