I am thankful to serve as your President this year. I want to take a moment to thank the New Hampshire Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Board of Directors and Committee Members for their service. We are lucky to have a board that is full of passion. Thank you, also to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the work they do on behalf of all of us. Most importantly thank you to all of our members this year. Without your membership, our organization simply would not exist!
My message to all members and non-members (in case I miss anyone below):
People’s lives are better because of you, and I want you to know that. You help people realize what life is like when they feel their best. You help people initiate change, cope with difficult conditions, and strive to make better choices.
For those of you in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and private practice: you are a part of really great days and part of some extremely emotional days. People laugh when they are with you. People cry when they are with you. Thank you for holding this space for our community.
For those of you in roles of quality improvement, public health, and health promotion: the general public is safer because of you.
For those of you in food service: you are impacting people on levels they may never realize. Thank you for feeding our community.
For those of you in specialties: you are the voice of clarity for many people. Thank you for taking your knowledge to the next level.
For those of you who are students and interns: you are the future of our profession. Take every opportunity to share your talents and learn from your mentors.
For those of you who are retired: thank you for creating a path that leads to so many opportunities and thank you for your dedication to our profession.
As we all know, the road to becoming a Registered Dietitian or a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered is not easy. It takes serious dedication. Let’s commit this year to tell our story in a new way.
I would like to ask all of us to make a conscious effort to expand our involvement in fostering and creating community connections. Be present and engaged in your community as a nutrition expert. Be available at local events when possible. Post on social media and tag our Facebook page “New Hampshire Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics” whenever it relates to helping the general public know who we are and what we do. This is part of our very important platform and our voice. Our Public Policy team is stronger than ever this year and we need you to help our voices be heard.
Again, thank you for all that you do for the future of our profession and the health of our community. Take good care of yourself. I look forward to a fun filled year.
Alicia Armstrong RDN, LD, CDE, RYT-500
President, 2019-2020
