I’m Kristian Morey, a Dietetic Intern at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Maryland. I came to dietetics a little later in life than most, with my previous job being in national-level disability policy. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill in order in order to make life better for vulnerable populations, but I never managed to get down to Annapolis and meet with my own local representatives -- until now. On February 8, 2017, I joined 74 other registered dietitians, DTRs, interns and students for the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ (MAND) State Legislative Interactive Workshop in Annapolis, Maryland.
After a quick meeting with our groups to discuss our priorities and strategy for our meetings, we heard from Marc Korman, State Delegate from Maryland’s 16th District, who gave the crowd a crash course in the legislative process at the state level and on how to conduct meetings with our representatives. After this orientation we were off to our appointments with delegates and their staff. These meetings allowed us to make ourselves known to our representatives, communicate the value of dietitians and nutrition, discuss the bills of particular importance to the MAND membership, and learn our legislators’ points of view on our issues. Midday we heard from two members of our Public Policy Panel as well as from MAND President, Livleen Gill. We were to updated on the recent progress MAND has made, as well as regulatory changes affecting insurance. We finished the day by attending committee hearings, with some participants even getting to witness testimony from MAND leadership.
I was delighted to spend a beautiful day meeting with my delegates. It was also a wonderful opportunity to learn from and network with other local students and professionals in our field. I really enjoyed this workshop and hope I will have the opportunity to return next year and hopefully see some of you there (in Maryland)! But what can we do the rest of the year to stay involved in our legislative efforts? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Remember, the Academy’s positions are strongly influenced by the membership, and we can only influence state and national policy if our elected officials hear from us. So get out there and make your voice heard!
After a quick meeting with our groups to discuss our priorities and strategy for our meetings, we heard from Marc Korman, State Delegate from Maryland’s 16th District, who gave the crowd a crash course in the legislative process at the state level and on how to conduct meetings with our representatives. After this orientation we were off to our appointments with delegates and their staff. These meetings allowed us to make ourselves known to our representatives, communicate the value of dietitians and nutrition, discuss the bills of particular importance to the MAND membership, and learn our legislators’ points of view on our issues. Midday we heard from two members of our Public Policy Panel as well as from MAND President, Livleen Gill. We were to updated on the recent progress MAND has made, as well as regulatory changes affecting insurance. We finished the day by attending committee hearings, with some participants even getting to witness testimony from MAND leadership.
I was delighted to spend a beautiful day meeting with my delegates. It was also a wonderful opportunity to learn from and network with other local students and professionals in our field. I really enjoyed this workshop and hope I will have the opportunity to return next year and hopefully see some of you there (in Maryland)! But what can we do the rest of the year to stay involved in our legislative efforts? Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Sign up for your state affiliate’s monthly email blasts, which regularly provide details about local legislative priorities.
- Get in touch with your State Policy Representative or Public Policy Coordinator if you have questions about important legislation.
- Respond to the Academy’s Action Alerts, which are sent by email on a regular basis.
- Take part in the Academy’s Quarterly Advocacy Days to continue to instruct Congress on specific issues we support throughout the year.
- Attend the Academy’s Public Policy Workshop, the annual premier policy and advocacy training event.
- Contribute to your state affiliate or national-level Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Public Action Committee (AND PAC) to support worthy elected officials and candidates for elected state office. (Please be aware that these contributions are not tax deductible).
Remember, the Academy’s positions are strongly influenced by the membership, and we can only influence state and national policy if our elected officials hear from us. So get out there and make your voice heard!
