IDEA

The Academy encourages inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) by striving to recognize, respect and include differences in ability, age, creed, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, size, and socioeconomic characteristics in the nutrition and dietetics profession.

Learn more about The Academy’s commitment to IDEA principles here,

To access IDEA CPE Resources from the Academy click here.

Throughout the year, DBC’s IDEA Liaison, Nikki Putnam-Badding, may reach out to members for feedback. You can reach DBC’s Delegate at any time by emailing dbc@eatright.org.

The DBC Leadership Team wants to express their gratitude to all who participated in the IDEA survey in November 2023. Your candid feedback is essential in shaping the future of our DPG and ensuring that we continue to uphold our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We would like to share the results with you as well as our action plan to continue to meet the needs of our members.

Member Participation in the IDEA Survey: 21.5% of DBC members

Areas of Strength 

• Over half (54%) of respondents feel well-equipped to provide nutrition communications or conduct business across cultures and with diverse groups. Those of you who did not feel well-equipped requested additional education from DBC.
• 67% rated DBC’s efforts in promoting a diverse and inclusive group at 7 or above (out of 10, with 10 being high).

Areas for Improvement 

When asked how DBC can foster an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and contributions (open ended), you asked for the following: 

• Include people of diverse backgrounds on committees and in leadership positions.
• Provide more educational opportunities or resources on working with and addressing all people inclusively and respectfully.
• Strengthen recruitment efforts of members from diverse backgrounds.

 DBC Action Plan

• The monthly Take 5 e-newsletter will now feature an IDEA resources and tools section.
• IDEA content will be added throughout the website update starting 2024.
• Inaugural IDEA Networking Event to be held April 17, 2024 on the International Day of Mastering Conversations that Matter
• The Education Committee is committed to providing a diverse lineup of speakers on topics that help promote cultural sensitivity, inclusion, diversity, and leadership.
• Continue to strengthen IDEA principles and representation through education, networking events, recruitment efforts, and member benefits offered.