Illinois Academy Delegates Corner

The House of Delegates (HOD) serves as a voice of Academy members and identifies and develops solutions to some of the challenges facing the profession (critical issues).

You have a voice in the Academy. Delegates are a key connection to the Academy's constituency. The House of Delegates supports and encourages proactive communication and continually seeks member input on issues affecting the profession. The work of the association relies on the contributions of members like you. Volunteer leaders are the mainstay of the organization.

May Updates
Insights from March HOD Discussions
Posted by the Delegates of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition

There is an updated approved amendment to the Academy Bylaws:
Article VII Section 1a: Number, Qualifications and Tenure:
The Nominating Committee shall have ten (10) members; seven (7) of whom shall be good standing members of the Academy and elected by the membership of the Academy; two (2) of whom are qualified as holding the position of immediate Past Presidents of the Academy; and one (1) of whom is the Chief Executive Officer serving in an ex-officio capacity. The immediate Past Presidents shall be eligible to vote on the committee. A member serving on the Nominating Committee shall not hold nor be a candidate for an elected office of the Academy. The seven (7) elected members shall each serve a three (3) year staggered term. The appointed members shall each serve a two (2) year staggered term.

Ethics Discussion:
A summary of the top 3 ideas that came from delegate small group discussion is below related to educational opportunities for members on the code of ethics.

1. Improvement of Ethics Resources by making them more interactive and engaging while focusing on emerging areas through use of scenarios
2. Enhanced Communication Strategies
3. Consider small group scenario discussions with opportunities to receive feedback

The code of Ethics Taskforce will be reviewing feedback provided.

Accomplishments of the 24-25 Program Year

The House of Delegates (HOD) achieved several key accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2025, including:

1. Strategic Realignment and Operational Streamlining: Increasing focus and purpose, aligning activities with roles and responsibilities, and improving coordination across Academy entities.

2. Updated Environmental Scanning Form: Enhanced alignment of critical issue submissions with FY2025 priorities, such as advocacy, STEM recognition for nutrition and dietetics, and public perception of RDNs.

3. AI Integration: Convened workgroups to assess AI’s impact, influencing its integration into the Academy’s Strategic Plan.

4. Low Student Enrollment Initiative: Launched "Reimagining the Power of Our Profession" to address enrollment, retention, and burnout challenges.

5. Ethics and Governance Enhancements: Passed a bylaws amendment, appointed new committee members, revised leadership position descriptions, and discussed ethics education improvements.