We are approaching the start of the new volunteer year. Many of us are looking forward to the possibility of returning to our pre-COVID “normal” worlds, including regular board and education meetings, and other chapter business. Before we look at our year head, we want to be sure we are laying the foundation for a great year. This includes ensuring our new and continuing volunteers are set up to succeed in their roles. This can be done in various ways.

• Board Orientation — Each year should start with a board orientation. This should include chapter leaders continuing their terms, new chapter leaders, as well as any immediate past chapter leaders. This is an opportunity to review governing documents and role responsibilities, ask questions, and review strategic plans and goals. A board orientation checklist is available in Volunteer Resources in ANFPConnect.
• Online Course(s) — Take some time to review the online chapter leadership courses, available in the Marketplace. They include courses like Newsletter Editor - Roles & Responsibilities, Meeting Planning 101, and Volunteer and Member Recruitment and Retention. Also be sure to check out the chapters section in ANFPtv with archived webinars and Chapter Chats with relevant leadership topics.
• Meet One-on-One — Take time to meet one-on-one with each other, especially with new board members. This is a great opportunity for former board members to pass on best practices as well as other advice. You could also use this opportunity for hands-on training and shadowing.
• Team Building — Consider having a team building activity as part of your orientation. This is a great way to break the ice and build trust among your board members. It can be something as quick and simple as Two Truths & a Lie or a more involved activity such as a scavenger hunt (virtual or in-person).
• Transfer of Records — At some point, you may need to hand off chapter records or documents. This is also an opportunity for veteran chapter leaders to train new chapter leaders. Walk them through important documents, remind them of important dates, and let them know where they can find volunteer tools and resources.
• Talk to Other Chapter Leaders — With many chapter leaders throughout the country, take advantage of their knowledge and experience. Reach out to those that are in the same or similar roles on their board and share best practices, ideas, or just take some time to get to know other chapter leaders.

This month we are honoring Wendy Barrett, CDM, CFPP, of the Montana ANFP chapter as our Volunteer of the Month. Wendy began her volunteer career as president-elect in 2020 and is now currently the MT ANFP president. During her short time as president, Wendy did not hesitate to take the reins but is still learning the role and doing so with enthusiasm and grace.

Wendy originally joined ANFP in 1997, taking a hiatus for a number of years before becoming recertified in 2014, and has been a member since that time. Her role as a dietitian assistant did not require her to manage kitchens, so she missed having a leadership role, which is one of the reasons she began to volunteer, with president-elect being her first role.  

While her term as president began in January of this year, Wendy has already made an impact on the chapter. Having sent out the chapter’s most recent newsletter, she has re-engaged MT ANFP members and signified to them, that they have an active board that is moving the chapter forward. It was also an opportunity for members to meet their new board members.

Wendy envisions the MT ANFP chapter as an organization that members will be proud to be a part of. One of her goals is to grow the chapter into one that is well known and respected by healthcare leaders at the executive and government levels. However, most importantly, she wants to be a part of growing the educational opportunities that will cultivate and broaden MT ANFP’s member abilities and knowledge base.

When it comes to volunteering, Wendy shares these words, “I would highly encourage members to volunteer. The level of leadership rises, and you will grow marketable skills, especially if you are just starting in your careers. Stepping out of our comfort zone is a challenge in itself and exhilarating.”

Wendy, thank you for volunteering to lead your chapter! We look forward to seeing what you have in store for MT ANFP. Our organization would not be the same if it were not for chapter leaders like you!

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Please note the important deadlines approaching.

• Chapter's April bank statement - due June 1
• Officers entered into chapter portal for future volunteer year (June 1 - May 31). Officers must be entered each year regardless of length of term. For directions on how to add future electees, click here. Due June 1.

Government Affairs & PAC Updates

For those chapters that are planning to make a donation for Chapter Champions or to the PAC ROOTS Campaign, please use the new forms to do so. Please dispose of any prior forms.

NFEF Chapter Champions Form

ANFP PAC - ROOTS Campaign Form

ANFP PAC - General Donation Form

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion here.

Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions!

North Dakota ANFP

WELCOME to the Spring edition of ROOTS Roundup! In this newsletter you will read about what is happening at ANFP Headquarters, updates from your Government Affairs Committee, and valuable information you can share with your state chapter and leaders.

As the primary education and certifying organization of dietary managers, ANFP serves as a clearinghouse for members to access dietary staffing regulations in long-term care facilities and hospitals in their state. To stay current, ANFP conducts an annual review of regulatory requirements with Health Departments across the US. A current copy of these requirements is available online under the “Resources” tab.

We are pleased to share that Kentucky, New Hampshire and Texas have adopted the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations that list the CDM, CFPP as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in the absence of a full-time dietitian, bringing the total number of states that recognize the credential to 21! View a complete list of these states here.

Several health department representatives confirmed during the annual review that their state is planning to revise the staffing regulations by incorporating the CMS rules to ensure consistency with state law.

As a result of the CMS regulations, congressional legislation is no longer needed to establish training and certification requirements for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services. However, the focus continues to be on implementing the regulations at the state level.

ANFP’s Government Affairs committee and ANFP chapter’s spokesperson volunteers continue to advocate for CDM, CFPPs with local and state legislators providing a toolkit and data statistics that include the current number of states that recognize the credential, a map outlining the number of long-term care facilities and ANFP-approved programs in each state. Connecting with legislators provides an opportunity to share impactful stories and to make a difference on the issues that CDM, CFPPs care about!

Also, in pursuit of new pathways for the CDM, CFPP credential, ANFP is working to sponsor a U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) recognized youth apprenticeship program with help from the Urban Institute. The Urban Institute received a $2 million annual grant from DOL in 2020 to establish more youth apprenticeship programs and has been assisting ANFP with all aspects of the application process to become a youth apprenticeship national sponsor that would include funding of up to $1,000 per apprentice.

Learn more about the GrassROOTS initiatives or join the cause and become a member of the network here. Please also consider giving to ANFP’s political action committee, ANFP-PAC, which is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill.

Donate Today!

Spring is a time of year for growth and change for many of us, and that is also true of our chapters and how we approach meetings and volunteer roles. In the coming weeks, we are providing chapter volunteer leaders with two new resources that will help our chapters adapt to the changing world of meetings and introduce a new volunteer role to raise awareness of ANFP. 

On Monday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m. CST, join us for Chapter Best Practices to discuss virtual chapter meetings. We will be speaking with Regina St. Clair, CDM, CFPP, the current GA ANFP chapter president. The GA chapter hosted a very successful virtual meeting in the fall of 2020. During this webinar, participants can expect to learn about:

• Virtual Platform Options - There are many platforms available for video conferences. We will review various options that are available and how to determine what best fits the needs of your virtual meetings as well as attendees.
• Technology Advantages & Disadvantages - Technology has its benefits but also has its drawbacks. We will discuss each of these as well as provide options to overcome these disadvantages.
• Challenges of Virtual Meetings - For many of us, the world of virtual meetings is new. Learning the technology, facilitating sessions, and engaging members using a virtual platform are just a few of the challenges. Learn how to troubleshoot and prepare for these situations.
• Best Practices - Like all meetings, there are best practices that should be considered when planning your virtual meeting. We will review these and have the opportunity for others to share their own best practices as well.

To attend Chapter Best Practices - Virtual Meetings, please pre-register by clicking on the link below.

Register

Then, on Wednesday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. CST, we will host another webinar; Chapter Brand Ambassador Role - Increasing the Awareness of ANFP and the CDM, CFPP. We will introduce the role of chapter Brand Ambassador. We will be speaking with Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP, as well as Mindy Theesfeld and Jay Carińo of ANFP Staff. During this webinar, participants will learn about the following:

• Role & Responsibilities - Learn about this new and exciting volunteer opportunity and the responsibilities that are part of the role and how the Brand Ambassador fits in with chapter leadership.
• Tools & Resources - We have developed tools and resources to support those in this role. They will be included in a toolkit that will be available on ANFPConnect in early April.
• Government Affairs Involvement - One of the ways Brand Ambassadors can help to increase awareness is to become knowledgeable about ANFP's government affairs initiatives. Learn about tools and resources available for these initiatives and how we can support these efforts.
• Best Practices - Like Chapter Best Practices, we will also discuss the best practices for this role. These practices will help our Brand Ambassadors succeed in their role and support the chapter to bring awareness of ANFP and CDM, CFPPs.

To attend the Chapter Brand Ambassador Role - Increasing the Awareness of ANFP and the CDM, CFPP, please pre-register using the link below.

Register

This month we are honoring Chef Rick Schmitt, CDM, CFPP, of the South Carolina ANFP chapter as our Volunteer of the Month. Rick first joined ANFP in 2005 and began volunteering with the chapter in various roles. Rick is currently serving his third term as chapter president, having previously served in 2009 and 2015. Rick has also served in roles including, but not limited to, spokesperson, webmaster, program chair, and on the Impact Team. He is also a Leadership Institute Alumni.

Rick’s service to the SC ANFP chapter has brought much stability in times of instability. He has done so by following the chapter’s governing documents, applying best practices, and mentoring new volunteers to maintain consistency and develop future leaders. Additionally, Rick has made a major impact in South Carolina in advocating for the CDM, CFPP credential and for ANFP. His knowledge and experience with advocacy have made him an ideal mentor to other chapter leaders looking to make the same impact in their states.

Looking ahead, Rick is looking forward to things returning to pre-COVID-19 normal. Rick has seen the significant impact of COVID-19 restrictions on our members' ways of teaching, networking, and functioning as an organization, which has been felt throughout the industry. Rick understands ANFP, and our members appreciate and value the time we spend face to face. He believes the educational opportunities that are offered to our members, whether through the chapters or headquarters, not only give members the necessary education they need to remain leaders in the foodservice industry in normal times, but it also provide a reason to get away, network, and take care of ourselves outside of the everyday grind.

When it comes to volunteering, Rick believes everyone is good at something and everyone has a unique talent to offer. He also feels each organization needs a variety of talented members to bring in fresh ideas, and all help is welcomed.

Rick, thank you for the many years of service and hard work! Your dedication to the South Carolina chapter and to ANFP are greatly valued and appreciated, and we look forward to our continued work together!

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Chapter Rebate Revised Requirements

Chapters need to submit the following as soon as possible in order to be eligible for the second rebate.

• Bank statements for the month of October 2020 to ANFP Headquarters
• Most recent copy of bylaws
• Most recent copy of policies & procedures
• Revised chapter achievement report (part 2)
• 990 e-receipt (if not submitted prior)

CDM, CFPP Recognition Opportunities

A few months ago, you received an e-mail regarding new CDM, CFPP recognition opportuniteis. Opportunities include CDM, CFPP of the Month, What CDM, CFPP Means to Me, Everyday Heroes, Career Reflections, and My Recipe for Success. For more information regarding these recognition opportunities, or to submit a nomination, please click here.

Additionally, if you or a chapter leader you know would like to be featured as the Volunteer of the Month, please e-mail Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Call for Proposals

We are now accepting speaker proposals for the 2021 ANFP Meetings & events season! The safety of our members and attendees always comes first – we are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation, but we are optimistic that we will be able to meet again in person in 2021. As a CDM, CFPP and an ANFP volunteer, I invite you to take this opportunity to share your expertise with your industry colleagues. All topics are welcome, but trending topics we are aiming to include are crisis management, labor issues, staff recruitment and retention, and more. For more information, or to submit your proposal, please visit our Call for Proposals webpage.

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion here.

 

 Chapter Rebate Revised Requirements

Deadline: January 15, 2021

Chapters needed to submit the following by January 15, 2021 (except bank statement) to be eligible for the second rebate.

• Bank statements for the month of October 2020 to ANFP Headquarters (Due November 30)
• Most recent copy of bylaws
• Most recent copy of policies & procedures
• Revised chapter achievement report (part 2)
• 990 e-receipt (if not submitted prior)

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

Happy New Year to our Chapter Leaders! A new year means a chance for a fresh start. It is often the time of year that many of us are looking forward to what is ahead and planning accordingly. This often entails making plans that include an evaluation of projects or situations, making a timeline, and determining what resources are needed to help us achieve our goals. Chapter goals and plans are no different. They require foresight and well-thought-out tactics to help support the completion of the goals and plan for the year ahead. If your chapter has not done so already, consider taking the following steps to make sure you are prepared for the year ahead. 

Member Survey – Now is a great time to distribute a member satisfaction survey. This will give your chapter time to analyze the data or responses and adjust the strategic plan or chapter goals to better serve members and meet their needs before the start of the new volunteer year. A survey template is available on ANFPConnect to help your chapter get started. 

Review and evaluate goals/strategic plan – Annually reviewing the chapter’s strategic plan or goals is always a good idea. It keeps the goals at the forefront of discussions as well as provides time to reflect on what the chapter has accomplished. Evaluate the progress and decide what needs to be done to complete them by the assigned deadline. Revise or develop tactics necessary to achieve the goal. Keep your members’ needs in mind. 

Required Resources – After reviewing chapter goals and/or strategic plan, you will need to determine what resources are required to complete the goal. Ask yourselves “what do we need to complete the goal?” It could mean more volunteers, more time, additional financial support, focus groups/surveys, or additional information and data to achieve the goal. 

Checklist/Timeline – Plans should have a timeline or checklist assigned to the tasks needed to support the goal as well. Set target dates to have certain projects or tasks completed. Send reminders to project owners and check in with them regularly to ensure they stay on schedule. Or, set reminders for yourself to complete tasks in a timely manner. A checklist template is available on ANFPConnect. 

Seek out your replacements – Take a look at when your current volunteers’ terms will end. If the term(s) end May 31, 2021, now is the time for them to begin looking for their replacement if they have not already. Current volunteers should always be on the lookout for their replacements or additional volunteers. Seek out those individuals that are engaged or looking for new challenges, or individuals that would be a good fit for the role. 

Committee and Task Force Needs – On the same note of seeking your own replacement, the board will also want to determine volunteer needs for any committees or task forces for the next volunteer year. Members of standing committees should be decided prior to June, same as all other volunteer roles. Task forces, ad-hoc committees, or advisory groups can be created as needed throughout the year but should still be included as part of the strategic plan if possible. 

This month we are honoring Bonna Brown, CDM, CFPP of the Maryland, Delaware, DC (MD, DE, DC) ANFP chapter as our Volunteer of the Month. Bonna first joined ANFP in1984 when it was known as HIEFSS. She then became certified as a CDM in 1987. Bonna spent many years in various roles in the foodservice industry, starting with volunteering in her school cafeteria in high school. She eventually found her way to Cedar Ridge Children’s Home & School where she recently retired after 40 years of dedicated service.  

Bonna has also held several volunteer roles throughout her long career. Starting in 1985, she was the MD chapter hospitality chairperson and has continued to serve in this role in some capacity throughout the years. She served as the membership chairperson for the Western district during that time as well. Then, in 1996, she began to volunteer at the chapter level as the treasurer and continues to serve in this role today. She was honored as the chapters ‘Dietary Manager of the Year’ in 1999 as well as the MD, DE, DC ANFP ‘CDM of the Year’ in 2018.

As a volunteer through the years, Bonna’s biggest impact has been to maintain financial stability for the chapter. Through her leadership, consistency, and transparency, the chapter audits prove the finances to be error free during her time as treasurer. She would like to see this continue with another volunteer willing to take on the role of treasurer.
 
As members contemplate volunteering with the chapter, Bonna states, “My advice to members looking to volunteer is to start small. Volunteer for jobs that you would be comfortable doing. I like bookkeeping and numbers, so treasurer was a job I could do. It was well within my comfort zone and I have enjoyed the job.”

Thank you Bonna for your many years of service and the positive impact you have had on the MD, DE, DC, chapter! ANFP is grateful for dedicated and hardworking volunteers like you! 

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org. 

Deadline: January 15, 2021

Chapters will need to submit the following by January 15, 2021 (except bank statement) to be eligible for the second rebate. 

• Bank statements for the month of October 2020 to ANFP Headquarters (Due November 30 - Past Due)
• Most recent copy of bylaws
• Most recent copy of policies & procedures
• Revised chapter achievement report (part 2)
• 990 e-receipt (if not submitted prior)

New CDM, CFFP Recognition Opportunities

Last month you received an email regarding new CDM, CFPP recognition opportunities. Opportunities include CDM of the Month, What CDM Means to Me, Career Reflections, My Recipe for Success, and Everyday Heroes. For more information on these recognition opportunities or to submit a nomination, please click here. 

Additionally, if you or a chapter leader you know would like to be featured as the Volunteer of the Month, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.