Welcome to the 2025-2026 membership year with the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics (NOBIDAN)! We are thrilled to have you explore our website and learn more about our mission and initiatives. If you’re not yet a member of NOBIDAN, we invite you to join us by following this link: Join NOBIDAN
As a reminder, membership requires that you are also a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as we operate as a Member Interest Group (MIG) of the Academy.
We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations, forging lifetime partnerships that unite our collective years of experience and expertise. Together, we aim to serve our communities and develop strong leaders within the field of dietetics.
At NOBIDAN, we deeply value cultural traditions and leverage our skills and scientific evidence to create safe spaces for the populations we serve. Our landscape of experts spans various disciplines, and we are eager to expand our reach to make a meaningful impact.
We warmly welcome you to be part of our growth and mission as we strive for excellence in supporting evidence-based research. With dignity, we honor the path paved by our founding leaders, acknowledging their unwavering love for our community. Together, we will continue to educate, empower, and support one another in our shared journey.
Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to achieving great heights together!
Goals from the Chair for the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics
1. **Promote Innovative Health and Wellness Interventions**
The organization aims to advance health and wellness by implementing innovative methods that provide equitable services. This includes creating nutrition interventions that are culturally relevant and tailored to the diverse traditions of the communities we serve. By understanding and respecting cultural practices, we can enhance the effectiveness of dietary recommendations and improve health outcomes.
2. **Educational Engagement through Meetups and Webinars**
We will facilitate ongoing education for our members through regular meetups and informative webinars. These sessions will focus on critical topics such as:
- **Health Informatics**: Understanding the role of technology in nutrition and health care to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
- **Obesity Treatment and GLP-1s**: Exploring the latest research and applications of GLP-1 medications in obesity management, empowering our members with knowledge to support their clients effectively.
- **Traditional Food Preparation**: Sharing techniques for modifying traditional food preparation methods to align with health guidelines while preserving cultural significance
- **Engaging Younger RDNs and DTRs**: Developing programs to capture the attention of younger registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs), encouraging them to activate their skills and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
- **Global Connections**: Expanding outreach initiatives to foster global connections, allowing our members to learn from diverse perspectives and practices in dietetics.
3. **Advocacy for Equitable Nutrition Services**
The organization will actively advocate for policies and programs that promote equitable access to nutrition services. We will work towards reducing barriers that prevent marginalized communities from receiving adequate nutritional support, striving for systemic change in healthcare delivery.
4. **Community Outreach and Collaboration**
Strengthening community outreach efforts will be a priority. By collaborating with local organizations, schools, and health centers, we will increase awareness of nutrition-related issues and provide resources and support to those in need. This collaborative approach will foster a sense of community and shared responsibility in promoting health and wellness.
5. **Professional Development and Leadership Opportunities**
We will create pathways for professional development and leadership within the organization. By offering mentorship programs, leadership training, and opportunities for members to take on active roles, we will cultivate a new generation of leaders in the field of dietetics.
Through these goals, the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics aims to empower its members, promote health equity, and enhance the overall quality of nutrition services available to diverse communities. Together, we can create a healthier future for all.
Cicely Thomas DCN.M.Ed.RDN.LD
Chairperson, National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN) 2025-2026