Diversity

Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging

In 2020, the Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics conducted a survey of nutrition professionals in the state, both members and non-members. With nearly 800 responses, MAND leadership reviewed an enormous amount of data and feedback. Nutrition professionals had a lot to tell us, with specific themes focusing on:

• Lack of diversity within the profession
• Majority concern about inclusiveness within MAND and the profession
• Concerns about barriers within the profession, such as the unpaid internship and eventual graduate degree requirements
• The cost of AND/MAND membership relative to value
• Weight-neutral approaches to nutrition counseling
• Providing retirees opportunities to engage more deeply with students and professionals
• Lack of employer support for dues, meetings, time-off
• Work and family commitments relative to MAND participation
• Lack of knowledge about the MAND Foundation and how donations are used

All of the 2020 Survey data can be found HERE.

While MAND leaders were processing this survey information with a particular focus on diversity and inclusion, Minnesota and the country learned about the death of George Floyd. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB) ad hoc committee was formed, our work continued in analyzing the survey data, and our Strategic Planning Committee began its work on the next 3-year plan.

The Annual Conference Committee was also planning for 2021 and chose our theme of “Progressing Through the Pandemics,” addressing the current moment with respect to COVID-19, health inequities and systemic racism in our country.

MAND offered participants to learn more about this work, with a separate session on our DIEB framework and offered sessions to explore the formation of Affinity Groups. These four potential Affinity Groups emerged from our survey data and, if formed, will provide support and spaces for individuals who identify as Students, Retirees, LGBTQIA+ and/or Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color. Students had the opportunity to learn more about MAND’s Student Board and we are prepared to let the remaining Affinity Groups determine their purpose and structure, while providing administrative support as needed. Any recommendations that might emerge from these three groups with respect to MAND policies and activities will be fielded by our new DIEB Committee.

Our DIEB Committee began its work on June 1, 2021 and MAND and the Dietitians in Nutrition Support DPG are co-sponsoring three anti-bias training sessions in September 2021, which will be free and open to all nutrition professionals. Through this page we will keep members updated on our ongoing DIEB activities and progress.

Whether there is great or minimal interest in forming Affinity Groups, MAND will continue to embed DIEB into everything we do. We hope that you will support this work and learn more about how you can be an ally in your community, in our workplace and within MAND.