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Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND) offers numerous personal and professional benefits. Here are some compelling reasons to volunteer with us:

Professional Development

Volunteering provides valuable experience that can enhance your career as a nutrition or dietetics professional. You can develop leadership, project management, and communication skills that will benefit you in your current role or future career advancements.

Networking Opportunities

By volunteering, you’ll connect with other dietitians and dietetic technicians in New Jersey. These connections can lead to collaboration opportunities, job referrals, and mentorship relationships. It’s a great way to build lasting professional relationships.

Contributing to the Profession

As a volunteer, you play an active role in shaping the future of the dietetics field in New Jersey. Your contributions help support initiatives that promote nutrition education, advocacy for public health policies, and the advancement of the profession. Volunteering allows you to have a direct impact on the profession’s growth.

Leadership Experience

Many volunteer opportunities, such as serving on committees or the NJAND Board of Directors, provide opportunities to take on leadership roles. This experience is valuable for personal growth and is often recognized in future professional endeavors.

Increased Visibility

Volunteering can raise your profile within the nutrition and dietetics community. By taking on visible roles in events, conferences, or committees, you establish yourself as an active, engaged professional, which can lead to recognition and professional opportunities.

Personal Fulfillment

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose by giving back to the profession. You’ll have the chance to contribute your skills to important causes, such as promoting healthy eating, improving public health policies, and supporting fellow professionals in the field.

Educational Opportunities

Through volunteer work, you may gain access to special workshops, training sessions, and resources that help you stay current with the latest research, trends, and best practices in nutrition and dietetics.

Enhancing Your Resume

Volunteering with a recognized and respected organization like NJAND enhances your resume, demonstrating initiative, commitment to the profession, and the ability to work collaboratively. Employers often view this type of volunteer experience favorably.

Making a Difference

By supporting NJAND’s initiatives, you help improve the overall quality of nutrition care and services available to New Jersey residents. Whether through policy advocacy, public education campaigns, or community events, your work helps improve public health and nutrition.

Community Engagement

Volunteering allows you to be part of a broader community of professionals who share your passion for nutrition and health. You’ll engage with colleagues who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Overall, volunteering with NJAND is a rewarding experience that can advance your career while allowing you to contribute to the betterment of the nutrition and dietetics field in New Jersey.

Current Volunteer Positions

NJAND’s officers play a crucial role in ensuring the organization’s mission is upheld and its operations run smoothly. Together, officers ensure that governance is effective, resources are managed responsibly, and that the organization remains aligned with its mission and goals. Positions are selected by NJAND’s nominating committee and voted on annually by the members.

Available officer positions include:

  • President-Elect (3 year term)
  • Treasurer-Elect (3 year term)
  • Secretary (2 year term)
  • Regional Co-Chairs (2 year term)
  • Nominating Committee (2 year term)
  • Academy House of Delegate (3 year term)

NJAND’s committee members play a vital role in supporting the organization’s work by focusing on specific areas of governance and operations. Each committee is typically tasked with a particular function or area of expertise, helping to drive the nonprofit’s mission forward. Positions are selected by the President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past-President on an ongoing basis.

Committees Include:

  • Communications Committee: The Communications Committee is responsible for managing all aspects of NJAND’s external communication. This includes developing content for newsletters, social media, and the website – ensuring the organization’s messaging aligns with its mission and values.
  • Annual Meeting Committee: The Annual Meeting Committee organizes and oversees NJAND’s annual event. This committee is responsible for planning the meeting agenda, coordinating logistics, securing guest speakers, and ensuring that the meeting provides value to the organization’s members.
  • Membership Committee: The Membership Committee focuses on recruitment, retention, and engagement of members. This committee creates networking events, mentorship programs, and study groups as member benefits. They also develop relationships with key stakeholders in New Jersey to foster a strong, supportive community.
  • Public Policy Committee: The Public Policy Committee is responsible for advocating on behalf of NJAND’s interests in the public sphere. This committee monitors legislative and regulatory developments and works to influence public policy through lobbying and advocacy campaigns. They ensure the organization stays informed and actively involved in key policy issues related to its mission.

Volunteer Application Process

Ready to make an impact with NJAND? Tell us about your interests and experience in the form below, and we’ll connect you with volunteer opportunities that match your skills and availability