Communications at the Academy: Where Strategy and Trending Conspire to Shape History

Abstract

Editor’s Note: This is the sixth article in a series on the Academy’s history from 1990 to the present. Other articles in the series are available at www.andjrnl.org/content/amh.Since its founding in 1917, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ∗ Until January 2012, the Academy was known was the American Dietetic Association; throughout this document, it will be referred to as the Academy. ∗Until January 2012, the Academy was known was the American Dietetic Association; throughout this document, it will be referred to as the Academy. has relied on communications tools—a collection of efforts that periodically change based on content strategy, information needs of stakeholders, and the technologies available—to bring relevant and timely information about food, nutrition, and health to members, media, and other health care practitioners. The 1980s brought in a lot of new and exciting developments in Academy communications: The Journal welcomed a new editor-in-chief and the Academy’s spokesperson program was brand new. Book publishing efforts included the first run of the Handbook of Clinical Dietetics and several cookbooks, including The Whole Family Diabetic Cookbook, a collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, and a fundraiser via publication of a cookbook comprising members’ favorite recipes. The member newsletter, the Courier, encouraged members to get involved in legislative, reimbursement, and House of Delegates (HOD) issues. 1 Cassell J.A. Carry the Flame. American Dietetic Association, Chicago, IL1990: 54-55 Google Scholar