Making a Difference To the Health of Canadians

Abstract

Directors has been busy interacting with members across the country on Vision 2020. We have met with groups of dietitians in various forums to discuss ways to move our vision into action. The focus has been on leadership and exploring opportunities to increase our visibility as leaders in promoting health. At the same time, we recognized that there are already many dietitians who are leaders in Canada, who have diverse, rewarding and novel careers, and who contribute to the growth and development of our profession through their roles as mentors, educators and researchers. At the end of each Vision 2020 presentation, we asked participants to think about what they are doing in their own sphere of influence that exemplifies one of the four key areas in Vision 2020 and to share their stories. The energy and passion that this generates is very powerful. Cathy Paroschy-Harris (Chair-elect) had the opportunity to speak to a group in Regina in September and commented that “it is very powerful to the profession and to individual dietitians when the successes in our everyday life are shared and communicated to each other...it creates a wave of energy and enthusiasm.” After my presentation in Moncton, a young dietitian told me that listening to others tell their stories has inspired her to push herself beyond her comfort zone and consider taking on leadership opportunities in the future. As we continue to build on this momentum, I encourage you to think about what you can do in your own sphere of influence to bring Vision 2020 to life. Together we can make a difference to the health of Canadians. (DOI: 10.3148/70.1.2009.2)