About

The duties and functions of the ANFP Government Affairs Committee are numerous and varied and are overseen by the ANFP CEO and Board.

The most significant duties and functions of the ANFP Government Affairs Committee are as follows:

Developing comprehensive legislative strategies for the Association including determining which state or national legislative initiatives the Committee and Association should support or introduce, or seek to defeat, for the benefit of the membership and the Association as a whole;

Working with the ANFP Chief Executive Officer and staff and government affairs advisors, on the effective and timely implementation of those strategies;

Developing, in conjunction with the ANFP CEO and Board of Directors, the Association's positions on various legislative initiatives and undertaking such research as may be necessary to support such positions;

Creating such materials as may be needed to communicate the Association's positions on legislative matters to legislators and other policy makers;

Communicating information on a regular basis to the ANFP membership about: a) legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially affect them; b) current ANFP's priority issues and legislative strategies; and c) national and state regulatory requirements that are imposed on them and their operations;

Overseeing the fiscal management and operations of the ANFP Political Action Committee (ANFP-PAC);

Fundraising for the ANFP Political Action Committee, including the development of programs and initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of the ANFP-PAC as a critical legislative tool for the Association; and,

Recommending the disbursement of funds from the ANFP-PAC with current legislative strategies.

The ANFP Government Affairs Committee reports directly to the ANFP CEO. Membership of the ANFP Government Affairs Committee, including the Chairperson, shall be appointed by the ANFP Chairperson of the Board, with ratification by the ANFP Board. The Chairperson shall lead the Government Affairs Committee's deliberations and actions. The ANFP CEO serves as a member of the ANFP Government Affairs Committee, and the Chairperson of the ANFP Board shall serve ex officio.

Q: How do we get recognition for the CDM credential?

A: There are two ways to go about it. The first is through the regulatory process. This involves contacting state regulatory officials that deal with health care dietary services and working with them to change the regulations. The regulatory process differs in each state, but usually it involves opening the books for review. Once the books are opened, changes are proposed, comments on proposed changes are made, and final rules are adopted.

The second method is to go through the legislative process. If the books can't or won't be opened through the regulatory process, you can ask a state legislator to introduce a bill to gain recognition. Through this method, you can help create the language you want, and work with state representatives and senators as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Q: How do I decide which legislators to make contact with?

A: Whatever your Impact Team goals, it is a good idea to get to know state legislators. The best way to start is with your own state representative and senator. They have a vested interest in talking with you — you vote for them! Call up the district office of your state senator and representative and ask to meet with them. Tell them what your priorities are. Ask them about the legislative process and with whom else you should be meeting. Follow up with them — send a thank you card after your meeting, call to ask about bills that are of interest to you, arrange to take a tour of the capitol. These legislators will enjoy meeting a constituent and you will gain a valuable ally.

Q: How do I meet state regulatory officials?

A: The best way is to go through the chain of command — ask your state surveyor. They may be willing to help you and they will appreciate your interest. If the state surveyor does not know, call the ANFP Advocacy & Professional Development Coordinator. She may have names of contacts in key regulatory agencies.

Q: If my state already recognizes the CDM credential, what do I do?

A: If your state already recognizes the CDM credential — GREAT! You have done your work, but now is not the time to rest on your laurels. You should keep monitoring state legislative and regulatory information to make sure changes aren't made that will hurt CDMs. You should also plan public relations activities that will increase awareness of the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals to the public and key audiences. Attend trade shows of health care and food service associations. Do public service activities. Promote CDMs to administrators. Plan membership recruitment campaigns. Join coalitions with allied associations. Keep an eye on other legislative and regulatory activities that may affect CDMs and act on them as necessary.