This month we are featuring Dorothy Radermacher, CDM, CFPP, of the Minnesota (MN) ANFP chapter. Dorothy, a 50-year member, joined ANFP in 1970 and has a long and robust volunteer career with ANFP as well as many other organizations. At the national level, she is currently serving on two ANFP committees, the Chapter Leadership Team and the Program Review Committee. Dorothy is also currently serving as a Foundation trustee. Dorothy is just as involved at the chapter level as well. Within her state, she is currently serving on the Awards & Recognition and Leadership Development, Education Committee, Strategic Planning Committees, and the Impact and Legislative Team. She has held many past positions at the chapter and national level as well. 

Having dedicated so many years to ANFP, Dorothy’s involvement, recruitment efforts, and confidence building in volunteers has made a lasting impact, that ultimately helped to advance their careers. Often, when members are asked why they got involved, or who their biggest influence has been, it is Dorothy’s name that is stated over and over again, clearly having left an impact on those that have followed in her footsteps. She is known for providing continuous encouragement and support to members and volunteers. Dorothy has a knack for spotting members with a set of skills that have leadership potential and is not bashful about asking them to get involved. She gets much satisfaction watching them grow and seeing them aspire to national leadership levels.

As Dorothy looks ahead at the future of the MN chapter, she will continue promote and build awareness around the credential and the CDM, CFPP profession. She would like to see a career path established that starts with foodservice in the home, the school, and introduction to careers in food and nutrition services. She believes CDMs are just as worthy as engineers, doctors, technology professionals, or professors.   

Dorothy’s advice to prospective volunteers is to start with one tiny step. She states “Challenge yourself, believe in yourself. If someone believes in you, trust them. Follow your hopes and dreams. It's amazing the opportunities and recognition's that will come your way by simply making yourself available with confidence.”

Dorothy was honored with the Legacy Award in 2018 to recognize her unyielding dedication to ANFP and the many generous years of service she has given this organization.

Thank you, Dorothy, for your passion, support, hard work and service to ANFP and the MN Chapter. We are beyond grateful for volunteers such as you!  We look forward to working with you in the coming volunteer year!

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org. 

Volunteer Appreciation Week Moved to May 
As many of our volunteers have been stretched thin over the last few weeks, which may continue for the weeks ahead, we want to ensure they are given the recognition they deserve and have time to enjoy it. Therefore, we will be celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week, May 4 -8, 2020. Our hope is that by this time, our volunteer’s workloads will have lightened somewhat, and they will have the opportunity to participate in the week’s activities. Look for more information in April about how ANFP will be celebrating our valued and treasured volunteers!

UPDATED - CE Chapter Approval Process Updates & Changes – Webinar 
The webinar addressing changes and updates to the CE prior approval process for chapters has been postponed. A new registration link will be sent out when the new date has been scheduled.  For those that will not be able to join us, the webinar will be recorded and available for viewing following the live program.

We hope you are well and safe during these unprecedented times. We know our members are facing unique challenges during this time, perhaps some they have never faced until now. The role of chapter leaders and volunteers has always been a generous and selfless act, and now as professionals, you are faced with giving more time to others than ever before. With that in mind, it’s still important to take care of yourself. Below are a few simple ways to practice self-care that you can use throughout the day.

Focused Breathing - When times are especially intense, take a moment to take a few deep breaths. Concentrate on inhaling and exhaling slowly. Try this a few times, somewhere quiet if at all possible, and practice this as many times as necessary during the day.

Meditation & Mindfulness – With all the noise we are surrounded by each day and the many requests and demands that are made of us, it’s important to carve out some time for a few peaceful moments, and allow your mind to “re-set” itself through mediation or a mindfulness activity. There are many apps that can help you get started, click here to find the right one for you. 

Eating Healthy at Work – One of the things we might overlook as we are nourishing and caring for others in a demanding environment, is eating nutritious foods ourselves.  Being mindful about what we choose to eat can be a simple yet satisfying way to practice self-care while at work. For a few helpful tips about eating healthy at work, click here.

Give yourself credit – Perhaps one of the most important things we can do for ourselves, is give ourselves a pat on the back at the end of each day. Perhaps we had a rough day, or an easier day for that matter, it’s important to recognize that your work, efforts, and dedication are important and so are you!

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions!

Illinois ANFP
Indiana ANFP
Iowa ANFP
Minnesota ANFP
Texas ANFP

Many chapter meetings will take place throughout the country over the next couple of months. Most programs have been confirmed and the agenda set - consider adding some unique sessions, whether for education or social events, that promote idea/solution sharing, brainstorming, teamwork and networking. While formal education (and CE hours) is important, we also want to give our members and attendees the opportunity to learn in unique formats and informal settings. 

Meet and greets/mixers – Make some time for first-timers and new members to get to know your chapters leaders as well as each other. Also, consider hosting a meet and greet or mixer specifically for your younger members. Hosting the event over breakfast, drinks, or prior to the start of the meeting makes this a fun setting for members to network. 
 
Team Building– Consider including a team building session during your next chapter meeting. This is a great way to break the ice for new members, possibly learn a new skill, network, and build trust and respect among all attendees. 

Lunch and learns/roundtables – Ask your members to bring their challenges (and solutions) to your next lunch session and share those with attendees among their tables. You may also consider having a designated member ‘host’ tables to facilitate discussion about hot topics among members that promote sharing ideas and suggestions that members can bring back to their jobs. 

Young member panels – Oftentimes we don’t understand the needs and challenges facing our younger members. Consider putting together a panel of younger members to discuss their needs as members and new CDM, CFPPs. Be sure to designate a facilitator and allow time for questions from the audience. 

Unique tours/off-site events – Whether social or educational, unique tours and off-site events can offer something more to attendees. Depending on the tour or event, some may qualify for CE as well (i.e. 2019 ACE’s Kitchen Tour). Either way, it can offer your attendees a break from the lecture setting while providing an education or networking opportunity. 

This month we are featuring Amarilys Saluk, CDM, CFPP, of the Southern New England (SNE) ANFP chapter. While Amarilys has been in the foodservice industry for over 30 years, she first joined ANFP in 2001 and began volunteering with the chapter the following year. She served as chapter secretary for over four years and has held the position of the president for the last three years. 

During this time, Amarilys has become more passionate and devoted to the chapter and the credential. Because of this, she has inspired members to become more involved with the chapter, whether by attending meetings or volunteering. Additionally, she has made strides in having lapsed or dropped members re-join ANFP. Her goal is to continue this trend as well as get more members interested in serving on the chapter board of directors. 

In addition to increasing engagement and retention, Amarilys is also working on increasing the number of students that attend meetings and engage with the chapter. While she has many other goals in mind for the chapter, she will be focusing on this particular endeavor during the coming months.

As for those that are hesitant to volunteer, her advice is to give it a chance, as it can be very rewarding to volunteer for a cause that you are passionate about. She states “the benefits ANFP has for its members are incredible. The tools that are given to us are a huge factor in our professional development.”

Thank you, Amarilys, for your dedication, passion, and continuous hard work for the SNE chapter as well as ANFP! We very much value and appreciate volunteers like you!
If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org. 

CE Chapter Approval Process Updates & Changes – Webinar

Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 18th, 2:00 PM CT, for the live webinar addressing changes and updates to the CE prior approval process for chapters. Registration is required for the webinar. To register, please click here. For those that are not able to join us, the webinar will be recorded and available for viewing following the live program.

One of the many ways ANFP likes to recognize our members is presenting an award for CDM of the Month. ANFP recognizes a CDM each month who has incorporated an innovative program or operational change in their facility/organization that has received positive results for the facility, staff, or residents. The CDM of the Month is featured on ANFP social media, in eNews, on www.ANFPonline.org and in the Edge Magazine CDM Spotlight feature.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another member, please click here to complete the nomination form.

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions!

Illinois ANFP
Indiana ANFP
Iowa ANFP

ANFP offers an adversity rebate for chapters that need additional financial assistance in addition to their bi-annual rebate and revenue produced from chapter programs. The adversity rebate is to help off-set ANFP chapter operational costs related to meetings, programs, or other initiatives. The next deadline for the adversity application is March 1, 2020. If approved, the rebate will be distributed by March 30 and expenditure should be completed by April 30. Applications are accepted quarterly and can be found on ANFPConnect, Volunteer Resources, Chapter Management.

The January rebate requirements deadline has passed. The following items are now overdue:

• Bylaws - Reviewed by all board members. Edited as needed.
• Policies & Procedures - Reviewed by all board members. Edited as needed.
• Bi-Annual Chapter Achievement Rebate Report - Download from the chapter portal.
• Annual Succession Plan - Download outline from the chapter portal.
• ACE Award Nomination - For more information or to submit a nomination, please click here.
  
  

This month we are featuring Cathy Oberbeck, CDM, CFPP of the UT ANFP chapter. Cathy began her career in 1981 as a kitchen supervisor and consistently rose up through ranks throughout her forty-year career, where she is currently the Patient Services Manager overseeing 500 beds in an acute care setting.

Cathy earned her CDM, CFPP in 2007 and began volunteering with the chapter that same year as the Newsletter Editor. After serving as the Newsletter Editor for four years, Cathy stepped into the role of President, which she still holds today. Cathy has also served on three national committees: the Leadership Development Committee, Program Review Committee, and the Professional Development Committee.

While serving on the chapter board of directors, Cathy has ensured her members have access to free CEs. One way she ensures this is by partnering with local and national sponsors that have donated their time and provided speakers at meetings.

Moving forward, Cathy would like to see the new volunteers move into leadership roles that will bring in fresh ideas and a new perspective on chapter management and the foodservice industry. Additionally, the chapter is exploring the possibility of virtual meetings as well as microlearning as an education option for busy members.

Through volunteering, Cathy has found camaraderie among other volunteers as well as CDMs and has been able to share challenges as well as successes with those she has connected with.

Congratulations to Cathy and the many years of success as a volunteer as well as a CDM! We appreciate all that you have done for your chapter as well as ANFP!

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

CE Prior Approval Process for Chapters – Changes and Updates

In our December issue of Volunteer Leader, we announced new changes to the CE prior approval process for chapters. We also included a brief description of several tools and resources that will be available. Included in those listed were the Top 10 lists and an updated evaluation form template. Below are additional details about each resource.

One of the new resources that will be available to our chapters are the Top 10 lists. You may be familiar with these lists and regularly use them as a resource in your facility or with your staff. For those that are not familiar with the Top 10 lists, take a moment to review what we have available here. Two lists that will be readily available in June cover the top 10 best practices for meeting planning and presentations. While there are important components to each, we have narrowed down the steps in these crucial processes. We will continue to develop these lists in order to simplify the prior approval and meeting planning processes.  

In addition to the Top 10 lists, we have revised the evaluation form template. Though it may look very similar to the current version, we have added a few additional questions that will serve the chapter well for future meetings. As this serves as template, chapter leaders will still be able to format and edit the document to fit their needs.

To learn more about these resources as well as the changes to the process, please register for the March 18^th webinar.

CE Chapter Approval Process Updates & Changes – Webinar

Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 18, 2:00 PM CST, for the live webinar addressing changes and updates to the CE prior approval process for chapters. Registration is required for the webinar. To register, please click here. For those that are not able to join us, the webinar will be recorded and available for viewing following the live program.

This snow is still on the ground and a chill remains in the air, but February is the time to start thinking about summer. Specifically, how we can begin to prepare the incoming volunteers and hand over the reins starting in June. This is a critical point for our incoming volunteers, as they will need to be prepared to hit the ground running and implement their strategic plan, in order to achieve their goals during their term. In order to prepare incoming officers, consider taking the necessary steps to help ensure their success.

• Board Orientation - Chapters should be in the practice of conducting a board orientation each year. There are many ways to conduct the orientation that meet the needs of your new volunteers. Orientation can be conducted virtually if it's difficult to meet face to face. It also doesn't need to take a lot of time if you ask the participants to review materials ahead of time. To ensure you cover important practices and resources, refer to the orientation checklist available on ANFPConnect, under Volunteer Resources, in Board Governance.
• One on One/Face to Face Meeting - If you're not able to hold an orientation with all board members, consider meeting one on one with the incoming chapter leaders. Ideally, this meeting would take place in addition to orientation, but we know that's not always possible. Take this opportunity to meet in person (if feasible) and share your experiences and best practices for the role they will be taking over. 
• Setting Goals - When training the incoming officer, ensure they have goals in place for their term. Take time to review these goals and the strategic plan. Look at what needs to be completed or implemented and when, so the new volunteer can stay on track and continue progress toward achieving their goals while in office. 
• Team Building - While the hands-on training and knowledge-sharing are crucial parts of orientation, it is also important that new chapter leaders are able to build a rapport with one another and establish a positive and supportive culture among incoming, current, and outgoing board members. Conducting a team building activity is a great way to start this process. 
• Seeking Out Their Replacements - Perhaps one of the most important lessons or best practices a new chapter leader can share is the importance of building their succession plan. This starts with current officers seeking out their own replacements. It may seem early to begin to think about successors, but the earlier they are identified, the earlier they can be brought into the fold and are therefore better prepared to take on their role when their term begins. 
• Volunteer Watch List - Begin to build a list of individuals that show interest in helping out that can be called upon when needed for small, one-off jobs. Additionally, begin to keep a list of potential members that may be well suited for the longer-term leadership roles. This can be used as a source of support for chapter leaders as well as help make succession planning easier when the need arises. 
  
  
  
  

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions!

Illinois ANFP
Indiana ANFP
Iowa ANFP

ANFP offers an adversity rebate for chapters that need additional financial assistance in addition to their bi-annual rebate and revenue produced from chapter programs. The adversity rebate is to help off-set ANFP chapter operational costs related to meetings, programs, or other initiatives. The next deadline for the adversity application is March 1, 2020. If approved, the rebate will be distributed by March 30 and expenditure should be completed by April 30. Applications are accepted quarterly and can be found on ANFPConnect, Volunteer Resources, Chapter Management.

The January rebate requirements deadline is right around the corner. The following items are due on January 15, 2020.

• Bylaws - Reviewed by all board members. Edited as needed.
• Policies & procedures - Reviewed by all board members. Edited as needed.
• Bi-annual chapter achievement rebate report - Download for the chapter portal. 
• Annual succession plan - Download outline from the chapter portal. 
• ACE Award nomination - For more information or to submit a nomination please click here. 

CE Chapter Approval Process Updates & Changes – Webinar
Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 18, 2:00 PM CST, for the live webinar addressing changes and updates to the CE prior approval process for chapters. Registration is required for the webinar. To register, please click here. For those that are not able to join us, the webinar will be recorded and available for viewing following the live program.

This month we are featuring Bruce Link, CDM, CFPP, of the WI ANFP chapter. Bruce first joined ANFP in 1994. He began his volunteer career with the WY ANFP chapter after he was asked to host a state conference. Bruce was in Wyoming for 25 years before returning to Wisconsin about two and half years ago. However, before relocating to Wisconsin, Wyoming asked him to continue as their newsletter editor. When retuning to Wisconsin and becoming active with the chapter, he was asked to serve as their newsletter editor as well. He is still serving in both roles as of today. The newsletter editor position was the first of many volunteer positions Bruce has held. He has also served as the chapter president (WY, two terms), treasurer, spokesperson, and webmaster. In addition to his volunteer roles with the chapters, Bruce served on the National Board of Directors as a Director at Large (2005-2007), government affairs committee, and was also a participant in the Leadership Institute. 

During his volunteer career, Bruce spearheaded many projects, including the introduction of the President’s Welcome Reception at chapter meetings, led the chapter to two state achievement awards (2002 and 2003), designed chapter apparel, and helped to implement parliamentary procedure within the chapter. This was in addition to his unyielding encouragement, enthusiasm, and support of the chapter, its members, and students. 

Additionally, Bruce was able to visit five state chapters (twice) during his time as Director at Large, which the members appreciated. He also led an ambitious initiative with then state president, Felicia Smith, during 2017 Pride in Food Service Week (PIFSW). Bruce and Felicia took a state tour where they had the opportunity to meet prospective members, current members, and administrators to get the word out about ANFP and the credential. During their tour they also made TV and radio appearances to promote ANFP and PIFSW. 

Bruce also made major improvements to the state newsletters, both for WY and WI. During his tenure as newsletter editor, he made the communication a monthly reoccurrence, rather than a quarterly publication. This gave members better, more up to date notice of events and conferences. He also distributed the newsletter to administrators and vendors to keep them informed of news and events with the chapters. 

As for now, Bruce would like to see chapter membership expand as well as continue to build relationships with vendors and other industry stakeholders, by means of an Industry Advisory Council. 

Bruce believes volunteering provides one of the greatest rewards a person can receive. Volunteering generally has no financial gain, however, the friendships, contacts, and benefits gained through volunteering are priceless.

Thank you, Bruce, for your steadfast support, continuous hard work and dedication to both the WY and WI chapters as well as ANFP! It is volunteers like you that make ANFP the success it is!

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org. 

Happy New Year! As we usher in a new year and a new decade, we have much to look forward to in the coming months as chapter leaders; spring chapter meetings, celebrating our 60th anniversary at ACE in Las Vegas, and new opportunities as CDMs, members, and volunteers. New volunteer opportunities are just around the corner with the new volunteer year only six months away. 

If you haven’t submitted your name for the call for volunteers, please consider doing so. We are always looking for hardworking, dedicated, and knowledgeable volunteers like you to serve on various boards and committees. Responsibilities and time commitments vary for each committee. For more information on each committee and/or board, or to submit your name for consideration, please click here. Chapter leaders may also want to encourage their members to submit their names and become a part of the large network of dedicated volunteers, one of the many benefits of volunteering in addition to the following:

• Develop leadership skills that transfer to your professional and personal life
• Provide guidance to students and new members
• Expand your professional network
• Help make an impact and shape the future of ANFP and the foodservice industry
• Give back to the group that helped you become a successful professional
• Increase self-confidence
• Be part of an exclusive community
• Explore new areas of interest
• Step outside your comfort zone
• Be an agent of change

CE Prior Approval Process for Chapters – Changes and Updates
In our December issue of Volunteer Leader, we announced new changes to the CE prior approval process for chapters. We also included a brief description of several tools and resources that will be available. Included in those were the new Speaker Directory (formerly know as the Speaker Resource Guide) and the Event Planning Grid. Below are additional details about each. 

As described, the new user-friendly speaker directory will allow chapter leaders to find ANFP approved speakers by topic, state, and type of CE awarded (GEN, SAN, and Ethics). It also includes biographies from each of the speakers simplifying the process of tracking down speaker bios that are required as part of the application. The directory will be updated regularly with ANFP approved speakers. It will also include speakers that are recommended by chapters (pending ANFP approval). A speaker recommendation form will be available starting in June. Below is a glimpse of the directory that will also be available starting in June. 

By donating $400 or more, your chapter can become an NFEF Chapter Champion. By joining, you are showing your chapter’s support for the Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation’s goal to raise visibility of the CDM credential.

Learn More

ANFP offers an adversity rebate for chapters that need additional financial assistance in addition to their bi-annual rebate and revenue produced from chapter programs. The adversity rebate is to help off-set ANFP chapter operational costs related to meetings, programs, or other initiatives. The next deadline for the adversity application is March 1, 2020. If approved, the rebate will be distributed by March 30 and expenditure should be completed by April 30. Applications are accepted quarterly and can be found on ANFPConnect, Volunteer Resources, Chapter Management.

The January rebate requirements deadline is right around the corner. The following items are due on January 15, 2020.

• Bylaws – Reviewed by all board members. Edited as needed.
• Policies & procedures - Reviewed by all board members. Edited as needed.
• Bi-annual chapter achievement rebate report – Download from the chapter portal.
• Annual succession plan – Download outline from the chapter portal.
• ACE Award nomination – For more information or to submit a nomination please click here.

This month we are honoring MO ANFP Chapter Treasurer, Marsha Lutjen, CDM, CFPP, as our Volunteer of the Month. Marsha first joined ANFP in 1986. She attended her very first meeting in Kansas City, MO, a joint chapter meeting between the MO and KS ANFP chapters, where she was warmly greeted by Brenda Perkins; a memory that has stuck with her through the years. When she first joined, she went to meetings, sat in the back of the room, and didn’t have much interaction with other members. After a couple of years, she decided she wanted more out of the meeting and her membership, so she volunteered; almost 34 years later, the rest is history. The more active she became, the more she learned.

Marsha began volunteering with the chapter by serving as the membership chairman. From there, Marsha served in various roles at the district and state level throughout the years. Her roles at the state level include newsletter editor, program chair, treasurer, president and many others. At the district level she has served as treasurer, president and program host. In addition to her district and state roles, Marsha also served at the national level on the Government Affairs Committee, PAC, and as a Director at Large for the Board of Directors. Her dedication to the credential and hard work as a volunteer were recognized when she received the Legacy Award in 2011.

Marsha has positively impacted the chapter by continuously striving to be approachable to members, greeting them with a smile, being helpful, and letting each person know how important they are to our organization and to her as an individual.

Moving forward, Marsha would like to see the chapter develop a mentor program for newly elected officers/committee chairs as well as potential new volunteers. Additionally, she would like to see all members involved with the chapter and believes this can happen by assessing the chapter and their needs and making changes to better serve our members.   

As a veteran volunteer, Marsha encourages members to not be afraid to take that first step outside your comfort level and know that the experiences as a volunteer leader will only enhance your career as CDM, as well as an individual. 

Thank you to Marsha for your enthusiasm and all the years of hard work for ANFP and the MO chapter! Your dedication is greatly valued and appreciated!

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.