Welcome to the new volunteer year! We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to all the success our chapters will have throughout the year. For most of our chapters, if not all, will be returning to regular in-person meetings and events. For some chapter leaders, it will be the start of a new role and for others they will continue in their role. Whatever the role you are in, there are few ways to get started on the right foot with your board. Each year, chapter leaders should consider holding a board orientation or training. Below are some tips to help you get started.

Board Orientation – Make use of the board orientation checklist (available on ANFPConnect) which includes the very basics a board should cover at the start of the year or during orientation. In addition, all new members should review the Board Orientation online course that’s available in the Marketplace (at no cost). Returning chapter leaders may wish to view it as a refresher course as well.

One-on-One Mentoring – One of the most helpful ways to train a new chapter leader is through one-on-one mentoring. Not only can you show them the correct way of doing things, but you can also offer useful advice and best practices that only a veteran member would know.

Team Building – The start of the volunteer year is also an ideal opportunity for a team building exercise. You likely have a mix of new and returning chapter leaders on your team. Conducting a team building activity allows you to break the ice among members and start building trust and respect among the group. Here is a great list of team building activities that can be done in-person or virtually.

Familiarize Yourself with Volunteer Resources – Becoming familiar with all the volunteer resources available (ANFPConnect, online courses, webinars, and archived chapter chats) will help you understand the tools available that will support you in your role. In addition to all our online tools and resources, keep in mind that other chapter leaders whether in your own chapter or another, are another great resource. Additionally, the Chapter Leadership Team and staff are here to provide support and guidance.

This month we are honoring all our volunteers from this past year. Each of you should have received a volunteer appreciation certificate which is a small token of our gratitude and appreciation for all you do for ANFP. Our volunteers make so much possible for our members and generously give their time to improving and sustaining our chapters. Through our chapter leaders we have:

·       Spread awareness of ANFP and the credential

·       Cultivated future leaders

·       Provided education and other programs to our members at the state level

·       Created a network of colleagues and industry peers

·       Supported our communities or those in need

·       Recognized members and their contributions at the local level

·       Provided support and guidance to one another through difficult times

While these are just a few ways our chapter leaders have positively impacted their chapter and the industry, each is an integral part of achieving our goals and mission as an organization.

Thank you, volunteers! We are grateful for each of you and your hard work!

If you would like to nominate a member for Volunteer of the Month, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Building on our work over the past several years, the Foundation continues to partner with ANFP chapters through the Chapter Champion program garnering financial support for the Member Dues and Certification Fees grant program. All monetary donations received are used during ANFP’s dues season to assist credential holders experiencing financial difficulties that prevent them from paying their annual membership and certification dues.

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

May is Mental Health Awareness month and the perfect time to check-in with yourself and fellow chapter leaders. Our chapter leaders are constantly being pulled in different directions, whether it’s by staff/employees, chapter members, friends, and family. We can all relate to this feeling. However, it is still important to find some time for ourselves, if only once a day to take a break. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health but is often put last on our long list of things to take care of. Consider taking just a few moments for yourself each day this month to take a mindful inventory of your mental health/state. Below are some ways to clear your mind, take a break and focus on yourself. You might find yourself less stressed, more productive or have improved your mood. Think about sharing these techniques at your next chapter meeting with your members and encourage them to take care of their mental health as well.

Mediation/Yoga – Mediation or yoga can help us focus on our breathing and clearing our thoughts to better focus on our day or the tasks at hand. Its also makes for a great break during your busy day. Here are a few yoga stretches/poses you can do from just about anywhere. Or if yoga is not your thing, here are a few meditation techniques to hopefully reduce stress.

Do Something Fun – Distraction isn’t always a bad thing, especially on a day where it feels like we can’t catch a break. Maybe its Sudoku, or Wordle or a few pages of a book you’re reading. Whatever it is, think about something that brings you joy, but can also help you get your mind off things for a little breather.

Exercise – We know that exercise can boost our mood and energy level, so it’s something to be mindful of throughout our day. If you are in a sedentary position all day, think about ways you can get a few steps in by setting a timer throughout the day to remind yourself to get up and move. Or if you’re on your feet most of the day, think about how you can rest or get off your feet for a few minutes here and there. (Easier said than done!) Exercise is important, as is rest.

Eat Right – Same with exercising, we know healthy food can help to boost or at the very least sustain our energy level throughout the day. That may look different for each of us. It may mean packing a lunch instead of buying it or drinking more water, cutting back on caffeine or eating more vegetables.

Demonstrate Gratitude – Our chapter leaders are some of the most gracious people in the industry, and gratitude comes easily to them. While we hope that each of our chapter leaders are also being showered with gratitude by others, it’s important to do this for ourselves as well. When we practice gratitude, we give ourselves a chance to take a step back and take inventory of the good around us. Also, think about how you can spread gratitude to others through a gratitude challenge with your staff, colleagues or chapter members.   

This month we are honoring Chef Robert McKeon, CDM, CFPP, of the Maryland, Delaware, DC (MD, DE, DC) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month.

Robert became a CDM, CFPP in 2010, and at the time he was working at an assisted living community with a memory care unit and wanted to learn all that was involved in healthcare. He was told about the CDM, CFPP program and wanted to expand his role into nutrition and food safety. However, prior to this, he graduated from the CIA and worked in high end restaurants and hotels, which is quite a bit different from his experience in healthcare.

Robert was then invited to the MD, DE, DC chapter meetings and while he attended some board meetings, he did not join the board until 2016.  He was however, involved with the chapter prior with some minor roles helping at meetings (room/AV set-up, registration preparation, etc.) as well as speaking at the chapter meetings. 

Then in 2016, he became the chapter vice president where he assisted with getting speakers and vendors to speak and exhibit at their two workshops: Spring workshop and their signature event in Ocean City, Maryland, “Workshop by the Sea” in the Fall.  Robert is currently serving in two roles as the chapter president and the vendor chair.

When Robert decided to become a board member, his commitment and focus was on unity of the chapter and ensuring the chapter’s programs were fun, interesting, memorable, and relevant.  One of his goals is to conduct a workshop where members can gather information that is current and gives solutions to our challenges and concerns. Additionally, he is focused on giving back to the chapter by annually honoring a chapter CDM, CFPP of the year, and by engaging administrators by offering an Administrator of the Year award.

He would also like assist those in the chapter that are going through difficulties and need monetary assistance, via a scholarship, in the chapter that are going through difficulties and need monetary assistance. He believes that even if challenged, everyone should be able to attend the workshops by covering the cost of the program, mileage, and hotel rooms if necessary.  At their latest spring workshop, General Mills donated $500 to this scholarship initiative after learning about it. 

In the chapter’s newsletter, The Crab Chatter, the chapter selects various members and industry partners and recognizes the value they bring to the industry. These members include a CDM, CFPP that has added value to their community, a retired CDM, CFPP that is contributed so much to the industry as well as a vendor or company that sells products and/or services that serve or improve the lives our residents, students, guests, and family. 

For Robert, he believes it is very important to volunteer and “pay-back” the profession that has had a positive impact during his career and lifetime. He finds it is all about relationships that we build and nurture while focusing on education and information our CDM’s are looking for.

Robert also believes that everyone has a story; and he wants to be mindful about hearing that story. He states, “My goal is to make everything a little bit better than the way I found it. I challenge our board and committee members to see opportunities to give back to our chapter members, community, and healthcare profession.  To me, if we are able to enrich the lives of others with ideas and information that impacts them positively, that is success.  When you change your life from just being present to contributing, everyone thrives.  My goal as chapter president is see a CDM, CFPP who has enough CEU’s but still attends because they know it is rewarding to them.”

Robert thank you for all you do for the MD, DE, DC chapter and inspiring each of us to give back and help others! Your service and commitment to ANFP and the credential are greatly appreciated! You are helping to build and sustain a strong, engaging, and successful chapter. Thank you!

If you would like to nominate a member for Volunteer of the Month, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

April Bank Statements

Per the rebate requirements, chapters must submit their April banking statements by May 31. The statement can be uploaded in the chapter portal or sent to chapters@ANFPonline.org.

While the new volunteer year does not officially, begin until June 1, chapters can add their incoming officers/leaders now via the portal.  A ‘How To’ is attached for those of you that are not familiar with the process. A video tutorial is also available on ANFPConnect, Volunteer Resources, Chapter Management. Even if your chapter officers are not changing, they need to be added into the portal each year.  When incoming officers are added using the ‘Add Electee (Upcoming Term)’ button, they will automatically appear on the chapter’s website on June 1.

Please do not click on the ‘Clear’ or ‘Change’ buttons when you are in the chapter portal entering your 2022 - 2023 officers. As per the instructions, you will need to select the ‘Add Electee (Upcoming Term)’ button, when in the Officer & Volunteer Management section within the chapter portal. If you change the names of the officers using the ‘Clear’ or ‘Change’ buttons at this time, the term will only last through the end of the month. ‘Clear’ or ‘Change’ buttons are intended for any changes that take place mid-year or as necessary.

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions!

Indiana ANFP
Kansas ANFP
Minnesota ANFP
Texas ANFP

We’re about to embark on the pinnacle of spring chapter meetings season. Many of our members are looking forward to reconnecting face to face and networking with new members and vendors. There will likely be a lot of conversation around the challenges members have faced and continue to face as the pandemic has become part of our daily lives. No matter the challenges, our members have persevered and leaned on each other for support and understanding during this time. We have learned a lot about ourselves and learned from our mistakes, which is one silver lining we can take away from the last two years. It has also presented us an opportunity to share those experiences which hopefully helps others learn and grow as well. One of those opportunities has been our monthly Leadership Happy Hour call. Though the call has only been taking place for a few months, we’ve learned a great deal from each other, while providing support to our peers and sharing ideas including:

Meeting Topics/Agendas – We’ve heard from chapter leaders about some very interesting topics that will be presented at spring meetings, including automation (as it relates to labor), how to cope with stress, becoming a better listener and of course, sessions related to ethics and sanitation.

Challenges & Solutions – Chapter leaders have had the opportunity to share their challenges with their peers as well as offer solutions. Hearing from those that are in a similar situation helps us from feeling isolated and reminds us that ‘were in this together’.

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention – We’ve also discussed volunteer recruitment and retention. It is no secret that nonprofit organizations throughout the country are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers, but through our conversations we’ve learned of some creative ways we can start to approach our members and get them engaged.

Self-Advocacy as CDM, CFPP – CDM, CFPP’s are humble individuals, and ‘tooting your own horn’ does not come easy to many of our members. Chapter leaders shared ideas on how we can help our members understand the value they bring to their positions and more importantly how they can show others the value they bring to the table.

We encourage our chapter leaders to join in the discussion at our next Leadership Happy Hour call on Monday, April 11^th at 5:00 PM CT. To register for the call please click here.

This month we are honoring Diana Trout, CDM, CFPP, of the South Carolina (SC) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month.

Diana’s career and love for foodservice started in 1986 at a hospital in Wilmington, Ohio, starting as a dietary aide and finishing as a first cook. After moving in 1992, she began working in LTC and where she made the move to management. She obtained her CDM, CFPP in 1995 and began her volunteer career in 2013 when she agreed to be the SC ANFP membership committee chair. Then in 2014 she was elected as SC ANFP vice president and moved through the ranks as president-elect in 2015, then onto president serving two terms from 2016-2018. Following her term as past president, she was elected as secretary which she continues to serve in this role.

Due to unforeseen circumstances in 2018, Diana needed to start thinking about her volunteering career with SC ANFP and where it was going to go. Volunteering had been a huge part of her career and life. She had made some great friends that have become like family. The learning, camaraderie, planning and the interaction with peers had been something she knew she would miss. She eventually retired but continued volunteering with SC ANFP. This fall Diana was honored as the SC ANFP CDM of the Year and also received the Roland Peppard award.

As Diana reflects on her volunteer career, she states, “Serving on the executive board has been very fulfilling and I have enjoyed learning how the organization works from the inside. My favorite part is assisting with organizing the conferences and working with the venues, speakers, and vendors. I have learned that foodservice has some of the friendliest, giving, and hard-working people there is. I have acquired a larger respect for my fellow CDM’s through this COVID period. Their dedication to their positions, staff, communities, and residents is astounding.”

As for the future of the SC ANFP chapter, Diana feels that volunteering is something everyone should get involved in. She would like to see the volunteer program get a boost as she realizes participation has been hampered by CDM, CFPP’s roles changing, long work hours, less encouragement and help from employers, and less time for involvement. She recognizes foodservice is an ever-changing profession but getting involved and supporting each other is rewarding. 

Thank you, Diana for the many years and hours you have dedicated to SC ANFP. You helped shape the chapter and ensure it has been a success. Thank you!

If you would like to nominate a member for Volunteer of the Month, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

CBDM Approves Volunteer Leadership Activities for CE. For more information, please click on the following link.

https://www.cbdmonline.org/cbdm-news/2022/01/10/cbdm-approves-volunteer-leadership-activities-for-ce

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions!

Indiana ANFP
Kansas ANFP
Texas ANFP

Spring is in the air and with it brings change. Perhaps one of the biggest changes will be the return of in-person meetings for chapters. It's also is an opportunity for new members to experience what our veteran members have in the past, including face to face networking, interactive sessions, and a chance to get involved as volunteer. New members, or current, will have the chance to meet the current chapter leaders and volunteers and learn about the ways they can help. More importantly, it’s a chance for our current volunteers to get to know new members and learn about how they would like to contribute and the skills they would like to learn. Either way, the chapter, its members, and the volunteer can benefit from the experience with the right approach.  

Match goals/interests – Start by asking prospective volunteers about themselves. What are some of their goals or interests that volunteering can support? What skill would they like to learn or improve? When a volunteer’s needs are met, they are more likely to stay engaged.

Not everyone is a leader – Not everyone wants to be the leader. There may be those that simply want to help or support the chapter or as mentioned, learn a new skill, or explore an interest. It’s important to keep this in mind when recruiting new volunteers to ensure their experience is tailored to their needs, but also serves the chapter.

Alternate benefits – While leadership skills are what first comes to mind when you think of volunteering, think about some of the other benefits that you have gained as a volunteer. You have likely expanded your professional or personal network. You probably learned something about yourself through the experience. You may have also gotten some practical training, depending on the role you served. Make those benefits known to your prospective volunteers as they may be looking for something similar.

Think small - Small opportunities can lead to big change. We know one of the biggest reasons some members don’t volunteer is the time or term commitment. Re-think how some of your volunteers’ roles or tasks can be broken down into smaller jobs, or micro-volunteering opportunities. Perhaps you develop an ad-hoc committee for your spring meeting, and when the spring meeting is over, the committee dissolves. Or ask a different volunteer to develop the newsletter each issue. Whatever the task or role may be, consider ways you can divide and conquer.

This month we are honoring Robin Hilbird-Bardgett, CDM, CFPP, of the Wyoming (WY) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month.

Robin first joined ANFP in April 2016 after attending a couple conferences as a student and was amazed at the information and networking that took place at the live events. After obtaining her CDM, CFPP, she began volunteering, or in her words was “voluntold” to oversee the “Foodservice Rewards” as her first volunteer experience.  Due to Robin’s meticulous and diligent work, the chapter was able to purchase an Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 for our WY’s 50^th Anniversary which was raffled off and proceeds were donated to ANFP PAC.  

Robin’s first chapter leader role was as the chapter treasurer from 2017 -2018. She had originally agreed to serve as president-elect the following year. However, as the term drew near, Robin felt the role was not for her. She felt she was better suited to serve in the treasurer’s role which she continues to do to this day. In addition to Robin’s chapter leadership roles, she has also served on the Item Writer’s Committee from 2018-2019 as well as the CBDM’s Standards Committee since 2018. She is proud to be serving on this committee and feels she can use her strengths through service to the committee. 

As current treasurer, Robin has been able to apply her business management knowledge and experience to the role. She is detail-oriented, organized, and accountable with her work and responsibilities and is a much-trusted chapter leader among members because of honorable work ethic. Additionally, Robin’s flexibility and willingness to serve has made a positive impact on the chapter. By demonstrating her inclination to volunteer she has set an example for other WY members to consider volunteering and supporting the chapter.

Looking ahead, Robin would like to see more members step up to volunteer and reap the benefits that come from volunteering, both personal and professional. Additionally, she would like to see the chapter continue to work with surrounding states and host joint or multi-state conferences, whether they are in-person or virtual, as this allows more members to attend. Robin would also like to see the WY chapter win a Diamond award that annually recognizes a chapter that goes above and beyond, implements innovative programs, and demonstrates best practices.

As for Robin herself, she plans to continue volunteering with ANFP through various opportunities and would eventually like to serve on the ANFP Board of Directors and/or a national committee.

Robin, we thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to the WY chapter and ANFP! Our chapters are successful because of volunteers like you. Thank you!

If you would like to nominate a member for Volunteer of the Month, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

CBDM Approves Volunteer Leadership Activities for CE. For more information, please click on the following link.
https://www.cbdmonline.org/cbdm-news/2022/01/10/cbdm-approves-volunteer-leadership-activities-for-ce

To help better support our chapters to become eligible for the next rebate, we have once again revised the upcoming rebates requirements.

Chapters will need to submit the following as soon as possible (except bank statement) to be eligible for the second rebate.

·       Bank statements for the month of October 2021 to ANFP Headquarters (Due November 30)

·       Most recent copy of bylaws

·       Most recent copy policies & procedures

·       990 e-receipt (if not submitted prior)

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions!

Indiana ANFP
Kansas ANFP
Texas ANFP

It’s never too early to think about the start of the new volunteer year (June 2022). While many chapters are likely preparing for their spring meetings, consider setting aside some time in the next month, or at the next board meeting, to assess your needs for the next volunteer year. Once you have assessed those needs, you’ll have plenty of time to address them prior to the start of the volunteer year. 

Assess Your Board – Taking the time to assess your board can lead to some great ideas and improvement of chapter management. There are a couple ways that boards can assess themselves. They can use the self-assessment tool as well as the SWOT analysis (both templates available in Volunteer Resources). Both will help the board to understand where their strengths lie and where they can improve, as a board and as a chapter as a whole.

Assess Your Member Needs – One of the best ways to assess the needs of your members is through a survey. This allows for all your members to voice their opinion and needs and do so anonymously. You can also consider forming a focus group, a small sample of your members, to determine what your members would like to get out of their chapter and their current needs.

Assess Your Goals – Taking time to review your chapter goals and the status of these goals should be done on a regular basis (quarterly). This is a simple enough process, as the goal has either been met or not. However, you and the board can drill down further and determine what still needs to happen to meet that goal by the end of the volunteer year whether that’s financial resources, volunteers or more time.

Asses Your Needs – As a volunteer, it’s important to assess your own individual needs as well. You may have set goals for yourself as a volunteer, or perhaps you were looking to gain a specific skill. Did you accomplish that? If so, great! What’s next? If not, determine what needs to happen for you to reach that goal or what obstacles may be in the way.