To provide members with the latest professional knowledge, skills, tools and resources using technology and other forms of instruction/info sharing

• Enhancement of WM Web site to include more information, tools and resources
• CPEU articles in each WM newsletter
• Teleconferences throughout the year that are on cutting-edge topics and affordable
• Formation of a WM Peer Network to assist members in implementing Academy’s Nutrition Care Process & Standardized Nutrition Language
• Annual Symposia
• Publication in progress – Bariatric Surgery Handbook (estimated completion, Spring 2009)
• Web-based Mentor Networks in formation

To identify member needs to allow these needs in order for these to be addressed in activities and programs

• Member Survey conducted annually
• Use of results from the survey during annual Executive Committee strategic planning retreat

To increase access of members to the Executive Committee, participation in WM projects, other members, and information r/t their profession

• Twice-monthly blast email member updates
• Process for volunteering for consideration for elected and appointed positions on the Executive Committee and for positions on WM Committees

To expand Subunit visibility and activities, member involvement in Subunits, and networking

• Two Subunits created, the Bariatric Surgery Subunit and the Pediatric Weight Management Subunit
• Community of Interest (discussion forum) being developed for each subunit
• Subunit sponsored Teleconferences and presentations at Symposia

To promote weight management-focused outcomes research and evidence analysis

• Support for Academy’s Dietetics Practice Based Research Network and Nutrition Quality of Life research project
• Support for Academy’s Evidence Analysis Library on projects of interest to members:
• Adult weight management topics, including very low calorie diets, role of protein, satiety, non-diet approach to WM
• Bariatric surgery including post-surgery diet regimen

To prepare leaders for the roles on the EC and provide leader training for the EC & members

• Annual orientation and training of new Executive Committee
• Community of Interest for Executive Committee discussions
• Document files posted to the Executive Committee Community of Interest
• CPEU Leadership Skill Development Teleconferences
• Annual retreat with outgoing and incoming Executive Committee

To recognize members who have made outstanding contributions to the profession and to the field of weight management

• Awards Program:
• Excellence in Practice Award initiated Spring 2007
• Two additional awards in development
• Scholarship Program to assist members in attending NAASO annual meeting, Public Policy Workshop (PPW), and the WM Symposium

To expand activities, programs and services r/t External Affairs, Public Policy and Payment for Services/ Reimbursement

• Networks with external organizations being formed – NAASO Network in progress, others to come
• Leadership represent members at PPW
• Creation of Coverage and Reimbursement Chair on WM Executive Committee
• Reimbursement Teleconferences and Web resources
• Sponsor Guidelines established
• Sponsorship opportunities and sponsor recognition on non-member home page of WM Web site