Public Policy Panel and ADA Structure
ALDA Public Policy Panel
ALDA's Public Policy Panel is made up of our Public Policy Coordinator, State Policy Representative, State Regulatory Specialist, ALDA's President, the Chairperson(s) of the Reimbursement Committee and ALDA's Executive Director. RDs with advocacy expertise in certain specialty areas are appointed to serve on an interim basis as needs and issues arise.
To contact them:
Public Policy Coordinator - Julie Drzewiecki
(256) 880-3594 | mardz@comcast.net
State Policy Representative - Leslie Danzey
(334) 693-0243 | lesliedanzey@yahoo.com
State Regulatory Specialist - Linda Godfrey
(205) 822-4621 | lgodfrey4621@charter.net
ALDA President - Susan Miller
(205) 934-3223 | uabmiller@gmail.com
Reimbursement Committee Co-Chairs Dana Herazo, Debbie Morrison
(251) 690-8843 | danaherazo@centurytel.net
(256) 737-2139 | morrisondebbie@gmail.com
ALDA Executive Director - Larry Vinson
(334)260-7970
The Academy's Policy Action Framework
Grassroots Network: This consists of The Academy members nationwide who represent and act as liaisons to other members in their state and/or congressional district.
Public Policy Coordinator (PPC): Serves as a key connection/conduit between The Academy government relations and grassroots leaders on The Academy public policy stances and processes. Coordinates Public Policy Workshop visits to policy makers. Communicates The Academy's nationwide and federal issues to WSDA and affiliates. This member serves on the Public Policy Panel. The PPC is appointed by the Board President for a Three Year Term.
State Policy Representative (SPR): Responsible for tracking state legislative and regulatory issues of importance to RDs and DTRs. Communicates local policy issues and The Academy policy priorities to WSDA and affiliates. Coordinates appointments with state contacts (i.e. governor's office, state health officials, state legislatures). This individual would be a member of the Public Policy Panel.
Legislative Chair and a Legislative Committee: Individuals appointed in most affiliates to oversee state issues important to their home state. ALDA aims to cultivate this leadership within each district association.
ADAPAC: The Academy's political action committee. The AcademyPAC collects funds to be donated to political candidates who support The Academy's priorities.
The Academy's Policy Initiatives and Advocacy Team staff: This group of The Academy staff members located in both the Washington and Chicago offices works on food nutrition and health issues to influence policy at the federal, state and local levels.
To Access The Academy's Resources
Public Policy Priorities
Public Policy Awards
State Affairs
E-mail Your Member of Congress using The Academy's Grassroots Manager
With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can have your voice be heard. Use The Academy's Grassroots Manager program to send a letter to your member of Congress. The Academy will often post pre-written letters for you to send to your representatives asking for their support in legislation dealing with food, nutrition and health.
To send your letter, visit the Grassroots Action Center. You can also access the site by going to "Take Action" on The Academy's public policy Web page.
Now is the time to make your voice heard.
Step One:
First-time users: Select the letter you would like to send and then click "Take Action." You will be sent to a new page where you will be asked to enter your e-mail address and a password of your choice, then click "Begin." Next, enter your contact information and click "Continue." (After your first login, your information will automatically display and you will not have to re-enter it the next time you return to the site.) Returning users: You must first be logged in to The Academy's member Web site. Select the letter you would like to send and then "Take Action." Your contact information will display automatically. Verify this information and click "Continue."Step Two:
Choose one of the available methods of contact for your communication: phone, fax, e-mail, Webform (sends a message through your representative's Web site). Some legislators do not make their e-mail addresses available, and only wish to receive communications through Webform. Personalize the template letter as you wish. This is important, because your representatives want to hear from you and to know your perspective. The name of the legislator and your name will be automatically generated when the letter is sent.When you've completed your letter, click "Send Message."