Application

To print a copy of the BCDA Membership Application please click here.

Membership Criteria

Q: Why does a person have to be a member of ADA in order to become a member of BCDA?

A: from Stephanie Petrosky, RD, LD/N President of the Florida Dietetics Association 2002/2003.

This seems to be a frequently asked question, especially when districts are faced with unwanted attrition at the local level. There is a simple, technical reason and a philosophical explanation - take your pick:

First and foremost, BCDA exists by way of bylaws and articles of incorporation under the governance structure of Florida Dietetic Association (FDA), which is an affiliate of the parent organization, American Dietetic Association (ADA). Membership is required at the national level in order to gain the privilege of membership in the local district. Dues are not collected for state membership since the dues rebate that the ADA sends to the state affiliates covers the administrative costs of running the state organization. Districts are not given a rebate and are therefore permitted to collect membership dues to provide revenue sources for local activities. You cannot allow a person to belong to the affiliate organization if they are not a member of ADA.

Which brings me to the philosophical answer: Why the stern protection of membership? If we do not draw a definitive line defining who can belong to our organization, then we dilute the purpose, the effect and the outcome of everything we do. And, because there are numerous benefits of belonging to a dynamic organization which supports our profession. The momentum of over 70,000 members has accomplished so much more than a handful of people could.

There are quite a few people who struggle with why give my money to the national organization when I can get what I need from the local organization. However, the local organization exists only because ADA does. The progress made in MNT reimbursement, international policy making, scientific research, professional resources, education materials, political activity, elected representation, and many other advances have happened because ADA had a plan and dedicated members to make it work.

If eligible professionals do not join the ADA and pay for their membership, Florida (and each other state affiliate) loses out on the rebate, which adversely affects our financial ability to support all of the top issues in Florida. We need that money to direct state and local agendas. BCDA gains guidance, networking, leadership development, legislative benefit, etc. from the ADA dues through FDA. We have about 400 dietitians/technicians in the state who are not ADA members who non-the-less reap the professional benefits of ADA’s work (which includes BCDA, FDA and all of the districts) on the skirt tales of those loyal members.

ADA continues to drive responsive, timely initiatives. Just recently one board member made a big difference in the fees for the public policy workshop by using the issue management process. ADA is listening and changing. While the bureaucracy of ADA has occasionally frustrated me, when I weigh out the benefits, there is never any doubt in my mind why I faithfully pay my dues to ADA and BCDA.

Hopefully this helps with your question. I am sure you are in a difficult position when folks want to join BCDA who do not have ADA membership. I have had to make that call too.