Involving dietetic students and interns in dietetic association activities

The St. Louis Dietetic Association's Division of Educators accepted the challenge of increasing the area dietetic students' and interns' awareness of and involvement in the local dietetic association. The phases of the project were: A student representative from each dietetic program was appointed to the St. Louis Dietetic Association's Executive Board and Division of Educators. The St. Louis Dietetic Association Student Information Flyer described the activities, divisions, and committees and invited student participation in the St. Louis Dietetic Association. An "Introduction to the St. Louis Dietetic Association" meeting was held at the beginning of the academic year to explain the association and invite student participation. Student involvement in the association increased as a result of those efforts. This is a fairly simple scheme that can be readily adapted by other associations. It offers an excellent technique for increasing student awareness and involvement in the professional association in a manner which is personally meaningful, practical, and voluntary.