Helping grassroots advocacy efforts take root.

G T r r a a t g f a W Grassroots advocacy—as the term implies—is a form of advocacy that grows organically and, uite often, spontaneously at the local r regional level. As the leading food nd nutrition experts, registered dititians (RDs) are in a unique position o shape public policy, particularly at he ground level, by participating in a ull spectrum of advocacy activities. “To advance our profession, advoacy needs to be a natural part of our ife and work,” noted Judith C. Rodriuez, PhD, RD, FADA, LDN, Amerian Dietetic Association (ADA) presient (1). Perhaps one of the best xamples of an RD advancing the proession in this manner is Nancy ecker, MS, RD, LD, a member of the oard of directors of ADA’s Political ction Committee (ADAPAC) and hair of the Oregon Nutrition Policy lliance—the group that helped drive egislation to set nutrition standards or snack foods in Oregon schools in 007, and in 2009 advocated successully for the passage of Oregon’s HB 726, Stateside Menu Labeling in hain Restaurants (2). Becker—the ecipient of the ADA’s 2009 Award for rassroots Excellence—says taking a eam-player approach, effective comunication skills, and good, old-fashoned passion for an issue are the eeds for growing a successful grassoots advocacy initiative.