{"id":455,"date":"2024-08-29T14:23:27","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T18:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/abrdietetics\/?post_type=chapter&p=455"},"modified":"2026-08-24T16:11:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T20:11:54","slug":"representation-and-the-need-for-diversity","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/abrdietetics\/chapter\/representation-and-the-need-for-diversity\/","title":{"raw":"4.4: Representations, Inclusivity and Belonging","rendered":"4.4: Representations, Inclusivity and Belonging"},"content":{"raw":"
\r\n\r\n\u201cSeeing a Black program director for the MAN program at Guelph provided comfort in knowing there ARE Black detitians and ones who hold positions of power in the educational system. Seeing a face like mine made me feel all my efforts to that point were not in vain. Although I had not been accepted to the program as yet, it was reassuring to see a face like mine.\u201d \u2014 Canadian Dietetic Research Student\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

Representation and Inclusivity<\/h2>\r\nRepresentation and advocacy are critical for addressing issues of burnout <\/a>and ensuring that diverse perspectives are included within the dietetics profession. Increasing representation of Black dietitians can help to combat systemic biases and improve cultural competency in healthcare. The Canadian Black Registered Dietitians Association (CBRDA) is dedicated to advocating for Black dietitians and enhancing the profession\u2019s inclusivity.\r\n\r\n \r\n
Video 4.3: <\/strong>Founders of the Canadian Black Registered Dietitians Association, Zoe Barnett and Bianca Cordeiro from Ontario, discuss the challenges of representation and support for Black dietitians in Canada. They emphasize the importance of diversifying the profession to better serve and reflect the communities they support.<\/span><\/header>\r\n
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Stop and Reflect:<\/strong> Creating Safe Spaces<\/h3>\r\n<\/header>\r\n
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  1. On a scale where \"high\" means that you feel very connected, accepted, valued and safe to be your authentic self, and where \"low\" means that you feel othered, isolated, estranged, and a need to assimilate because you do not feel safe to be your authentic self, how would you rate your sense of belonging in the food, nutrition or dietetic profession?<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[h5p id=\"74\"]\r\n

    2. If you feel a sense of belonging, reflect on how it was established. Does it exist because you feel welcome or did you have to create a space for yourself? Write down your thoughts:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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