Ready to take your state or local nutrition programs to the next level? Connecting The Dots can help. ASPHN’s new workforce development program connects our members with partners who are also focused on ending hunger and building healthy communities. We’ll help you build capacity through the facilitation of public-private collaborations; new partnership ideas and connection opportunities; and micro-learning tools for partnership success. Browse the information below to learn more and start Connecting The Dots!
POINT-TO-POINT CONNECTIONS
COLLABORATION
PARTNERING TO IMPROVE THE NATION’S HEALTH
Did you know there are over 150 non-governmental and private organizations committed to ending hunger in the U.S.? Connecting The Dots helps you zero in on the organizations that best align with the public health nutrition work you’re already doing to build strong and healthy communities. If you, or your organization, are interested in finding an organization to partner with, either locally or nationally, to improve public health and nutrition, please reach out to Stephanie Hodges. Use this link to find a list of organizations working to improve public health and nutrition throughout the U.S.
SHARING
BUILDING YOUR ASPHN NETWORK
ASPHN is over 900 members strong and we’re all committed to the same goal — health and wellness for all. Connecting The Dots is designed to bring us closer together through activities and initiatives that spark collaboration. From interactive forums to casual meetups, we know we’re stronger when we share and work with one another. Click here to learn more about ASPHN’s new Connection Café discussion series.
LEADING
INCREASING YOUR CONFIDENCE
Connecting The Dots’ Courage in Leadership Program provides a safe space for leaders to connect and bond, support one another, and have courageous conversations about effective leadership, team building, and emotional intelligence. Featuring ten one-hour facilitated sessions, this program increases its participants’ confidence to lead in public health nutrition. Learn more about the yearly Courage In Leadership program developed exclusively for ASPHN members.
VISIBILITY
ADVOCATING FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
Thanks to the work of our Collaboration Committee, ASPHN is Connecting The Dots at the national level through its strategic partnerships with dozens of organizations. As an ASPHN member, you can join the committee and connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about advancing public health nutrition. Moreover, you can gain valuable leadership experience by becoming an ASPHN liaison to an organization or project that aligns with the Association’s mission. Learn more about the Collaboration Committee using this link.
MICRO-LEARNING
EXPANDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Carving out time for webinars and trainings can be challenging. Connecting The Dots takes a different approach to education. Our focused marketing-driven micro-learning tools introduce you to new concepts you can apply to better position yourself and your program. Best of all, the educational resources are delivered straight to your inbox, so you can learn when the time is right for you. You can find the first two installments of the micro-learning tools here and sign-up for one-on-one guidance with our new Story Room Hours.
MICRO-LEARNING TOOLS
Connecting The Dots’ two micro-learning sessions help you determine your strengths and then turn them into a compelling narrative. If you’re eager to write your story, but prefer not doing it alone, we’re here to help. The ASPHN comms team is offering our members weekly Story Room Hours to help you succeed. Simply reach out to Lourdes Pogue to schedule a little one-on-one time. Let’s do this together.
PART #1:
NAVIGATING CHANGE USING SWOT
We love our field of practice and cherish the communities with which we partner, but change is forcing us to re-examine our programs, services, and even our career paths. Continuing our work will require zeroing in on our strengths and shedding what no longer serves our goals. The 6-minute video (above) shows you how to use a familiar tool in a fresh way to navigate this change and move forward with intention and purpose. As you watch the video, use the accompanying worksheets (linked below) to jot down your thoughts. This reflection process will help you gain clarity and control.
PART #2:
TELLING YOUR STORY USING AI
This storytelling session helps you harness AI to craft an authentic narrative that you can use for partnership proposals, stakeholder briefings, and job hunting. The 8-minute video (above) offers an overview of our favorite storytelling frameworks and why they work, and also familiarizes you with how to use ChatGPT to write your story. The step-by-step interactive worksheet (linked below) walks you through the development of your story and uses unique functions to guide the process. Please note that this tool builds on Micro-Learning Part #1, so be sure to complete that session first.
2026 RESOURCE LIBRARY
AGRICULTURE + PUBLIC HEALTH IN ACTION
Cultivating Collaboration [02-26-26]. These resources from the NASDA and ASPHN webinar explore where agricultural programs and regulatory issues intersect with public health nutrition.
NEW YEAR, NEW MANIFESTATIONS
Connection Café [02-24-26]. Learn how small, aligned actions can support both personal well-being and professional impact by tapping into these resources.
POWERPOINT | ATOMIC HABITS-JAMES CLEAR | GROWTH MINDSET-CAROL DWECK | THE NEUROSCIENCE BEHIND MANIFESTATION
ALIGNING WITH YOUR WHY
Connection Café [03-24-26]. Explore what matters most and how to align your work and well-being with those values.
POWERPOINT | START WITH WHY BY SIMON SINEK | REST IS RESISTANCE BY TRICIA HERSEY
USING GUIDED IMAGERY TO CENTER YOURSELF
Connection Café [04-07-26]. This slide deck offers visualization techniques to help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and create space for insight and self-reflection.
LISTENING IN THE QUIET: PRESENCE, PAUSE, AND INSIGHT
Connection Café [04-28-26]. Did you know intentional silence and deep listening strengthen understanding and connection? View the slides to learn more.
ENGAGING YOUTH + FAMILIES IN PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS
Cultivating Collaboration [05-14-26]. This recording features leaders sharing strategies from their national, state, and local programs to engage youth + families.
RETHINKING “BUSINESS AS USUAL”
Connection Café [05-26-26]. Explore what challenge us to pause, reflect, and reimagine your approach to help you thrive in changing times.
CONNECTION WITHOUT CONSENSUS
Connection Café [06-09-26]. Explore how self awareness, grounded communication, and thoughtful questions can support connection without forcing agreement.
NATIONAL UPDATES SHAPING SNAP, SCHOOL MEALS, AND FOOD LABELING
Food + Nutrition Policy Update [06-27-26]. This recording and slide deck include details on SNAP waiver activity and state-level restrictions, FDA proposals on ultra-processed foods and front-of-label packaging, and state legislation targeting school meals.
MEANING AMIDST NOISE
Connection Café [07-07-26]. Distractions, demands, expectations, and uncertainty can pull at our attention. These small practices can help us pause, notice what feels loud, and return to what matters most.
RELATIONSHIP-DRIVEN SUCCESS
Connection Café [07-28-26]. Explore how meaningful relationships, authentic engagement, and collaborative influence can strengthen your leadership and expand your impact.
AISLES OF OPPORTUNITY: RETAIL-BASED NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Cultivating Collaboration [09-28-26]. Explore innovative retail-based nutrition interventions like Food as Medicine, in-store education, and strategies that support healthier choices.
2025 RESOURCE LIBRARY
NEW YEAR, NEW INTENTIONS
Connection Café [03-11-25]. These resources will help you pause, reflect, and make adjustments to stay aligned with your goals.
“TINY HABITS” PODCAST BY BJ FOGG | REFLECTION + RESET JOURNAL
REFLECTING ON YOUR WHY
Connection Café [04-01-25]. Examine what drives you, both professionally and personally, by tapping into these resources.
CALLING ALL CREATIVES
Connection Café [04-15-25]. This slide deck contains resources to help you tap into your creative side.
NAVIGATING DISTRACTIONS AND EMBRACING SILENCE
Connection Café [04-29-25]. This slide deck is filled with resources to help you enhance your focus.
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION
Connection Café [05-20-25]. The slide deck below is filled with resources to help you embrace the unknown to strengthen your leadership.
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
Connection Café [06-03-25]. The slide deck below is filled with strategies for aligning our energy with what matters most.
SHOWCASING COLLABORATION & PROGRESS
Collaboration Committee Webinar [06-26-25]. The resources below contain a wealth of information regarding collaborative opportunities in public health.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Connection Café [07-08-25]. Download the PowerPoint below to find information on using AI both personally and professionally.
NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION
Connection Café [07-29-25]. Download the slide deck below for beneficial information on building connections and collaborative efforts for professional growth.
“Public health nutritionists play a critical role in catalyzing efforts that reduce the burden of chronic disease and significantly impact food insecurity in our local communities.”
GET CONNECTED
When we all work together, we have the power to make significant change. To foster relationship building, sharing, and empower public health nutritionists, ASPHN has created a new interactive discussion series: the ASPHN Connection Café.
Every session provides an opportunity for members to share experiences, perspectives, and resources, while also exploring innovative solutions and career opportunities. You can find information about upcoming sessions below. Simply click on the event for more information and the registration link.
LET’S KEEP THE CONNECTIONS GOING
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please use the link below to connect with us on ending hunger and building healthy communities. You can share what you’re doing, how you’re partnering, and what connections would be most helpful to you.
SHARE THIS CAMPAIGN
Connecting The Dots has been designed for ALL of our members! Feel free to share this campaign and its resources with your colleagues by using the SHARE links below. Please note that the links may not be accessible on all browsers. If you experience difficulty, please copy and share this URL.