NAASO, The Obesity Society, Strategic Plan

VISION

To be the leader in understanding, preventing and treating obesity and in improving the lives of those affected.

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote research, education and advocacy to better understand, prevent and treat obesity and improve the lives of those affected.

VALUES

The Obesity Society is committed to improving lives of those with obesity, nurturing careers of obesity scientists and practitioners and promoting the interdisciplinary nature of obesity research and education. In doing so, The Obesity Society, its members and staff pledge to maintain:

Compassion - For the lives and situations of those dealing with obesity both personally and professionally
Responsibility - To work for a cure for obesity through advocacy, treatment and investigation
Respect - For each other and all who are touched by obesity
Progress - Furthering knowledge about obesity using appropriate scientific standards
Sharing/mentoring - To help, teach and support our colleagues
Highest Ethical Standards - In our actions, writings, programs, and services

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

The Obesity Society commits itself to the following four goals and related objectives over the next three years:

Goal Area I: Research

Goal: To promote, support and disseminate research in basic, clinical, and population science in obesity.

Objectives:

Annually conduct North America's premier scientific research meeting on obesity and related comorbidities, as well as other scientific conferences as the need and opportunity arises
Publish the premier journal on obesity
Recognize and encourage premier research and new investigators in the field through a high quality peer-reviewed Grants and Awards Program
Facilitate communication among scientists and practitioners.
Recruit relevant researchers in North America as members
Establish a foundation to fund novel research in obesity

Goal Area II: Education

Goal: To educate scientists, health care professionals, and the public about obesity

Objectives:

Continue to develop, produce and deliver the highest-quality professional education on obesity for health care providers
Use The Obesity Society's scientific meetings to educate health care providers on the latest scientific developments and treatment options in the field.
Expand education to general public/consumers through The Obesity Society's newsletter, Website, and other media, as well as press releases and public forums focused on The Obesity Society's scientific meetings
Create new educational materials in partnership with established mass media outlets and other organizations

Goal Area III: Advocacy

Goal: To represent the rights and interests of obesity scientists, clinicians and those affected by obesity.

Objectives:

Increase funding from the Federal Government for obesity research
Inform regulatory, advisory and policy making bodies
Develop consensus and advocate for appropriate government policies regarding obesity.
Work to eliminate bias and discrimination against obese persons
Promote access to optimal care for obesity
Assist in protecting consumers of weight-loss products from fraud

Goal Area IV: Organizational Development

Goal: To assure a strong and dynamic organization to accomplish the mission of the association.

Objectives:

Ensure financial stability and fiduciary responsibility
Optimize communication within the organization
Ensure that governance and organizational structures are aligned with mission, vision, and goals
Review the strategic plan and evaluate the organization's success in meeting its goals
Enhance member participation
Provide for the professional development and training of Obesity Society leaders and staff
Develop strategic alliances with other professional and lay organizations that can help The Obesity Society accomplish its mission

(This document was adopted by The Obesity Society's Council on November 13, 2004)