2026 SNEB JEDI Desgination

In 2022, SNEB members passed the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement for the Society of Nutrition Education and Behavior,” affirming the organization’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist, multicultural society. This resolution declared that “SNEB will actively work towards ensuring that the next generation of practitioners is diverse and equipped to support the JEDI principles in their professional and personal practices.”

As one of SNEB’s longstanding and foundational programs, the presentation of research abstracts was a key area for integrating the resolution. Rather than creating a separate DEI abstract category, the SNEB DEI Committee chose to recognize and elevate JEDI-related content within all existing abstract categories—reinforcing that JEDI is not a special effort, but a thread woven throughout the organization’s work.

The 2026 SNEB Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee was responsible for deciding on accepted abstracts and proposals for the symbol presenters could use to indicate their research aligns with at l east one of these 8 principles:

• Accessibility
• Collaborator inclusivity
• Community engagement
• Cultural adaptation
• Data
• JEDI frameworks
• DEI lessons learned, and
• Policy

Submitters could self-select if interested in additional review for alignment with these principles by completing a survey where they were prompted to describe HOW (in less than 150 words) their abstract/work fit within only the principle(s) they selected. Each submission was reviewed by two reviewers using a rubric developed in 2024 by a sub-committee of the SNEB JEDI committee. This rubric was further updated based on feedback from the 2024 sub-committee, abstract reviewers, and submitters.

For 2026, the 8 principles were defined (by a subcommittee of the SNEB DEI committee) and submitters could see the definition of each principle. Then, the abstract reviewers (at least two per abstract), scored the work from a 0 (not present/not selected) to 3 (present and aligns well with the principle). At least one of the selected principles needed to receive a 3 for acceptance. In cases of disagreement on score, or a score of 2 for a question, a third reviewer will review.

This symbol indicates to conference attendees that the abstract presenter is available for questions and knowledge sharing.

2026 DEI Guiding Principles (2026)

1.     Accessibility

For example: the project offers translation services and transportation vouchers or partnering with local organizations to better reach underserved communities.

2.     Collaborator Inclusivity

Inclusion of members from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the population served in the research project. For example: A bilingual researcher/community health worker providing culturally relevant insights to ensure the project’s relevance to the community’s needs. Other example include-Incorporating Technical work groups or Participant experience council as part of the study design

3.     Cultural Adaptation

Research and/or intervention reported changes, adaptations, shifts to suit a minority community (ex: providing a transportation service a diabetic ed class for rural populations)

4.     Data

Disaggregated data by demographics, including age, gender, ethnicity, household composition, disability status, socioeconomic status etc for a detailed analysis of the program’s impact on different population groups that can help identify any disparities in outcomes.

5.     Policy

The program/research incorporates several equity-related policies. For instance, there is a policy mandating the inclusion of underrepresented groups in all stages of the program, from planning to evaluation. Additionally, the program advocates for equitable resource allocation, ensuring that funding and services are distributed fairly across different demographic groups.

6.   Community Engagement

The project uses a high level of community engagement, involving collaboration with community members throughout the project. This includes initial consultations with community leaders to identify needs, regular feedback sessions to adapt project activities, and active participation of community members in decision-making processes. The project also conducts workshops and forums to ensure continuous dialogue and co-creation with the community, ensuring that their voices are heard and integrated into the project design and implementation. Other example activities include Participant experience council.

7.     JDEI Frameworks

For example: the program actively addresses JEDI principles by ensuring diverse representation in the advisory board, offering training on unconscious bias to all staff, and implementing policies to promote fair hiring practices. Additionally, the program collaborates with community organizations to ensure that marginalized voices are included in decision-making processes.

8.     DEI Lessons Learned

Your results and/or discussion highlight and recommend future research into DEI based on your research findings to help improve programming, policies, education, etc.