- Learn about unrealistic standards perpetuated by the beauty industry and media
- Empower students with messages of body acceptance
- Create a school culture that celebrates body diversity
- The beauty industry and media have perpetuated body size and shape standards for all genders.
- Research shows body dissatisfaction is a leading risk factor in developing an eating disorder.
- There is no “template” for beauty, and the unrealistic standards set by the beauty and media industries are especially hazardous for teens.
- Humans come in all shapes, colors, and sizes and should be celebrated as they are.
- Entire school
- Extracurricular activities
- Seek permission from administrators to host this event during lunch or after-school
- Partner with a sports team or a health and fitness club to include student athletes in this important body acceptance movement
- Set up a decorating station with painting supplies during lunch or after school in the cafeteria or central space
- When folks arrive, briefly introduce the activity and the meaning behind it using the blurb found in the Uplift section
- Either verbally or via written instructions, include some sample messages that students can write on shirts/use as inspiration for their own messages such as:
- I love me.
- Don’t judge my body.
- My body is beautiful.
- Every body is a good body.
- Designate a day when students will wear their shirts to school.
- Take pictures of students who agree and share them on your club’ s social media page or in the school newsletter, etc.
- Use this sample language to promote the campaign via newsletters, social media, morning announcements, and posters. Feel free to adapt as needed for your school
- “Don’t let the media, the beauty industry, or anyone tell you what your body should look like. You are not defined by weight, shape, or size. Learn more about accepting your body as it is with a shirt- making party on this date/time/location. Bring a friend and a shirt you can decorate!”
- Estimate the number of students that create and wear a shirt.
- Did the campaign generate conversations about body acceptance? Success!
- How did participating in the campaign and shirt decorating make you feel?
- What was the reaction from other students about body acceptance?
- Do you think our messages reached all students? Why or why not?
- What can our OMM club do to create a school culture celebrating body diversity?