Last week, I wrote about Jonny Diaz, a young male Christian singer who's become an unusual body image hero with his song, "More Beautiful You." Yesterday, I read about some more body image heroes that I'd like you to know about. They're the Red Wing GO GIRLS -- a group of 11 teenagers from Red Wing, MN -- and they're heading off to the island of Fiji to spread their positive body image message.
Why Fiji? In the 1990s, Dr. Anne Becker studied and documented a rise in eating disorders and body dissatisfaction after Western television was introduced to the nation. So the GO GIRLS (Giving Our Girls Inspiration and Resources for Lasting Self-Esteem) are raising money to head to Fiji and talk to teens about their experiences with the media and body image. The group's goal is to educate peers and adults about media and the influence it has on the way people feel about their bodies.
Isn't that great?
According to the Red Wing Republican Eagle newspaper, the girls plan to share information about their trip when they return -- and they're already scheduled to present at the annual National Eating Disorders Association Conference.
All I can say is, you go girls!
That's great how we can use communication and technology to spread awareness like this- travel is an excellent way to share these kinds of messages.
Posted by: Sagan | 06/29/2009 at 10:23 AM
Hi Dara,
I am very happy to see that you have written a much needed book that focuses on the topic of healthy body image.
I am a nutritionist & fitness professional and my entire career is built on promoting health, not society-driven standards of beauty. It is a constant battle as I feel all I see around me are negative attitudes towards women. (So frustrating, when who we are is what can make us so great!) But I keep working towards my goal of helping women see themselves for who they are and not their dress size.
It is nice to see someone else promoting the same message and I look forward to reading your book.
If you have time, please check out my blog. I think you will enjoy it. I wrote one article on "Skinny vs. Healthy" that I think you will enjoy.
-Kim Bither/Kimberly Fitness
Posted by: Kimberly Bither | 06/30/2009 at 04:02 AM
Awesome!
Posted by: Alyssa | 06/30/2009 at 01:51 PM
Thanks, Sagan and Alyssa!
Kim, thanks for stopping by. I'll definitely check out your "Skinny vs. Healthy" post. Look forward to chatting with you and thanks for the kind words about my book!
Posted by: Dara Chadwick | 07/01/2009 at 05:25 AM