Fat activism can take many forms - from a simple assertive response by a at individual being hassled on the street to organized group protest demonstrations. Any self-confident fat woman, fat man, or ally can be considered a fat activist and role model or mentor for others.
The most common types of activism projects are listed below. Fat activists should experiment with various approaches to find the techniques which best utilize their own unique skills.
Letters can be written by any individual and are often very effective in accomplishing change. Of course, several letters written to the same target are even more effective, which is why NAAFA formed the Fat Activist Task Force.
Fat activists must also remember to reward those who are competent, or contributing positively to the goals of the size acceptance movement by giving positive feedback when something is done right.
If you don't like writing, then pick up the phone. Ask for the name and job title of the person you talk with and take notes of the conversation which includes the date, time, agreements reached, and any necessary follow-up. If you're not satisfied with the results, ask to speak to a manager or supervisor.
If you feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience, volunteer to lecture to schools, clubs, church groups, etc. about NAAFA and fat liberation. Sign up for a local speakers bureau. You can educate the public while practicing a valuable skill.
Work with your union, church, or clubs to add "size discrimination" to their list of protected categories in any anti-discrimination policies they may have.
Contact your local, state, and national elected officials and educate them on size related issues. Then, ask them to take a public stand against size discrimination. Work on passing laws which would make size discrimination illegal in your city, county or state.
Creative writing can often have more impact than facts and figures. If you are a good poet or storyteller, try to convey the feelings and emotions of fat people. Touch people's hearts, and their minds will soon follow.
Don't feel you always have to reinvent the wheel. A short, simple letter accompanied by some NAAFA pamphlets or material written by others (used with their permission) is often very effective.
Never underestimate the power of the media. People or groups find TV and radio coverage harder to ignore than a few protest letters. Try to settle things directly first, and please contact the NAAFA office for advice if you plan to involve the media in an y fat activism controversy. Positive publicity that advertises your chapter or local events is always welcome.
Try to reverse our culture's usual logic and assumptions. Put the burden of proof back on the bigots.
Fat activists are attempting to destroy stereotypes and myths. They should always be well-groomed and appropriately dressed, especially when publicly representing NAAFA while doing fat activism. Always try to be polite but assertive.
When addressing fat issues from an audience, spread out into small groups in order to increase your chance of speaking and to give the overall impression that this is widespread opinion, not just one vocal group. If addressing a hostile guest on a live sh ow, have an innocent-sounding cover question during the initial screening process. Save your true stronger views for when you are on the air and it is harder for moderators to censor you.
Make sure you have a large enough group to be able to picket without getting too worn out. Make short, simple, readable signs and keep moving. Survey the picket site in advance for access to food, water, and toilets. Also check with local police about any permits needed to hold a demonstration.
Always keep in mind what your actual purpose or goal is. Remember the adage about catching more flies with honey than vinegar, and don't burn your bridges. Whenever possible, ask for a specific, concrete action as your requested response.
Know the basic facts about dieting failure rates, number of fat Americans, amount spent on the diet industry, etc. NAAFA has a fact sheet available which summarizes the most frequently used facts and statistics.
Fat Activist Task Force Fat activists participating in organized letter writing campaigns to fight size discrimination. Members write letters of protest or praise to targets designated in Task Force Alerts or in the NAAFA Newsletter.
NAAFA is cooperating with other size-oriented groups to establish a national coalition aimed at achieving equal access to employment and public accommodations for all sizes.
NAAFA has demonstrated in protest of weight loss surgery, biased obesity research, and discriminatory airline practices. Local chapters have picketed diet quacks and merchants selling products which insults fat people.
The Diet Deception: You Can Lose More than Pounds is an exhibit which explains the dangers of dieting, prejudice-affected medical care, and weight loss surgery, and commemorates those who have died in the struggle to be thin.
Fat activists support and encourage the introduction and passage of anti-size discrimination legislation at city, county, state, and federal levels. NAAFA also encourages other groups to pass antisize discrimination policies and resolutions, such as that which was passed by the National Organization for Women in 1990.
For further information or to volunteer for an activism project, contact the NAAFA Activism Committee in care of the NAAFA office.
© NAAFA
PO BOX 188620, Sacramento, CA 95818 Phone:(916) 558-6880 Fax:(916) 558-6881