The Body Empowerment Alliance (BEA)

History

Although not always a formal group, the BEA's goals of raising awareness about healthy body image has been a consistent theme of the WC's programming and educational outreach. Prior to the forming of the BEA, members of FORWARD created events focusing on healthy body image. And since 2003, members of the BEA have developed programs connected to Love Your Body Day in October, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) in late-February, and Healthy Body Image Week (HBIW) in March. Collaborating with other organizations, including Athletics, the Couseling Center, the Health and Wellness Centers, and the Renfrew Center, members of the BEA work to provide members of the campus community with information around disordered excercising, disordered eating, resources to assist friends with eating disorders, healthy body image, self confidence and self esteem, and nutrition. The BEA also often collects jeans for donation to local women's shelters.

Because healthy body image remains connected to other issues of identity, including sexuality, sex positive lifestyles, and self esteem, the BEA holds weekly discussions nearly every Friday at noon in the Women's Center, and all members of the campus community, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff, are welcome to participate. Discussions may range from planning meetings for members and participants to organize upcoming events to brown-bag sessions focussing on Valentine's Day, recent advertising campaigns, and Halloween costumes.

The BEA also welcomes new members and participants. Regardless of your experiences or the amount of time you can contribute, if you are interested in the BEA's events and topics of discussion, please see their schedule for this year.