When most people think of body image, they think about aspects of physical appearance, attractiveness, and beauty. However, body image is much more intricate—it is our mental representation of ourselves. Cultivating a positive body image through exercising appreciation, compassion, and setting healthy expectations for one’s self is an important step to building strong and productive adults.

81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat.

This Declaration supports the funding and implementation of body image programs at public schools in the United States. MORE to ME represents the current social movement of women acknowledging that there is more to their identities than their bodies. It is symbolic of the shift in how women as a whole view themselves. This change is not only timely, but necessary for the future.

Induction into our culture's weight concerns is happening at a very young age for women. Research shows that dieting to lose weight and fear of fatness are now common in girls as young as nine years old—and escalate dramatically during adolescence.

It is time to stand up and change the way we teach young girls to look at themselves. It is no longer enough to take a reactive position to this societal problem. Implementing preventative measures and practices is necessary to secure a lasting and fundamental change to the dynamics which perpetuate unhealthy body image. While a portfolio of measures is needed, we believe one of the most critical components is to implement body appreciation and self-image curriculums within public schools. This is critical in reaching young people during the formative years of their lives.

We are asking YOU to acknowledge the problem and be a proactive part of building a lasting solution.

Sincerely,

Experience Project (www.experienceproject.com) and....