MISSION STATEMENT:

We believe that all people, regardless of size or shape, have the right to:

• Live peacefully, free of harassment, ridicule and size-related guilt.
• Be hired or not hired based on their gifts and abilities.
• Fair and adequate compensation for their labors.
• Access to public facilities, insurance and quality health care.
• Freedom from exploitation by commercial interests who profit
  by perpetuating the social stigma of being fat.
• The respect of the community based on their achievements,
  contributions and citizenship in the human family.

We seek to secure these rights for fat people through education, activism, support and by cultivating size-positive social environments for fat people, their friends and admirers in the Northwest.

---

What's going on in our neck of the woods?

Starting January 2000, every (3rd) Saturday of the month we will be having an event of some kind at the Kirkland Congregational Church, 106 5TH Avenue, Kirkland, WA. These events will start at 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM unless otherwise stated. The events are always potluck, possible minimal charge, or a donation will be taken to cover cost of the hall rental. Kids are always welcome, unless stated. The events are held downstairs in the church and handicap accessible.

February Events

Sweetheart Valentines Dance:

When: Saturday, February 19TH
Where: Kirkland Congregational Church, 106 5TH Avenue, Kirkland, WA Downstairs in the fellowship hall, handicap accessible.
Time: 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 per person
This is a finger food potluck event. Bring food/beverage to share.

March Events

Family Night Magic Show:

When: Saturday, March 18TH
Where: Kirkland Congregational Church, 106 5TH Avenue, Kirkland, WA Downstairs in the fellowship hall, handicap accessible.
Time: 6:00 PM to 10: PM
Magic show starts 7:30 PM- 8:30 PM
This is a professional show.
Cost: $2.00 per Adult, All KIDS are FREE of charge
This is a finger food potluck event. Bring food/beverage to share.

Directions: To church, from I-405 take exit #18, go west for 4 lights to First Street, turn right, follow up hill 2 1/2 blocks, church on right hand corner.

For your information all events are handicap accessible.

WSC-NAAFA will be organizing a food drive. Food and money raised will be donated to Northwest Harvest, a well respected non-profit organization dedicated to feeding the hungry. NAAFA plans to accomplish three goals with this food drive (1) to provide a needed community service--feeding the hungry, (2) to obtain positive PR (public relations) with the media and (3) to create awareness of the importance of International No Diet Day. The logic is as follows--many people (women and teenagers especially) voluntarily starve themselves into a state of serious malnutrition or death (anorexia, crazy fad diets, medically approved diets, unsafe diet drugs). They do this in quest for a body size and look that is not genetically the norm for most Americans. All who have dieted know the discomfort of going hungry. Many live with the medical complications and side effects that have resulted from dieting (gall bladder problems, hypertension, yo-yo weight gains, metabolism problems, etc.). The food drive is designed to assist children and adults in the world who are involuntarily hungry. The health risks of poor nutrition and hunger are the same whether by choice or by circumstance. Those interested in participating in this much needed service can bring a non-perishable food item to any NAAFA event. For more information e-mail wscnaafa@hotmail.com.

---

Other great stuff from Washington State NAAFA:

• We have a cookbook of recipes from our membership for sale. Cost is $8.00 plus $2.00 shipping and can be ordered by snail mail from WSC Chapter of NAAFA, P.O. Box 24851, Seattle, WA 98124-0851
  
  
• "It's Okay to be Fat", a video produced by the Washington state chapter of NAAFA is available for $5.00 plus $3.00 shipping. The 40-minute video contains vignettes and a panel discussion group about size related issues. To purchase the video, send a check or money order to WSC-NAAFA, P.O. Box 24851, Seattle, WA 98124-0851.

---

The New 1999 WSC NAAFA Board Officers:

Chair:	Lisa Rogers	Bellingham	Email: bbwtrustme@aol.com
Treasurer:	Darlene Myers	Seattle	Email: bbwdar42@aol.com
Secretary:	Judy Fenton	Everett	Email: mjfenton@gte.net
Liaison:	Murrel Clizbe	Bellingham	Email: merlymae@telcomplus.net
Parliamentarian:	Doug Zimmer	Woodinville	Email: zimmerville@usa.net

---

Links

• Washington State NAAFA Membership Application
• NAAFA Headquarters Email naafa@naafa.org
• NAAFA Book Service
• NAAFA Chapter list
• Fat?So!
• Radiance Magazine
• Dimensions Magazine
• Dimensions Top 300 Size-Related Links
• International No Diet Day info
• Our NAAFA friends at the WOW (Way Out West) Portland, OR chapter of NAAFA.
• International Size Acceptance Organization

---

For more information on events, locations or to join the Washington state chapter of NAAFA, call (206) 781-3529, or Email wscnaafa@hotmail.com