The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) will hold its 1998 convention August 11 through August 16 at the Los Angeles Airport Westin Hotel. Scheduled events at the conference include the Million Pound March at Palisades Park, a fashion show featuring large size clothing on full-figured models, and workshops covering many aspects of the fat experience and the size acceptance movement.

Laura Fraser, author of Losing It: America's obsession with weight and the industry that feeds it, will present "False Hypes and Fat Profits in the Diet Industry." And nationally syndicated columnist Cherie Bennett will present "Alicia Silverstone and Me: Life in the Fat Lane."

According to Executive Director Sally E. Smith, "NAAFA's convention is designed to provide a balance of the three facets of NAAFA: education, action, and support. Participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops ranging from 'Fat Identity and Fat Acceptance' to 'Know Your Rights!' to 'Fat Self Esteem 101', as well as 'Activism Summit '98', where advocacy strategy will be planned for the coming year. They will also be able to network with other fat activists from different regions of the country, and experience the warmth and acceptance that society all too often denies them because of their weight."

NAAFA, Inc., founded in 1969, is a human rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people all sizes of large through public education, advocacy, research, and member support.

There will be several good opportunities for on-site interviews at the convention. However, such interviews will be arranged by appointment only. Representatives of the media may obtain credentials, a media kit, and a complete schedule of activities by contacting the number listed above.

SCHEDULED EVENTS INCLUDE:

Wednesday, August 12:

9:35 AM Cherie Bennett, nationally syndicated columnist "Hey Cherie!" and author of numerous plays and books. Presentation on body image and issues affecting fat teens and adults: "Alicia Silverstone and Me: Life in the Fat Lane."

Thursday, August 13:

8:30 PM Fashion Show: Fabulous fashions on people all sizes of large.

Friday, August 14:

10:00 AM Vendors of products and services for fat people will display their products for sale (until 6:00 pm)

2:00 PM Laura Fraser, author of Losing It: America's obsession with weight and the industry that feeds it. Presentation on her continuing investigation of the diet industry: "Losing it: False Hypes and Fat Profits in the Diet Industry."

Saturday, August 15:

10:00 AM Million Pound March, Palisades Park north of Santa Monica Blvd.

12:00 noon Vendors of products and services for fat people will display their products for sale (until 6:00 pm)

8:45 PM Attorney Michael Cardoza, who represented Marlene Corrigan when she was charged with child abuse after her 680 pound daughter died. Presentation on the Marlene Corrigan Case: "Helpless Against the Law"

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