Fighting Size Discrimination and Prejudice

What Is NAAFA?

Founded in 1969, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is a non-profit human rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for fat people. NAAFA works to eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment through public education, advocacy, and member support.

Why Should I Support NAAFA?

An estimated 40 million Americans are significantly heavier than average, and face societal and institutional bias because of their size. Fat people are discriminated against in employment, education, access to public accommodations, and access to adequate medical care. In addition, fat people are stigmatized, and are the victims of tasteless jokes and assaults on their dignity. Despite evidence that 95-98% of diets fail over three years, our thin-obsessed society continues to believe that fat people are at fault for their size.

NAAFA is the only national membership organization fighting to end size discrimination, educating the public, and working to empower fat people. People all sizes of large should support NAAFA's work in combatting size discrimination. People of average size who believe that size discrimination is wrong should ally themselves with the size acceptance movement.

NAAFA's message of size acceptance and self-acceptance is often overshadowed by a $30 billion a year diet industry that has a vested economic interest in perpetuating the second-rate status of fat people. Without active financial support from people like you, NAAFA would not exist and could not fulfill its crucial role as a voice for fat people. While it is an uphill battle to achieve our goals, together we are making a difference.

What Does NAAFA Do?

The purpose of NAAFA is to:

But Isn't It Unhealthy To Be Fat?

Just being fat does not signify poor health. In fact, research shows that the health risks once associated with weight may instead be attributable to yo-yo dieting. Because fatness is most often caused by heredity and dieting history, and because 95-98% of all diets fail over three years, it is becoming apparent that remaining at a high but stable weight and concentrating on personal fitness rather than thinness may be the healthiest way to deal with the propensity to be fat.

We must also consider that in our society, it is very difficult for fat people to stay healthy and become fit. Due to prejudicial medical treatment and harassment by health care professionals, many fat people do not receive adequate preventative health care, and procrastinate seeking treatment when there is a medical problem. In addition, due to social stigma many fat people do not feel comfortable participating in activities that would lead to a greater level of fitness.

People of all sizes can strive for fitness by making sensible food choices, following an exercise program, and getting regular check-ups.

How Does NAAFA Work To Meet Its Goals?

NAAFA uses a three-pronged approach to end size discrimination and improve the quality of life for fat people. The three facets are as follows:

Advocacy: NAAFA fights size-related discrimination and bias at every opportunity.

Education: NAAFA fights societal prejudice against fat people through education.

Support: Through NAAFA, fat people can raise their self-esteem and overcome feelings that they deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.

Activities And Opportunities For NAAFA Supporters

The NAAFA Newsletter
The NAAFA Newsletter documents and analyzes events affecting the size acceptance movement, provides information on research, legal, and legislative issues, and profiles in-depth features on topics of interest to supporters. Through the Newsletter, members are kept apprised of organizational programs and activities.

Fat Activist Task Force
NAAFA's Fat Activist Task Force is a coalition of fat activists participating in organized letter writing campaigns to fight size discrimination. Members write letters of protest or praise to targets designated in quarterly Task Force alerts.

Local Chapters
NAAFA has more than 50 local chapters throughout the country. These chapters are run by local volunteers and carry out NAAFA's mission in their communities. Most chapters charge a nominal fee and publish bulletins, hold local meetings and activities, and sponsor workshops and support groups. In many areas not served by chapters, there are area facilitators who members can contact by letter or phone for information and support.

Events
Each year NAAFA holds its national convention in a different major city. The convention enables members from around the country to network, and NAAFA's leaders to personally inform our supporters of the year's progress. Days are filled with workshops, guest speakers, rallies, discussion sessions, and sightseeing trips. Evenings bring dinner dances, special events, swim parties and fashion shows.

Special Interest Groups
There are several special interest groups (SIGs) within NAAFA that provide programs for members sharing common concerns. Some charge nominal dues:

Optional Programs
NAAFA offers many optional services to supporters for a normal fee. Among them are:

Why do we use the word "fat" so freely?

"Fat" is not a four-letter word. It is an adjective, like short, tall, thin, or blonde. While society has given it a derogatory meaning, we find that identifying ourselves as "fat" is an important step in casting off the shame we have been taught to feel about our bodies.

NAAFA, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization operating under the Membership Corporation Laws of the State of New York. Donations to NAAFA, Inc. are tax deductible under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. A copy of our financial statement may be obtained by writing to NAAFA, Inc. or to the State of New York Office of Charities Registration, 162 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231.

In principle and in practice, NAAFA values and seeks a diverse membership. NAAFA will attempt to remove all barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of body size, gender, race, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or socioeconomic status.

© NAAFA PO BOX 188620, Sacramento, CA 95818 Phone:(916) 558-6880 Fax:(916) 558-6881

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