Groups and organizations across WVU are collaborating to create a night of body acceptance events for students. The Collegiate Recovery Program, WELLWVU, Carruth Center, Student Health and the Women’s Resource Center will host “Accepting EveryBODY” Feb. 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Recreation Center, Meeting Room A.
The event will feature opening remarks about the importance of self-acceptance and the body positivity movement, followed by a panel discussion. Panelists include Dayna Charbonneau, sports psychologist for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics; Charlotte Hoelke, coordinator of the Women’s Resource Center at WVU; Kimberly Allen, undergraduate student and member of Project Heal; and Sina King, registered dietitian and Ph.D. student in the Clinical and Translational Sciences Program. Following the panel discussion, attendees will be able to participate in a guided meditation and assorted hands-on activities developed by student organizations and others from around campus.
“We wanted to organize a body positivity event for our students because there is immense pressure on people to look a certain way, especially during college,” explained Olivia Dale Pape, one of the event organizers. “This event is designed to help students challenge those thoughts and pressures and work to gain self-acceptance. There is no wrong way to have a body.”
“Accepting EveryBODY” is free and open to the public. Snacks will be provided, as well as giveaways from local businesses, including The Tea Shoppe, Morgantown Power Yoga and Morgantown Running.
For more information, contact Olivia Dale Pape at olivia.pape@hsc.wvu.edu.