UWM celebrated Body Acceptance Week late last month. Photo via MacKenzie Ringle.

UW-Milwaukee joined the ranks with the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) recently, making sure to extend the organization’s initial celebration of Body Acceptance Week 2024 from Oct. 21-25. UWM continued to have critical conversations around college, food, and body image, as well as both mental and physical health in the week of Oct. 28-Nov. 1. The idea of body acceptance was also part of a larger discussion of body positivity, body neutrality, body liberation, and the places each of these terms and concepts have in students’ own lives.

“Body Acceptance Week is important because the journey to accepting one’s body is arduous, and in my opinion, takes years of reflection,” said John Contreras.

Contreras serves as UWM’s Manager of Sociocultural Programming.

“It’s taken me many years to learn to accept that my body is my own and the influences of social media, peers, and my own insecurities about my body should not limit my capacity to accept myself for who I am,” said Contreras.

To honor the cause and educate students on these issues, the school put on a variety of interactive events. Students were able to partake in rock climbing during Outdoor Pursuits’ Climb Night, Chair Yoga by The Moving Galaxy, conversations with Mechanic Shop Femme Chaya M. Milchtein, Group X GLOW WEEK group exercise classes and a Mindful Walk to Lake Park, complete with guided mindfulness activities. People also were able to make recipe books while learning about proper nutrition, meal prepping, and packing lunches – all essential skills to thriving as busy and healthy people in college and beyond.

Another group of crucial leaders in the organization, decision-making and implementation of these events to celebrate and learn more about BAW included MacKenzie Ringle, a Health Promotion Coordinator at the Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) and her peer health educators/students. Together, they made sure to choose events and activities that amassed a variety of partnerships on campus.

They created activities that “ranged from individual-level learning and exploration to community-level experiences, which allowed students to choose how they wanted to be part of BAW,” said Ringle.

The goal for BAW was ultimately to celebrate and include all people and bodies – every shape, size, and ability. These events emphasized the importance of having inclusive and affirming spaces for all bodies and identities. Furthermore, each event offered resources and support for those struggling with their own bodies and body image. With this, the gatherings acknowledged that these struggles can painfully inflict other issues if left unaddressed, including an increased risk for eating disorders and depression.

Ringle made it clear what she hoped people could take away from the week.

“That they are enough,” said Ringle. “And they’re worthy of love and acceptance.”

If you or anyone you know needs help with body image issues, disordered eating, or any other mental health concerns, please contact The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) at wellness-info@uwm.edu or 414-229-7429 or the 24/7 UW Mental Health Support Line at 888-531-2142.

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