This week marks the third annual Georgia Tech Campaign For EveryBody, a series of exhibits, conversations, and performances intended to support students, faculty, and staff in gaining a peaceful acceptance of and respect for their bodies.

The week provides several opportunities to raise awareness of this physical and mental health issues that surround one's body image. As a show of support, members of the Georgia Tech community are also invited to sign the GT Body Peace Treaty, which outlines healthy thoughts and behaviors that encourage a positive body image.  

While many colleges and universities have eating disorder awareness weeks, the Georgia Tech Campaign for EveryBody takes an ambitious approach to education about body image. "We decided to broaden awareness to include education about some of the larger issues that are contributing factors to positive and negative body image,” said Colleen Riggle, interim director of the Women’s Resource Center and co-chair of the committee. Also unique to Georgia Tech is the inclusion of men in the committee’s mission and events.

Events include an open mic night, a reading of Eve Ensler’s "The Good Body," multiple photo exhibits sponsored by the GT Photo Club on the subjects of beauty and body image, and the launch of the new Body Mod Blog, for members of the Georgia Tech community to share their experiences with body modification such as tattooing, cosmetic surgery, and piercing.

The Campaign for EveryBody Committee is comprised of individuals from the campus community, including representatives from the Women’s Resource Center, Stamps Health Services, Counseling Center, Athletic Association, Campus Recreation Center, Housing, GT Library, Student Center, Student Involvement, Communications and Marketing, Dining Services, and the Office of International Education. The committee's effort is not limited to one week of events; they also work with the freshman seminar GT1000 and Go T.E.C.H. throughout the year to promote body image awareness.

A full calendar of events, the Body Mod Blog, and the GT Body Peace treaty are available at www.womenscenter.gatech.edu/bodyimage/.