Last week one of our colleagues from the San Francisco Bay area
brought to our attention billboards being erected in the area as
part of Kaiser Permanente's Thrive ad campaign. These billboards
boldly state, "Beat Obesity With A Stick". The background which was
very difficult to see, especially from a distance, turned out to be
sticks of celery.

Many of us in the size acceptance community have been physically and
verbally abused simply because we are fat and are appalled at what
appears at first glance to be encouraging violence against fat
people. People from NAAFA, ASDAH, fat studies and SMTD groups all
rose to the occasion and began to research the best course of action
in addressing this situation. There are some well positioned people
within our community who knew who to speak with regarding this
matter and letters and phone calls have gone out objecting to these
billboards.

I am happy to report that our objections have been heard and taken
seriously. One of Kaiser's officers has assured us that
instructions have been sent to their advertising agency "to
discontinue use of this particular visual with this particular
statement."

Huge thanks to everyone who stepped up to the plate and took
action. The cooperation between the various organizations and
groups involved in this protest is heartwarming and serves to prove
that there is power in numbers and we can make a difference when we
take action. As the war on fat people continues to increase, it is
more important than ever that we unite, take action and end the
discrimination against people of size!

Looking forward,
Peggy Howell
Public Relations Director, NAAFA