Introduction
According to Menassa, one of the serious problems among American girls is eating disorders, and anorexia, in particular (15). In my family, this problem is a sad reality that we had to go through on our own.
Main body
My younger sister started experiencing anorexia at the age of eleven. The idea of the importance of being slim was so strong in her mind that she developed a condition when eating became detestable to her. After our visit to the hospital, we learned that she had anorexia.
It took more than a year for my little sister to recover, and that period was a very hard period for the whole family. This sad experience made me very concerned about the problem of eating disorders among girls and women. For this reason, I want to dedicate my action plan to improve the situation with eating disorders among girls aged 11 to 14.
- Who: 15 girls aged 11 to 14
- What: Weekend sleepover/retreat
- Where: XXXXXX YMCA
- Why: To educate young girls about eating disorders, and provide them with information on how to cope with the problems connected with eating disorders or prevent this problem.
The girls will gather for a two-day, one-night event. They will take a part in the program aimed to inform and educate about eating disorders, their sad effects, and the ways of coping with this distressing problem. They will be provided with resources and tools to help prevent or overcome eating disorders. They will be also taught how to recognize signs of this problem if one of their loved ones appeared to develop it, and how to help such people. To understand all the dismal characteristics of eating disorders, the girls will be shown educative videos. They will be also offered encouraging interviews with those who managed to overcome the problem of eating disorders including my sister.
The modern-day culture of thinness along with its negative outcomes will be discussed during the program. The girls and women who are overweight are known to have a lot of problems including discrimination, abuse, and ridicule. For this reason, part of the program will be dedicated to helping girls see past this negative attitude in society. In addition, the girls will have an opportunity to discuss their fears and problems connected with eating disorders in a small group with the purpose of encouraging and strengthening each other. Besides, stress-reducing techniques such as sport exercises and relaxing meditation will be thought.
To organize this program, I will cooperate with NEDA or the National Eating Disorder Association. The girls from local Middle Schools will be invited to participate in the program.
Conclusion
I will need other people to help me with this event. Family members will offer their help in organizing this event including fundraising, food, and activities. My mom is a medical nurse, and she is able to provide informational assistance for the event. My middle sister is currently an event manager. She is responsible for the program, and its smooth realization. I have also invited my friends who can help with conducting different parts of the program, serving meals, and organizing activities during the whole event. To offer professional help for the present girls during the program, I will also invite a psychologist.
As for material resources, I will need flyers to invite all the girls to the program. I will print them by myself using my own computer with a printer. I will also use promo materials that I will get from NEDA. Besides, I will utilize my sister’s collection of DVDs about eating disorders.
Works Cited
Menassa, Beverly. Preventing Eating Disorders among Pre-Teen Girls: A Step-By-Step Guide,The United Sates: Praege, 2004. Print.