OAC Celebrates 20 Years with Creative Contest Against Weight Stigma

Unveiling a Vision for a Stigma-Free Future

In a monumental step towards promoting inclusivity and eradicating weight-related biases, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has initiated a creative contest titled "Imagine a World Without Weight Stigma" to honor its 20th anniversary in 2025.

OAC, with over 85,000 members nationwide, has long stood as a beacon of hope for those affected by obesity. For two decades, it has passionately advocated for awareness, access to healthcare, and the dismantling of misconceptions surrounding obesity. As it celebrates this significant milestone, the organization is not just looking back at the past, but rather forward to a future devoid of weight stigma—a future it is dedicated to building through empowerment and community involvement.

Joe Nadglowski, the President and CEO of OAC, expressed the essence of this initiative, stating, “We launched this Creative Contest to provide individuals with an opportunity to express themselves and contribute to OAC's mission through their work.” This sentiment encapsulates the contest's aim: to harness creative expression as a tool for change.

Participants are encouraged to submit their interpretations of a world free from weight bias. The contest accepts entries in various forms, such as visual art, essays, poetry, and prose, allowing diverse artistic voices to come together in a unified cause. Entries will be accepted until May 27, 2025, leading up to the highly anticipated 2025 Your Weight Matters National Convention in Washington, DC, scheduled from July 24-26. Selected entries will be showcased at the convention, offering a platform for artists to gain recognition and share their important messages.

But the contest is not merely about the showcasing of art; there are also enticing rewards for the most impactful works. The top participant will receive a grand prize of $500, alongside an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Convention, which includes airfare, hotel accommodation, and registration fees. Additionally, this winner will bask in year-round recognition opportunities within OAC's various platforms. Both the second and third place winners will receive similar trip packages to the National Convention, ensuring that their voices are also heard and celebrated.

Beyond the prizes, selected works may find their way into OAC's anniversary celebrations. This includes features in digital and social media galleries, advocacy campaigns, and even special-edition merchandise, thus expanding the reach and impact of the messages conveyed.

The contest reflects a broader initiative by OAC to engage communities in meaningful dialogue about weight stigma and its consequences. The organization’s mission extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it aims to provoke change within healthcare systems, media representations, schools, workplaces, and family dynamics, advocating for a world that honors and values individuals of all sizes.

For many, this contest serves as an opportunity not only to express personal experiences and insights but also to contribute to a larger narrative that confronts societal norms and challenges the status quo. As Nadglowski eloquently put it, “We want to hear from diverse voices and help bring this important message to life as we celebrate our 20th year of fighting for a better future for people affected by obesity.”

Submissions can be made through the official contest page at ObesityAction.org/20years/creative-contest, where detailed guidelines and entry requirements are provided.

The OAC remains focused on its vision for a future devoid of weight stigma, where individuals are seen for their inherent value rather than judged based on their size. As the contest unfolds, it promises to be a profound catalyst for change, encouraging all to envision a more inclusive and compassionate world.