International Size Acceptance Association

The International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) is an NGO (non-governmental organization) based in the United States that champions the cause of fat acceptance on a global scale. Under the guidance of Allen Steadham, the organization seeks to change perceptions, empower larger individuals, and challenge societal norms related to body size. Unlike the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), the ISAA has positioned itself with a more international focus, though a significant part of its activities still remain centered within the U.S.

Leadership and Key Figures

• Allen Steadham - Founder and Director
• Daphne Bradshaw - Secretary
• Grace Moredock - Advisor and Editor of "Without Measure"
• Kelly Bliss - Advisor
• Doris Skiba - Coordinator of ISAA Diversity Initiative
• Michael Drenth - Legislative Coordinator
• Lynda Finn - Advisor

Global Outreach and Branches

ISAA has expanded its presence both domestically and internationally through branches.

Branches within the United States:

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Texas (Virtual branch)
• New York City (Virtual branch)

International Branches:

• United Kingdom
• Middle East/North Africa
• Philippines (Virtual branch with representative Karen Ang)
• Australia (Virtual branch with representative Jodie Hunter)
• New Zealand (Representative Lynda Finn)

Additionally, the ISAA has established a strategic alliance with Allegro Fortissimo, based in France. The organization ardently encourages both members and potential members to establish branches in their locales.

Mission and Advocacy

Dedicated to creating a world that embraces size acceptance and terminates unfair discrimination against larger individuals, ISAA's mission statement underscores its commitment: "to promote Size Acceptance and fight size discrimination throughout the world by means of advocacy and visible, lawful actions."

Key campaigns and stances of ISAA include:

• Opposition to weight loss surgery (WLS) for being both hazardous and unnecessary.
• Challenges to the U.S. government's classification of obesity as a disease.
• Resistance to feederism and analogous weight gain fetishes.
• Encouragement of fitness activities like swimming and walking.
• Boosting self-respect and self-esteem among members.
• Advocating for a healthy body image for everyone.

Publications

While ISAA may not have the vast scale typical of certain mainstream NGOs, it leverages the power of digital communication and online campaigns effectively. The association's central publication is the online magazine "Without Measure" coupled with its group blog "WOM Beta," which is managed and edited by Grace Moredock. Published approximately bi-annually, this digital magazine varies in length and has featured sections dedicated to younger readers through "BBTeenz."

Furthermore, ISAA maintains an archive of printable flyers and brochures on its website for distribution. It also encourages linking back to its main site, and some regional chapters even have their dedicated sites or subsections linked to the main ISAA domain.

Podcasts

Initiating podcast productions since 2002, ISAA has made significant contributions to the audio segment. The ISAA Rapport, a notable past podcast, delivered insightful episodes on size-related issues. Its latest offering, PODWOM (Podcast Without Measure), presents comprehensive discussions and interviews revolving around various size acceptance themes. Led by ISAA Founder, Allen Steadham, this podcast addresses fitness, health, fashion, science, and more in an engaging format.

Membership

As of September 1, 2006, ISAA transitioned away from a membership-based model. Historically, it had charged a membership fee of $20 and boasted up to 2,500 members globally. However, its primary emphasis has always been on engaging the public in size activism and awareness rather than merely accumulating members.

See also

• Fat acceptance movement
• International No Diet Day
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA)

External links

• ISAA UK site
• ISAA main site
• ISAA Middle East/North Africa site (Arabic)
• Without Measure (ISAA main publication)
• WOM (Without Measure) Beta (ISAA group blog)
• PODWOM (ISAA podcast)
• The ISAA Rapport (ISAA podcast archives)

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