In the decades since then, hundreds of size acceptance groups and dozens of organizations have developed around the world, each one serving a different need or a different area or a different group of people. Each group and organization had functioned independently, hoping to make a difference on their own.
Until now.
An international alliance between the existing organizations and groups is forming so that, together, we can do more than they ever could individually.
Now, the groups and organizations who choose to join this alliance will can be contacted through one website.
They can communicate with one another.
They can teach one another and learn from one another.
They can show a united front against size discrimination and work towards implementing worldwide size acceptance.
On behalf of the International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA), I am proud to announce the formation of the INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR SIZE ACCEPTANCE. (I will be referring to it as "The Alliance" from now on, for short.) The Alliance is not a new "super-organization," it is the collective efforts of many independent smaller groups and organizations; it is a tool for building cohesion and implementing vital communications between the world's size activists. When I began contacting the leaders of several countries' size acceptance organizations, I was inspired by the concept of the Allies of World War 2. I realized that the "war" for size acceptance is an international war! It is primarily a psychological war waged against the self-esteem of people of all sizes, designed to cause fear and loathing of being or becoming fat.
In World War 2, the Allies realized they needed each other's help to defeat their common enemy, while they still remained independent countries. Ultimately, they won that war. We can, too. The International Alliance for Size Acceptance is desperately needed and long overdue.
At present, the members of the Alliance consist of ISAA, Don't Tell Me What Size I Must Be (ISAA Virtual Chapter in Australia), Allegro Fortissimo (France), Bond van Formaat (Netherlands), size acceptance representatives in New Zealand, ISAA UK and Size Net (United Kingdom) as well as ISAA Philippines, ISAA Middle East and North Africa and size acceptance representatives from Israel. This list will grow and change over time.
Now is the perfect time for the world's size-related groups and organizations to join together, but those groups must be respected for their independent cultures and identities. The Alliance will provide that, and so much more!
The Alliance extends an open invitation to the individuals who would like to bring the fight for size acceptance to their country and act as an ambassador for this cause, a contact person, an ally perhaps for others to rally around. The Alliance extends the same open invitation to the multitude of size acceptance groups and organizations who are just now learning of its existence.
There is no cost to join the Alliance. The Alliance respects the financial wellbeing of its members. The Alliance has been formed with the understanding that most groups and organizations do not have "extra" funding. The Alliance supports its members best utilizing what funds they do have towards their original purposes.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Allen Steadham
Best Wishes,
Director ISAA