Starting Monday, October 11, through Friday, October 15, Penn State will host a week’s worth of programming events to promote body positivity and awareness.

The events will be hosted by Health Promotion and Wellness, the Gender Equity Center, the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, and Campus Recreation. Here’s a brief overview of the highlights:

Love Your Body (& Spirit) Lunch And Learn

Monday, October 11 – 12:30 p.m. – Garden Room, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center

The week will kick off with a luncheon and lecture on Monday, October 11, in the Garden Room at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. The Center for Spiritual and Ethical development will open the event with a conversation about using spiritual and mindful practices to promote body positivity.

Cardio Dance Party

Monday, October 11 – 5:45-6:30 p.m. – IM Building

Tuesday, October 12 – 7:15-8 p.m. – IM Building

Wednesday, October 13 – 5:45-6:30 p.m. – IM Building

Thursday, October 14 – 7:15-8 p.m. – IM Building

Each day this week, Campus Recreation will help celebrate body positivity with cardio dance parties at the IM Building. This event was designed to celebrate all body types and to help attendees recognize the power and strength of their own bodies.

Sonalee Rashatwar Keynote Speaker Lecture

Tuesday, October 12 – 7 p.m. – Freeman Auditorium

Keynote speaker Sonalee Rashatwar is a clinical social worker, sex therapist, adjunct lecturer, grassroots organizer, and survivor. 

“Our keynote speaker, Sonalee Rashatwar, will highlight the often-overlooked connection between intimate partner violence, abuse, body image, and self-esteem,” Becca Geiger, assistant director of the Gender Equity Center, said in a release.

Canva & Chamomile

Wednesday, October 13 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Zoom

Attendees of this event are invited to join others on a Zoom event from the comfort of their own homes to enjoy some coffee or tea and create body-positive collages on Canva. There will be the option to make your own collage, or use one of the preset templates made by the Center for the Performing Arts and Student Engagement Programs Offices.

Body Image: A Continuum

Thursday, October 14 – 6-7 p.m. – Zoom

The week will end with a body image exercise led by Health Promotion and Wellness, the Gender Equity Center, and the Smeal College of Business.

Smeal College of Business administrator Megan Marshall will guide participants through the session to help attendees to consider how body image impacts mental health and self-esteem. Registration is required for this event by clicking here.