REbeL. I’ve blogged about it before. It’s an absolutely brilliant organization comprised of teenagers in the Midwest doing insanely good things. They help educate students and empower them to be exactly who they are and to own it. And I want to see it continue. But like all things, it cannot possibly continue without financial support. And that’s where I come in. And you, too.
I recently stepped on the REbeL Board of Directors to assist with online fundraising efforts and right now, we are conducting our very first online campaign via this ahhhmazing crowdsourcing website, Indiegogo. Our goal, with this campaign, is to raise $10,000. Right now, REbeL is run by volunteers. Incredible volunteers who give more than a lot of people who earn a salary for their efforts. But they need staff. All non-profits come to the point of sink or swim, and in order to swim, they need paid staff. They need funds to help cover the cost of supplies, advocacy, and staff. And so I am asking every single person I know, to consider making a donation.
We each have our own causes. For whatever reason, we identify with certain organizations. The interesting thing about REbeL though, is that I can probably count on one hand the amount of people who I know who have never, ever been effected by body image issues or disordered eating or have no one in their life who has.
I had an eating disorder. There it is. I said it. I typed it. For the world to see. When I was a senior in high school, like so many other people my age, I felt insecure. The odd thing is, I don’t think I felt insecure about how I looked and I even think I was a very confident young woman. But in my need for control amidst so many upcoming changes, I decided to control my body in very damaging ways.
I was lucky though. I was lucky that my parents confronted me. And I had access to incredible resources. The main one being my sister-in-law, Laura. She was my hope. In a sense, she was my cure. And this Laura, my Laura, is the founder of REbeL. So you can see why it means so much to me.
I have never typed those words. I’ve hinted at it. Talked around it. But never just laid it out there for everyone who reads my blog to see. And it’s a little terrifying. I tend to be okay with vulnerability but this is something that is still so taboo in so many ways. And can feel so very embarrassing. Because it makes me feel like I was weak. Or a follower. And I so don’t think I was either of those. But the reality is that people see eating disorders and body image issues as fluffy, rather than akin to other illnesses like alcoholism and mental issues. But they are very real. And I can tell you that although I often say when talking about my experience with it, that I feel lucky that I didn’t get to the point where the disorder was controlling me…that’s a lie. The minute you start telling yourself you are not good enough. That you will be happier when your thighs don’t touch. That you choose to skip a meal and weigh yourself instead. That you lock that bathroom door. That is the minute that it controls you.
I know. It sounds so simple. To ask people to be good. To be thoughtful. To be kind. And so many work so hard to do that for everyone but themselves. So many start with negative thoughts and turn them into negative actions. Actions that affect every aspect of a person.
Right now, we’ve reached $8,000. Pretty incredible for a high school group. But we want to reach our goal. And we have 50 hours left. So whether it’s $5 {you think I’m joking. I’m not.} or $500, please consider making a 100% tax deductible donation. Thank you to those who have already done so. The pebble you’ve thrown is making a ripple effect and will truly grow this beauty-full REbellution.
Before you decide to go back to checking your email or your Facebook, please click on the picture below and read more about REbeL. Help make it acceptable for teens to talk openly about their issues. To educate 8 and 10 year olds on the dangers of negative self-image. To help your kids be exactly who they are and to be proud of it.
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