Plus-Size Supermodel Iskra Lawrence Is Petitioning to Bring Self-Care Classes to Schools

There’s something most major models involved in the body positive moment seem to have mastered: a strong and inspirational voice. Scroll through the Instagram accounts of curvy supermodels like Tess Holliday, Ashley Graham or Iskra Lawrence, and you’ll not only see photos of them looking bomb in photo shoots, but also notes to their followers preaching self-love and acceptance. The commonly used hashtag #effyourbeautystandards was actually coined by Tess. And Ashley made us all swoon earlier this summer when she proudly flaunted her cellulite during a bike ride. Now, it looks like it’s Iskra’s moment to shine. And she’s doing so with an incredibly necessary Change.org petition that aims to bring self-care classes to schools.
The petition is all part of Iskra’s new initiative, “Iskra’s Army.” As a promoter of self-care and healthy body image through her modeling career, she now wants to make these sorts of life lessons an integral part of the education process. And to be totally honest, we can’t believe it’s taken so long for an idea like this to emerge. If sex ed is required, why not include a curriculum on self-care? Especially given that today’s teens are growing up in what is more or less the Wild West of social media.
‼️You can sign my petition now to get mental, physical & emotional education into schools👉https://t.co/rrRqAU6xPb pic.twitter.com/mDo0SLMv9M
— Iskra Lawrence (@iskralawrence) September 19, 2016
In the petition, Iskra writes, “There is a lack of education about our physical and mental health. Online trolls, bullying, body image, and self-esteem issues can stifle young people’s ambitions and I hope with the proper education we can enable our future generations to reach their full potential.” The petition was launched Monday and is already more than 80 percent of the way to its 1,000-person signature goal.
Currently, the petition will be brought to the UK Department of Education if it acquires all the necessary signatures. But if there is success seen with it in the UK, who says the US can’t be next? With nearly 68 percent of teens agreeing that cyberbullying is a serious problem, the course is basically already creating itself.
Sign Iskra’s petition here!
What sort of classes would you like to see brought to schools? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo.
(Feature photo via @iamiskra)
A Spring Fitness Challenge You Can Do Anywhere
A Spring Fitness Challenge You Can Do Anywhere
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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