Speakers Bureau

Nearly 200 presentations given statewide since 2004

Through the two divisions of our Speakers Bureau program, EDCT provides community-based outreach and prevention programs that educate all age groups about disordered eating, healthy body image, and how to develop a positive relationship with food. Request a speaker!

EDCT Speakers Bureau has two divisions, one designed for youth and one for the community at-large.

Youth Speakers Bureau

At the most impressionable age for developing an eating disorder, we seek to make a big impression on Tennessee youth.

In fall 2010, we launched the Youth Speakers Bureau, an all-ages group of volunteers who receive one-on-one training to tell their personal struggle with an eating disorder to students in high school and college. Over the years, we've learned that first-hand accounts of hope and recovery resonate the most with school-aged audiences.

Presentations are also available by topic (see below for a list). We appreciate donations of any amount to help us keep our presentations free. Request a speaker!

Professional/Community Speakers Bureau

EDCT's Professional/Community Speakers Bureau offers presentations that are suited for civic groups, parents, education professionals and community organizations. Presentations are available by topic (see below for a list). We appreciate donations of any amount to help us keep our presentations free. Request a speaker!

Speakers Bureau Presentations

"Beyond the Tabloids: How ‘She’s So Skinny’ and ‘He's So Buff’ Can Glamorize Health Risks" From Kate Middleton to Kirstie Alley, celebrities can’t escape tabloid gossip about their weight and appearance. But as the media elevates eating disorders and weight loss to their front covers, is this “celebrified” approach downplaying health risks in the process? Learn the spectrum of eating disorders and their basic psychology, as well as associated red flags and health consequences. Best audience: Community, Teachers/Counselors, College, Medical Professionals

"Disordered Eating: If Everybody Seems to be Doing It, Why is it so Unhealthy?"
A 2008 Self magazine study of women ages 25-45 reported that 65 percent of American women identify with one or more categories of disordered eating. Learn the red flags associated with six categories of disordered eating. Recognize them in yourself (or in your family and friends) before they develop into a full-blown eating disorder – and then, learn where and how to get help and support. Best audience: Community, College, Teachers/Counselors

"Teens & Body Image: Practical Strategies for Parents"
“These jeans make me feel fat.” It could be an expression of normal teenage anxiety, or it could mean poor body image. But how do you know the difference? Why does it matter? And most of all, what can you do about it? This includes tips on deconstructing media messages and how to talk with your child about them. Best audience: Community, Teachers/Counselors

"Body Image and the Media" (for students)
This presentation provides an overview of body image and its sociocultural influences. This includes tips on deconstructing media messages and how to be a conscious viewer in an image-obsessed culture. Best audience: Middle School, High School, College

"Stories of Hope"
Sometimes a personal story of hope and recovery resonates the most. These powerful, first-hand accounts are given by eating disorder survivors. Best audience: Any

"Do You Know WHY You Eat?"
Did you know that why we eat can be just as important as what we eat? We live in a society that likes to label foods as “good” or “bad.” But when we know the reasons why we eat – and strategies that help us listen to our bodies – we’ll be able to embrace balance, moderation and variety in our meal choices. Best audience: Any

"Raising Happy, Healthy Families"
Today's family unit faces such intense stress and pressure, it can be easy to lose sight of the basics: Nutrition and health.  Best audience: Community

Appropriate for students in grade 2 or 3 – 45 minutes required
KIDS ON THE BLOCK: “Growing Up Healthy”
Using puppets and other teaching tools, Kids on the Block educates children – as well as the broader community – about health and social concerns that affect their lives. EDCT has partnered with Kids on the Block on its “Growing Up Healthy” skit, which teaches children to respect their bodies by making healthy choices when it comes to food and staying active. This program emphasizes the importance of setting small, realistic goals to achieve big results. Sensitivity, understanding, and acceptance of all body types are promoted throughout the presentation. For schools in Davidson County and surrounding counties.

Request a speaker!