Emily Rosenberg is a junior studying government here at American and is an advocate for eating disorder awareness. She recently spoke at a press conference advocating for Pennsylvania State Rep. Steve Santarsiero’s bill regarding eating disorder education on April 8. The conference was followed by a day of lobbying where supporters met with legislators to gain support for the Bill.
Santarsiero’s House Bill 1959 includes provisions that would enact eating disorder programs in schools to benefit both students and parents. It will create screening programs to raise awareness of eating disorders in 5th-12th grade students. Additionally, it will outline specific guidelines to assist school boards in developing voluntary eating disorder screening programs, specify training requirements for personnel and volunteers, and provide the framework for parental notification procedures in the event of an indication of an eating disorder.
Her Campus American University: What steps were involved prior to getting involved in your state representative?
Emily Rosenberg: I began working with the representatives in November. I worked with the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) advocacy manager to set up phone calls with Representative Santarsiero and two Pennsylvania State Senators. A similar bill was passed in Virginia in March 2013, so we tailored the Pennsylvania bill off that. After gaining the support of the representatives, the bill was crafted and introduced in their respected chambers and we began setting up the press conference.
HCAU: What past experiences led you to this opportunity?
ER: My first experience with lobbying for eating disorders was during the NEDA national lobby day in D.C. this past October. I was able to volunteer for the lobby day and the three day conference that followed. Following the conference, I contacted the advocacy manager of NEDA to ask for her help in creating a bill in Pennsylvania, my home state.
HCAU: What makes you so passionate about this cause?
ER: I am passionate to advocate for those suffering from an eating disorder because of my own six-year suffering. Through my time in treatment, I met many young men and women who have struggled with an eating disorder that began as early as in grade school. This bill would provide information to teachers, administrators, and most importantly parents about the early signs and symptoms of eating disorders, and provide essential guidance on how to help the child.
Students often have nobody to turn to because there is such a lack of understanding about eating disorders, even their doctors may not be aware of what an eating disorder looks like. Educating parents about the warning signs of an eating disorder can be a crucial aspect in detecting the illness early on. And this bill will do just that.
HCAU: What was your biggest inspiration?
ER: My biggest inspiration was everybody I met through my eating disorder who have impacted my life. I would not be where I am today without the support of friends and family, in and out of treatment, and amazing treatment professionals who go the extra mile every day to help their patients reach full recovery.
HCAU: What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
ER: On campus I am involved with Active Minds and College Republicans. I am also a volunteer with the organization Rock Recovery. Rock Recovery, located in Arlington, Virginia, provides affordable outpatient treatment for eating disorders as well as a community empowerment program that educates the community on eating disorders.
HCAU: What do you see yourself doing in the future?
ER: After graduation I want to be working towards my career of being a lobbyist. I would be able to fulfill my passion of politics and advocacy within this job. I do wish to continue working for eating disorder advocacy to one day see legislation in all 50 states and prevent eating disorders from taking the fun and joy away from another girl or boy.
HCAU: Do you think you will continue your advocacy with this cause in the future?
ER: Yes! I am currently the legislative and advocacy volunteer for Project HEAL: Help to Eat, Accept, and Live, a non-profit organization that provides scholarship funding for people with eating disorders who cannot afford treatment. The organization has 30 chapters and is growing! The work this organization does is remarkable. My hope with my role in the organization is to educate the chapters on the importance of advocating with legislators to create legislation across the country for eating disorders. I want to share my passion of advocacy with others and help them take a stance.
My next piece of legislation that I want to advocate for is the Truth in Advertising Bill that was introduced in Washington D.C. this past March. The bill would regulate the photo shopping done to people’s bodies and faces in advertisements. Today’s children should be able to grow up in a world where they do not feel the pressure to change how they look. Sign the petition to be sent to Congress!
HCAU: Do you have any advice for other students in helping fulfill their goals?
ER: Any goal is achievable. Never let somebody tell you otherwise. If you are determined, motivated, and willing to put in the work, nothing is too far from your reach.
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