Building Confidence and Community: How Body Positivity and CHAARG Inspire Change on Campus

The shift from high school to college is life-changing in countless ways. New freedom, coupled with new responsibilities and a completely different environment, can throw students for a serious loop. While all these changes are major, the most anticipated—and anxiety-producing—change is the influx of new people these 18-year-olds are exposed to in such a short time. From roommates and “floor friends” to classmates, college students are essentially living in a miniature city of peers almost exclusively their age.

While this transition can be exciting and a positive experience for many young adults, there are negative side effects, especially for women. Among these challenges is the heightened scrutiny on body image, an issue that has long been a source of concern. According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, almost 40% of young adults report dissatisfaction with their physical form and body image. However, the rise of the body-positivity movement is beginning to challenge societal norms and reshape perceptions, particularly on college campuses.

What is Body Positivity?

The body-positivity movement is about celebrating all body types, challenging conventional beauty ideals, and promoting mental health and self-worth. It encourages individuals to accept themselves and others regardless of physical appearance, fostering a culture of inclusivity. This movement has its roots in activism by individuals and communities historically marginalized due to body size, race, or gender. Over time, body positivity has grown from grassroots efforts into a global phenomenon, with social media playing a critical role in spreading its message and providing platforms for individuals to share their stories and resources.

Today, body positivity is making a notable impact on college campuses, where the pressures of appearance often intensify. Colleges are embracing this movement through campaigns and events that promote body diversity and mental well-being. A study by the University of New South Wales found that young women ages 18 to 25 who viewed body-positive posts daily over a 14-day period reported decreased body dissatisfaction and reduced tendencies to compare their appearance with others. These improvements were maintained even four weeks after the exposure.

What is CHAARG?

Organizations like CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes, and Actions to Recreate Girls) exemplify how student groups are embracing this movement. CHAARG is a nationwide student organization dedicated to empowering college women to lead healthier and more confident lives. With chapters on more than 100 campuses, CHAARG focuses on fostering mental well-being, physical fitness, and body confidence through various programs and events.

The organization’s mission is to redefine health and fitness by making it accessible and inclusive for women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Cal Poly Chapter Ambassador Sarah Guthrie said, “The original reason why [CHAARG] was made was to give college women a space to work out in a judgment-free zone, with people who are going to empower them and [so they will not] feel like they’re just alone at the recreation center. So it’s more about building a sense of community for everybody on campus, and less so about the actual fitness aspects of it.”

Guthrie added that CHAARG addresses the concept of body positivity in a way that remains lighthearted and motivational.

“We try to keep our social media away from the side of like, here’s what I eat in a day. We try to keep our social media, in and of itself, very inclusive towards everybody.”

Student organizations play a pivotal role in advancing social justice and inclusivity on college campuses, including promoting body positivity. These groups provide safe spaces for students to share their experiences and struggles, creating a sense of belonging. By organizing events, workshops, and campaigns, these organizations drive cultural shifts and encourage acceptance of diverse body types.

“Every quarter, we’ll have a diversity, equity, and inclusion meeting where we’ll have a guest speaker come in. … We definitely incorporate mental health and all health. Instead of just focusing on a workout to be fit, we want to build a sense of community as well as focus on the overarching concept of health, which includes the mind,” said Guthrie. 

Through its programs, CHAARG actively integrates the principles of body positivity into its mission. The organization promotes an inclusive environment where women of all body types feel welcome and valued.

Rather than focusing on achieving a particular body type, CHAARG emphasizes health, strength, and overall well-being. For example, members participate in diverse fitness activities, ranging from yoga to weightlifting, allowing them to explore what feels best for their individual needs.

“The executive board has definitely gotten texts from people saying, ‘I’ve never done jujitsu, and I honestly don’t really want to go.’ When this happens, we encourage them to come and remind them that this is supposed to be an encouraging and empowering space, and that no one is paying attention to whether you’re using a lower weight or not using a weight at all,” Guthrie said.

Visit Cal Poly CHAARG’s Instagram if you’re interested in learning more.

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