Unite for Strength: A Women and Girls’ Empowerlifting Event Code of Conduct
During the “Unite for Strength” event and the time leading up to it, individuals, sponsors, and vendors participating are expected to adhere to the below values and code of conduct in their private and public life (e.g., social media accounts as well as any social media accounts they manage on behalf of other organizations). Below is the Smart Fit Girls’ manifesto, laid out as a guideline for participants’ conduct:
I am a Smart Fit Girl. I am strong both physically and mentally. I respect my body and my mind. I love myself for who I am and every day I strive to be the best version of myself. I am a Smart Fit Girl, and I encourage and empower all girls to be the same.
“I am a Smart Fit Girl. I am strong both physically and mentally. I respect my body…”
All bodies are of value, and criticizing or shaming others’ bodies, including your own, will not be tolerated. This is in reference not only to size but also to race, color, gender presentation or expression, disability, age and other identities not explicitly named. Participants are discouraged from sharing images that have been corrected using photo editing tools when possible.
...and my mind.”
Participants will not share fitness information that is not supported by scientific research or that is proven false including and especially if it is being utilized in the marketing of a proprietary product. This includes multi-level marketing, direct sales marketing, or pyramid scheme products.
“I love myself for who I am and every day I strive to be the best version of myself.”
Participants acknowledge that oppression is intersectional and real. Participants also commit to the learning process that comes with undoing oppression by listening to voices of people who have been marginailzed, by examining their own language and actions, and by acknowledging and apologizing when they cause hurt, either intentionally or unintentionally.
In their own social media and public conduct, they agree not to discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status or any other unnamed identity.
“I am a Smart Fit Girl, and I encourage and empower all girls to be the same.”
Participants acknowledge that powerlifting is only one way for girls and women to be active and learn to love their bodies. Participants will not put down (i.e., negatively speak of) either specifically or generally any physical activity through which women have found empowerment. Participants also commit to supporting and uplifting the voices of other women and girls, particularly those who have been marginalized and oppressed.
Participants also will be cautious when promoting fitness products and services, and will not use marketing language that aims to change how women and girls look.
By signing this form, I confirm that I have, and will continue to, adhere to the above code of conduct in my public life and social media use.