Susie Birney
Secretary ECPO
Chair ICPO Ireland
At Glasgow when we first approached delegates, we had an immediate positive response. I do not know the amount in attendance, but I would estimate at least 3/4 of delegates were wearing ribbons by the end of the Congress.
I spoke on stage as part of the invite to ECO Dublin next year and I asked everyone wearing a ribbon to stand up. It was amazing to see the support it received.
Further on from that I attended EASO Train the Trainer in France and again it was very well received. Many asked for ribbons as they had seen the banner for the campaign. It brought up the discussion of the importance of People First language for professionals giving presentations.
I was involved in giving out People First Ribbons at EASO Policy Conference for European Obesity Day, The SQOT initiative, ASO UK Leeds and EASO comms Summit. We had them at our Irish EOD event in Dublin. It has been received fantastically at every event.
We even managed to still use it on name badges which were not big enough.
People wanted to wear them and visibly show their support!
I would estimate that at each of these events I attended that 90% or maybe more, of people were wearing ribbons.
Delegates attending have commented that they remember me from a previous conference, and they want their ribbons.
Some asked for ribbons to give to colleagues.
The people first campaign not only is a visual instant indication people are supporting the campaign, it creates a direct position for people living with obesity to engage with those attending the conference. This leads to discussions and raising awareness of the importance that correct appropriate language has.
It has personally given me confidence to speak with others who I otherwise have never engaged with.
I look forward to continuing working on this campaign