NEDA established the STAR Program to legislatively advocate for awareness, education, early intervention and prevention programs, funding for research, and improved access to treatment of eating disorders by speaking with legislators, mobilizing members, and forging alliances with other groups who share our vision. STAR is driven by passionate volunteers. You don’t need experience to make a difference.

Action Center

NEDA's Action Center makes it easy for you to get involved and use your voice for change. Help us advocate on behalf of those with eating disorders and their families.

Legislative Events

Around the country, advocates are educating their legistlators and fighting for change. Search our event listings to see if their is a legislative event in your state.

Our Work

Through the tireless work of passionate volunteers around the country, the STAR Program has helped increase awareness of eating disorders, gain funding for important programs and advocate for early intervention. Last year, the first National Eating Disorders Awareness caucus was formed, and we are now working to grow its membership and increase support in Congress.

To learn more about past and current efforts, please view our STAR Updates.

Featured Action: Victory in Virginia! 
Governor Signs Eating Disorder Bill Into Law

In March 2013, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed a bill, for parental education and school screenings for eating disorders, into law. This marks a landmark victory in the fight against eating disorders.

The law, which goes into effect in July, will require that information about eating disorders be sent home annually to parents of students in grades 5-12; the information will inform parents about signs and symptoms of eating disorders, and what to do if they suspect their child might have an eating disorder. The Department of Education and the Department of Health must also develop a toolkit for how schools can carry out eating disorder screenings, should they opt to do so.

This monumental milestone in the fight against eating disorders would not have happened without the voices of the Virginia volunteer advocates, whose effort led to this accomplishment.

Find out how you can create change in your state.

View our free webinar on how to get involved in advocacy efforts.
Contact star@myneda.org for more information.