Body Boss Bag initiative teaches local students about personal body safety
Body Boss Bag initiative teaches local students about personal body safety
What started as a simple idea back in January has grown into a meaningful and collaborative effort to support body safety, consent and emotional wellness for children and families across our community.
Medical students and staff from UICOMR, members of the Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team (MERIT) and representatives from Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling, Inc. (RSAC) came together on Friday, May 30, 2025 to assemble 800 Body Boss Bags. On Monday, June 2, 2025, 415 of these bags were distributed to every student at McIntosh Elementary School in Rockford. Each bag contains age-appropriate books, activities and helpful handouts designed to empower children and families to continue these important conversations at home.
On Monday, June 2, 2025, Author K. Sanders Diggs also presented the 10 Body Safety Rules to Kindergarten and first-grade students at McIntosh Elementary. Afterwards, she visited the MERIT office for a tour and to learn about the program.
The presentations and Body Boss Bags were a fun, interactive way to introduce important conversations about body safety, boundaries and consent.
The remaining bags will be distributed through RSAC and MERIT programming throughout the year — continuing our mission of education, prevention and empowerment.
This important initiative was made possible by funding from the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board and the half-cent sales tax approved by county residents.