Racial Truth & Reconciliation VA

10/10/2022

Today we recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day in the United States. With the increasing use of Land Acknowledgements for events and convenings, we encourage exploring this toolkit by Illuminative to add even more meaning and intention around allyship and advocacy for our Indigenous neighbors.

http://ow.ly/A3Ex50L62E2

27/09/2022

The official launch of the Northern Shenandoah Valley's Trauma-Informed Community Network, "Triumph Over Trauma", will be taking place on Tuesday, October 4 at 12pm. There will be a free movie and speakers. Lunch will be provided. Register here:

The official launch of the Northern Shenandoah Valley's Trauma-Informed Community Network. Free movie, speakers. Lunch provided.

26/09/2022

Thank you to everyone who helped make Racial Truth & Reconciliation Week 2022 a success! We're so excited to share that this year we had over 2,000 registrations in total and participants from 29 U.S. states and Canada.

23/09/2022

We are establishing a cohort of young changemakers for our new advocacy council, Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA), and applications are now open! This youth development program will enhance young people’s ability to engage with legislators and decision-makers to advance their communities through advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement. Learn more about VAYA and apply now: https://vakids.org/virginias-youth-in-action

22/09/2022

As we welcomed students and families back to school, Voices co-hosted a community screening of the documentary "Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools", based on the book of the same title by Dr. Monique Morris. The evening included time for attendees to reflect, process, and network with other agencies and community advocates in the advancement of justice and equity for Black girls in schools. Many thanks to Brown Ballerinas for Change, ChildSavers, Pretty Purposed & You GLOW Girl Network, Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), and YWCA Richmond for convening this event. We’re also sending our appreciation to Church Hill Activities and Tutoring and Front Porch Café for providing dinner and refreshments for all attendees.

09/09/2022

Congrats to our RTRW Survey winners!

31/08/2022

Join us tomorrow at 5:30pm for a free screening of "Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools"! You can RSVP and learn more here: http://ow.ly/3HMZ50KxexM

26/08/2022

Our presenters for Thursday's presentation "Healing Centered Engagement 101", (left to right, top to bottom) Trey Hartt, Christina Bowman-Peterson, Chlo'e Edwards, and Dr. Ram Bhagat.

Their presentation was built upon the work of Dr. Shawn Ginwright and Flourish Agenda's Healing Centered Engagement work, and discussed healing in the context of social identity storytelling and the CARMA model--culture, agency, relationships, meaning, and aspirations.

26/08/2022

Kicked off the final day of RTRW with a presentation from Lauren Tasharki and Kristin Lennox on "Innocence Erased: Intersections of DEI & Child Protection".

26/08/2022

Today is the last day to attend RTRW workshops! Our theme for today is "Allyship in Action: Practical Application". Be sure to register for workshops now and join us tomorrow for the in-person 2022 Unity Walk: https://vakids.org/rtrw-2022

25/08/2022

These are our presenters for "Re-imagining DEI: Using Self-Reflection to Build a Better Future". Left-to-right: Jennifer Murphy-James, Ruth Frierson, Leanne Lytle, and Levi James.

This workshop included guidance for reflecting internally as part of your organizational change work. Attendees were deeply moved by Levi's remarks about how much of the DEI work that has occurred these last few years should only be the start of greater transformation ahead.