"Agents of Change— Listening to Richmond's Youth" Panel Event

Thursday, April 20th 2017, from 7-9pm, at Binford Middle School (1701 Floyd Avenue, Richmond VA), there will be a community forum for youth to address political topics relevant to themselves and their communities. From the event description: 

"The forum seeks to provide a space in which Richmond’s youngest citizens may express their views about decisions and actions that affect them. There will be eight short “lightning talks” by Richmond youth (from Sabot at Stony Point, Cameron Gallagher Foundation, Milk River Arts, Art 180, Side by Side, and Henrico HS) addressed to the panel of Richmond’s public officials (to include Senator Jennifer McClellan, Delegate Jeff Bourne, and Deputy Secretary of Education Holly Coy). Richmond’s youngest citizens will address a variety of topics that touch their own lives, including education, art, race, special needs, mental health, refugees, and the LGBTQ community. The adult panel will listen to these talks and will have time to respond. Children and youth in the audience will be invited to address the speakers and the panel in a brief question and answer session."

Free, open to the public. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

"Invasive: a Queer Quilting Bee" Workshop and Fundraiser for Side by Side

Sunday, March 19th 2017, from 12-4pm, at Studio Two Three (3300 West Clay Street, Richmond VA), a Baltimore-based community art project, Invasive Queer Kudzu, will be holding a quilting workshop. The workshop will teach quilting skills, and participants will produce a piece to be part of a larger installation dedicated focused on the diverse lives of the Southern LGBTQ community.

Donations requested, with a portion of proceeds going to Richmond's youth LGBTQ organization, Side by Side.

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

Friends of Side by Side Fundraiser for LGBTQ Youth at Helen's Restaurant

Sunday, February 19th 2017, from 6-9pm, at Helen's Restaurant (2527 West Main Street, Richmond VA), Friends of Side by Side is holding a fundraiser. Side by Side (formerly ROSMY) is an organization supporting LGBTQ youth locally. 

$10 at the door for unlimited beer and pizza (while supplies last). 21+ only. Street parking only. 

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

Post-Election Meeting for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth

Wednesday, November 30th 2016, from 6-7:30pm, at Friends of Side by Side (2311 Westwood Avenue, Richmond VA), several local LGBTQ organizations are partnering to hold a meeting for parents of LGBTQ+ youth. From the event description: 

"We have heard from many parents of LGBTQ+ youth that they are feeling particularly nervous, scared, or upset after this year's election season. Friends of Side by Side is partnering with PFLAG Richmond and He She Ze and We to provide a space for parents of LGBTQ+ youth to come and find community, express concern, and connect with new resources."

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

"ROOT to HEAL to GROW: Nurturing Richmond's Community" Event to Get Involved

Sunday, November 13th 2016, from 4-6pm, at Diversity Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond VA), several local social justice organizations, including Southerners On New Ground, Us Giving, RVA Connection, Virginia Anti-Violence Project, New Beginnings Christian Church (NBCCRVA), Friends of Side by Side (formerly ROSMY), Showing Up for Racial Justice RVA, and the Richmond Lesbian-Feminists, are holding a community meeting on how to get involved in local organizing. The schedule is as follows:

4 - 4:30 pm – Oral History of RVA Local Organizing & Community Share

4:30 - 6:00 pm – Healing Space & Plugging into Current Community Projects

Free, open to the public. If you have accessibility needs, see the “discussion” portion of the event page. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

For more information– including how to add your organization to a list of social justice orgs in Richmond– and to RSVP, see the link. I encourage everybody who’s able to attend.

For more information– including how to add your organization to a list of social justice orgs in Richmond– and to RSVP, see this link.