Advocates for Richmond Youth Pop Up Drop-in Center

Saturday, December 16th 2017, from 1-7pm, at the Trinity Family Life Center (3601 Dill Road, Richmond VA), Advocates for Richmond Youth will be holding a pop-up drop-in center for youth ages 14-24 who are experiencing housing instability, homelessness, or just need resources to get on their feet. Free food, clothing, hygiene items, and resources. Workshops will be offered every hour from 2pm, and include topics like housing rights, make-up, self-care, and succeeding at job interviews.

Advocates for Richmond Youth are a team of young adult researchers who have been homeless themselves, and are conducting a survey on homeless youth in Richmond. See their Facebook page for more info.

To get to the venue by bus, take the #34 from the transfer plaza. For more info and to RSVP, see the link. 

undocuALLY Training for K-12 Teachers

This workshop is intended for educators who work with grades K-12, but is open to all. There are only 5 spaces remaining. 

Saturday, April 22nd 2017, from 9:45am-12pm, at VCU's Oliver Hall (1015 West Main Street, Richmond VA), Richmond Teachers for Social Justice and PLUMAS (Political Latinxs for Movement in Action in Society) are co-hosting an undocyALLY training for K-12th grade educators. The purpose of the workshop is to help teachers learn about the policies and social realities impacting undocumented immigrant students and their families, as well as supports and resources which are available to them. 

Registration is free but limited to the first 25 who complete this form; only 5 spots remain. 

If you complete the form after this workshop is full, you'll have the first opportunity to sign up for the next training. Email richmondtsk@gmail.com for more info. 

The venue is wheelchair accessible via the Harrison Street entrance and has accessible bathrooms. Parking is available on the street and in two garages at 1101 West Cary Street and 801 West Main Street. Max charge of $10/day, accepts cash and cards. 

Educators Only: Art 180 Workshop on Discipline, Justice, and Art

This event is open only to teachers and school counselors (pre-service and in-service) and other school faculty. 

Wednesday, April 12th 2017, from 2-5pm, at VCU's Cabell Library (901 Park Avenue, Richmond VA), VCU's School of Education, ART 180, and Performing Statistics are holding a workshop for educators on school discipline and the school-to-prison pipeline. From the event description: 

"The event brings youth from Richmond’s Juvenile Detention Center into dialogue with participants around the pressing issue of school discipline and the school-to-prison pipeline. Free curricula and other resources will be provided. The workshop has three acts. In Act One, youth, serving as docents, will provide guided tours through a gallery of art that they created to illumine their experiences with school discipline and the criminal justice system. Act Two consists of a dialogue with a panel of educators and counselors, as well as a school resource officer, a legal advocate, and a parent. In Act Three, art educators will introduce Performing Statistics’ digital curriculum that teachers can implement in their classrooms.

The event will conclude with a sharing of resources and next steps for addressing things such as classroom management, school discipline, alternatives to suspension and expulsion, and creating a positive school climate."

The event is free, but there are only 50 seats and you must register. Teachers, counselors, and other school staff only. If you have questions, contact Bill Muth at wrmuth@vcu.edu. 

To register and reserve your seat, see this link. 

Community Altar Building for Trans Women of Color

Wednesday, March 22nd 2017, from 6-8pm, at Richmond's African Burial Ground (1540 East Broad Street, Richmond VA), members of the local LGBTQ community are holding a community altar-building workshop. From the event description:

"Following the deaths of many women of color, and in particualr Black trans women, we want to have a public community alter building space and celebration of the lives of these women but also the resistance and beauty the black trans folks who are still here. Please come, bring art, candles, flowers poems, songs, and anything else you'd like to leave in this space."

#SayHerName:
Mesha Caldwell, 41 (Canton, Mississippi)
Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, 28 (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
Jojo Striker, 23 (Toledo, Ohio)
Tiara Lashaytheboss Richmond, 24 (Chicago, Illinois)
Jaquarrius Holland, 18 (Monroe, Louisiana)
Chyna Doll Dupree, 31 (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Ciara McElveen, 21 (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Free, open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

Consent Workshop at VALET

Sunday, March 26th 2017, from 7-9:30pm, at the art gallery VALET (509 East Franklin Street, Richmond VA), there will be a workshop about consent. The venue has a safer spaces policy.

Free, open to the public and those who did not attend Part I of the workshop. For more info 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. 

Intro to Anarchism with the Black Rose Anarchist Federation

Saturday, April 1st 2017, from 6-8pm, at the Community Room (3110 West Leigh Street, Richmond VA), Black Rose / Rosa Negra - RVA, our local iteration of the Black Rose Anarchist Federation, is holding an introductory discussion on the political ideology of anarchism.

Free, open to the public, and kid-friendly.

The venue has a single-stall unisex bathroom. Street parking only. For more info and to RSVP, see this link.

Job Fair and Job Fair Workshop, hosted by Diversity Richmond

Saturday, March 25th 2017, from 9am-2pm, at Diversity Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond VA), the Richmond Business Alliance will be holding a workshop titled "How to Make the Job Fair Experience Rewarding and Successful," (9-10am), followed by a job fair (10:15am-2pm).

This would be a nice follow-up for those of you attending the Job Searching While LGBT workshop today.

The venue is wheelchair accessible, with single-stall unisex bathrooms and free lot parking. For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

Job Searching While LGBT: Free Workshop

Tomorrow, March 15th 2017, from 6:30-8:30pm, at Diversity Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond VA), the Richmond Business Alliance is holding a know-your-rights style discussion of best practices for LGBT job seekers, with a focus on transgender applicants.

If you have questions about navigating employment so that you can survive under capitalism, especially in regards to what you have to disclose about yourself, this workshop might be able to help you out.

Free, open to the public. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with single-stall unisex bathrooms, and free lot parking. For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

After attending this event, you may also be interested in this workshop and job fair, also hosted at Diversity Richmond, on Saturday March 25th. 

Spring Seed Starting Workshop and Swap with the Richmond Herbalism Guild

Friday, March 10th 2017, from 3-5pm, at Saadia's Juicebox (402 North 2nd Street, Richmond VA), the Richmond Herbalism Guild is holding a workshop on starting seeds in the spring, led by Allie Hawley. There will also be a seed swap. 

This event is donation-based, and open to only 25 participants. To attend, you must RSVP via an email to richmondherbalismguild@gmail.com. Priority given to Jackson Ward residents. 

For more info, see this link. 

"Women in Transition" Financial Planning Educational Series at Diversity Richmond

Eileen Edmonds and Benson Group Tax & Wealth Advisors are hosting an educational series, "Women in Transition," in February and March. In this case transitions mean things like retirement, the death of a spouse, career changes, having a child, etc. Each of the events will be held from 6:30-7:30pm in the Iridian Gallery Conference Room at Diversity Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond VA). 

February 15th 2017: "Women, Money, and Power: Are you a woman of influence?"
February 22nd 2017: "Social Security Planning for Women"
March 22nd 2017: "Three Stages of Widowhood: a Financial Seminar for Widows and Friends"

Register through the links. The entry fee is a donation of any size to Diversity Richmond, payable at the door. The venue is wheelchair accessible. 

I'm thinking the Active-RVA readership is probably younger than the intended audience, but here it is. If you plan to attend, drop me a line and let me know the listing was useful. 

Bystander Intervention Training for Restaurant Workers

Monday, February 27th 2017, from 12-3pm, in Virginia Rooms A & B of the VCU Monroe Park Campus Student Commons (907 Floyd Avenue, Richmond VA), VCU's Wellness Resource Center is holding a training on overcoming the bystander effect for workers at restaurants and bars. "Participants will gain skills to recognize, intervene, and support people who are in potentially unsafe situations or are being harassed." 

Free, open to the public. For more info, contact myoptions@vcu.edu. 

"Writing Gender Confirming Surgery Letters for Transgender Clients": Free Workshop for Medical/Mental Health Professionals

Monday, January 23rd 2017, from 5:30-7:30pm, at Health Brigade (formerly the Fan Free Clinic; 1010 North Thompson Street, Richmond VA), there will be a free workshop for medical and mental health providers who work with transgender clients requesting gender-affirming (what used to be called "sex change") surgery. From the event description: 


"This workshop is intended for mental health and medical providers working with Transgender clients who request a recommendation letter for gender confirming surgery. Gender confirming surgery letters are necessary for trans individuals seeking surgery for surgeons and insurance purposes. This workshop will provide participants with letter content requirements. "


Free, but Health Brigade is accepting donations to defray the costs. Participants must register here. 

Contact Jenn Gallienne with any questions at (804) 358-6343 ext. 143.

"Fund Abortion, Build Power: Getting Started with the RRFP" Workshop 1

Monday, January 9th 2017, from 10-11:30am, in Richmond VA (specific location available upon registration), the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project (RRFP), Virginia's private all-volunteer abortion fund, will be holding their first of four 2017 Fundraising Workshops. From the event description:

"Have you ever thought about joining a fundraising team for the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project, but worried you wouldn't be any good at it? Need a refresher on fundraising, or just want to expand your skills? Come to our workshop and find out just how easy it can be to raise money for the RRFP! You might even make some new connections and find team members to fundraise with!"

The trainings are free and open to anyone, but you must register. Additional training dates will be: 

Monday, January 16th 2017, 4-5:30pm 
Saturday, January 21st 2017, 10-11:30am 
Saturday, January 28th 2017, 10am-4pm

For more info and instructions on how to register, see this link. To add this event to your Google calendar, see this link. 

People's Congress 2016, with Virginia New Majority

Saturday, December 10th 2016, from 10am-3pm, at the Sacred Heart Center (1400 Perry Street, Richmond VA), Virginia New Majority is holding their 2nd annual People's Congress to discuss the current political crisis, strategize, and plan to mobilize for the 2017 Virginia General Assembly, beginning in January. The event will include workshops, trainings, discussion, and speakers. From the event description: 

"Voting is important, but it’s only the first step. To win the changes our communities need we must ACT NOW and build a mass movement to secure rights and justice for immigrants, expand health care, stop sea level rise, end mass incarceration, lower student debt, and put an end voter disenfranchisement."

Free, open to the public, but you must RSVP. Lunch will be provided. For details on childcare and transportation, see the link. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google calendar, click here. 

Beginner self-defense workshop with River City Aikido instructor Brian Hill

Saturday, December 10th 2016, from 9am-12pm, at River City Aikido (3421 Hawthorne Avenue, Richmond VA), there will be a beginner's self-defense workshop specifically designed to address the post-election rise in right-wing antagonism. From the event description: 

"This workshop is designed to respond to the recent increase in verbal and physical assaults, to teach participants (respecting race, gender, LGBTQ, religious, or political beliefs) skills for de-escalating verbal and physical aggression, and for responding physically to the threat of assault through awareness, escape, and ultimately physical martial arts techniques.

"Designed for beginners, what makes this self-defense workshop unique is that the instructor is a therapist with 23 years of experience, who brings sensitivity, empathy, and compassion to a potentially fearful and challenging subject: personal safety. The skills will be based on aikido, a martial art focused on resolution and reconciliation rather than aggression and violence."

Minimum suggested donation is $20, and the organizers are encouraging attendees who can do so to sponsor another person. Each participant will receive a voucher for 4 free classes at River City Aikido, and 50% off registration should they choose to join and continue training. 

This is a little more expensive than what I usually share, but I thought it might be of use if any of you have been wanting to check out training of this kind (which I recommend generally). As I'm sure they'll tell you at this workshop, the ability to respond reliably in a crisis depends on practice- going once might help you know what to do in a bad situation so you're not at a loss, but especially for the physical elements, if you want it to stick one class isn't enough. I have no experience with this venue, so I can't say whether you'd want to do so there, but this seems like a good way to find out. 

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. You can contact the instructor, Brian Hill, at 804-387-2279 or bthill70@gmail.com. To add this event to your Google calendar, click here. 

Trans Inspiration Project 2016 Celebration/Proyecta para Inspiración Trans Celebración 2016

Trans Inspiration Project 2016 Celebration

Friday, December 9th 2016, from 2-7pm, at Diversity Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond VA), the Virginia Anti-Violence Project, Nationz Foundation, and Health Brigade are holding "Trans Inspiration Project: a day of empowerment, education, and celebration for and by the trans and gender non-conforming community." The schedule is as follows: 

All day: Food, HIV and syphilis testing, medical consultations

2-5pm: Workshops, including topics such as Know Your Rights, Healing, Zine Making, and more

5-7pm: Story sharing, open mic, talent show, and more

The event is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP by December 1st. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. You can also RSVP by or calling or texting 804-925-9217. The Facebook event page is available here. 

Proyecta para Inspiración Trans Celebración 2016

Viernes, 9 de diciembre 2016, de 2-7 PM a Diversity Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond, Virginia) la Virginia Anti-Violence Project, Nationz Foundation, y Health Brigade están presentando “Trans Inspiration Project: un dia de empoderamiento, educación, y celebración para y por la comunidad trans y los que no conformen a género.” El horario está así:

Todo el día: comida, probar para el HIV y sifilis, consultaciones médicos

2-5 PM: talleres de varios sujetos, incluso de saber sus derechos, curación, hacer los zines, y más

5-7 PM: compartido de relatos, micrófono abierto, concurso de talentos, y más

Este evento es gratis, pero asistentes deben RSVP por Dec 1.

Para más información y para RSVP, clique este link. También se puede RSVP por llamar o textear 804-925-9217. La página de Facebook está aquí.   

Free LGBTQ-Friendly Self Defense Class

Saturday, December 3rd 2016, from 2:30-4pm, at Revolution Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2125 Staples Mill Road, Richmond VA), Revolution BJJ is holding a free, LGBTQ-friendly self-defense class. This class will be the first of three. From the event description: 

"Join us for a free workshop (the first in a series of 3) on self-defense. This class is open to anyone interested in learning self-defense, but we want to make it explicitly clear that we are aiming to create a welcoming environment for those in the LGBTQ community. We are aware that many LGBTQ adults and teens (especially trans people, including nonbinary & genderqueer folks) might not feel welcome in a normal training environment. Our goal is to counteract that and provide everyone with a safe space to train. We’ll cover: Standing self defense - defending yourself on your feet Ground self defense - what to do of you are taken down to the ground by an attacker."

Free, open to the public. Carpooling is available, and the location is accessible to the #6 bus line. For questions, contact Alley at Alley@revolutionbjj.com. 

Spaces are limited, and you must RSVP. For more information– including how to RSVP– see this link. 

"Building Resilience for Challenging Systemic Racism: a Trauma Healing Workshop for Activists and Allies" with the Richmond Peace Education Center

Friday. December 2nd to Sunday, December 4th 2016, at the First UU Church of Richmond (1000 Blanton Avenue, Richmond VA), the Richmond Peace Education Center is sponsoring a workshop titled "Building Resilience for Challenging Systemic Racism: a Trauma Healing Workshop for Activists and Allies." The workshop will be led by Renee Hill and Ram Bhagat. 

The cost is $75, but scholarships are available. 

For more information and to register, see this link. 

Black Lives Matter Youth Forum and Open Mic

Tomorrow, Friday July 22nd 2016, from 4-8pm, at Atlas (114 West Marshall Street, Richmond VA), ART 180 is hosting two events for teens to discuss police brutality, racism, violence, and recent events. The first event is a poetry workshop, and the second is the Black Lives Matter Youth Forum and Open Mic.

4-6pm, Poetry Workshop with John Blake: Teens will write poems to express their hopes, fears, dreams and frustrations surrounding issues of police brutality, institutional racism, and social justice. John Blake, an experienced poetry teacher and National Poetry Slam finalist, will lead the session.

6-8pm, Black Lives Matter Youth Forum and Open Mic: This month’s open mic at Atlas will include a forum for teens in the community to openly discuss their concerns and feelings behind the recent events around the country. There are are a number of events around the community for adults to express themselves, but this one is just for teens. ART 180 teen leader Sydney Vick and community leader and ART 180 friend Robert Dortch will facilitate the conversation, which will include a chance for teens to perform poetry, music and stories in an open mic format.

For more information or to RSVP, see the link. This event is for teens.