The purpose of this letter is to formally invite you to attend this year's V-Day 2009 events on behalf of the Campus Women’s Organization and the V-Day 2009 Board of Directors of the University of Pittsburgh's production of The Vagina Monologues!
V-Day is a global movement to stop violence towards women and girls. As a part of
V-Day, the University’s Campus Women's Organization produces annual benefit performances of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues in order to raise awareness and funds for organizations working to end violence towards women and girls. V-Day's 2009 Spotlight Campaign focuses on the Women and Girls of the Congo. These women have come to symbolize the universal plight of women in conflict zones-- high levels of violence; economic hardship; racism; and public structures that failed to protect them. They also highlight the dire need for resources to this still devastated community. Ten percent of our proceeds will go to these women and girls of the Congo.
The remaining ninety percent of proceeds raised will go to a local organization, the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. This organization provides a“24-hour crisis hotline, temporary shelter, ongoing individual counseling and support groups, advocacy and support services for women victims of domestic violence and their children.”
Part of what makes this event so special is the opportunities it offers to our campus and community - to participate in this global movement, to celebrate and honor the women and girls in your life and community, to be part of a collective voice, a voice that refuses to be ignored, a voice that says NO to violence against women and girls.
In addition to your attendance, we ask that you please inform your acquaintances, colleagues and students of the performances of The Vagina Monologues. Furthermore, we encourage group attendance, perhaps as a class, in order to open up dialogue concerning issues of violence facing women. Not only may The Vagina Monologues prove to be a catalyst in the dialogue of the aforementioned issues, but perhaps the Monologues may also be worked into classroom curriculum or offered as a means of extra credit.
This year’s Vagina Monologues will take place on three evenings, beginning Thursday, February 12th through Saturday, February 14th, 2009. The curtain time is at 7:30 PM, and doors open at 7:00 PM. All shows are held in David Lawrence Hall 120/121, and tickets may be purchased at the door. It is $5 for students and $7 for Pitt faculty and staff.
It is our hope to see you there!
Peace and Vagina Love,
Lara Appelbaum and Nina Siviy
Directors and Organizers
V-Day 2009 University of Pittsburgh
635 William Pitt Union, CWO Office
Contact: pittvday09@gmail.com or Nina at 717-357-2492
