* V-Day Lafayette *
Poetry Reading Series Press Release

In recognition that “[Our] silence will not protect [us],” (Audre Lorde) V-Day Lafayette presents a Poetry Reading Series during the month of October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) that will allow women (as the primary victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence) the opportunity to …express ourselves, our challenges…our survival. 

V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Through V-Day campaigns worldwide, local volunteers and college students raise awareness and funds to benefit anti-violence groups within their own communities through events on or around February 14. In its first five years, the V-Day movement has distributed over $14 million to organizations dedicated to the cessation of violence against women. 

Last year, V-Day Lafayette raised over $12,000 for Stuller Place's Sexual Abuse Response Center (SARC), a local organization that provides community education, crisis intervention, emergency support and information, and free counseling to victims of all types of sexual assault. These funds were raised primarily through ticket sales for The Vagina Monologues. Any proceeds raised during the 2004 campaign will again benefit SARC, but awareness on the anti-violence movement will benefit all of Acadiana. 

The first in a series of Poetry Readings will be held at Café des Amis in Breaux Bridge, LA on Wednesday, October 8, 2003 from 6:30 - 8 pm

Poetry reflecting the challenges and survival of women related to violence and their victory over it is welcomed. Submissions for the October 8 reading are due on Tuesday, September 30, 2003 to allow for review and notification of works to be read for the event. Submissions not chosen for the October 8 reading (or submitted after September 30) WILL be considered for future readings to be held around Lafayette in October. 

Submissions should include name and contact information (phone number and/or e-mail address). Readings should also indicate whether the author is interested in reading or prefers (or, is open) to have their work(s) read by someone else.