Performances will benefit local and international organizations

In collaboration with the 2010 V-Day campaign – a global movement to stop violence against women and girls – the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Women’s Center will bring “The Vagina Monologues” and other V- Day events to the campus and Kansas City community. Proceeds from all events benefit the UMKC Violence Prevention and Response Project and V-Day’s 2010 spotlight campaign, “Stop Raping Our Greatest Resource: Power to Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

Following is a schedule of February events:

• A V-Day-sponsored presentation delivered by a dedicated committee of V-Men will take place at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 2 in the University Center’s Alumni Room, 5000 Holmes St. Another V-Men presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11 at the Oak Street Residence Hall classroom, 5051 Oak St. The presentations will be followed by workshops that engage men in a dialogue about ending violence against women. These events are for MEN ONLY.
• A benefit screening of “Until the Violence Stops” will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 in the Oak Street Residence Hall Basement, 5051 Oak St. The documentary chronicles the start and success of V-Day and “The Vagina Monologues.” Also learn more about this year’s event! Donations accepted.
• A benefit screening of “What I Want My Words to Do to You” will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the YWCA of Greater Kansas City, 1017 North Sixth St., Kansas City, Kan. This V-Day sponsored documentary features “an unprecedented look into the hearts and minds of women in a maximum security prison.” Donations accepted.
• A benefit performance of “The Vagina Monologues” will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 17 and 18 at the UMKC University Center, Pierson Auditorium, 5000 Holmes St. Doors open at 7 p.m.

V-Day celebrates its twelfth anniversary of working to end violence against women and girls. The V-Day movement is growing rapidly in 130 countries, and has spread to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and all of North America.

V-Day, a nonprofit corporation, distributes funds to grassroots, national and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. In 2001, V-Day was named one of Worth magazine’s “100 Best Charities” and in 2006 one of Marie Claire magazine’s “Top 10 Charities.” In 10 years, the V-Day movement has raised more than $70 million.

In line with the V-Day campaign and fundraising efforts, the Women’s Center is selling chocolates and other V-Day items at information tables in Royall Hall (800 E. 52nd St.); the University Center (5000 Holmes St.); and on the Hospital Hill campus (2464 Charlotte St.). For information on purchasing V-Day items or becoming involved with UMKC V-Day 2010, contact the Women’s Center at (816) 235-1638 or umkc-womens-center@umkc.edu. For information about the national V-Day campaign, visit www.vday.org.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.