I am a longtime supporter of the Vday movement, a global initiative lead by Eve Ensler to end violence against women and girls. "In conjunction with the 15th anniversary, V-Day launched its most ambitious campaign to date - ONE BILLION RISING. The concept of the campaign is simple. If you take into account the statistic that 1 out of 3 women will experience violence in her lifetime, you are left with the staggering statistic that over 1 billion women on this planet will be impacted by violence. On V-Day's 15th Anniversary, 2.14.13, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to this violence. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders." (from the V-Day website)

Flashmobs and dance parties are being organized all over the world. I will "rise, strike, dance!" with

Bay Area One Billion Rising.

There is still time for you to find or organize an event (check the V-day website) in your area. The dance choreography and music are available online so you can even learn the dance in your kitchen or from your phone and walk outside on February 14th and dance by yourself!

Though it is the busy love note writing season and www.LoveYou2.org is going a bit crazy with "

get love. give love.

" in action........I am thrilled & honored to partner with

SF NOW

and bring customizable "i am rising" signs to the

Bay Area One Billion Rising

flashmob events (check the website for location, time, details). Also, you can download your free "i am rising" poster

here

. Customize the sign. Snap a photo. Share! #1billionrising #reasontorise @vday

why i am rising

I am rising because more than 1 in 3 women I know has been raped or abused.

I am rising because I was speechless when my kids asked, "What actually happens to the women in the Congo?"

I am rising to feel the music all the way to the center of my bones & to remember love > hate.

I am rising to be in the middle of your gorgeousness. You are so beautiful rising!

I am rising to dance next to my teen daughter.

I am rising for my sons to know a broader truth beyond newspaper articles & TV shows.

I am rising because crying, writing, marching & protesting has not been enough.

I am rising because I am creating a world where women have babies when, where & how they want to; and have sex when, where & how they want to.

I am rising because it was not your fault. You did not deserve it.

I am rising because I love you.

#readytorise

why i am rising #1billionrising