Join YWCA of Central Virginia for our annual Purse and Passion Dinner, Silent Auction and Raffel event! Funds raised will support your YWCA of Central Virginia’s key programs including the Domestic Violence Prevention Program which houses our areas only emergency shelters for victims. Enjoy a delicious dinner, hear a keynote presenter, and bid on fabulous purses as well as other fantastic auction items!

Our 2019 event will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at Oakwood Country Club!

If you would like to become a sponsor of the 2019 Purse and Passion Event, or donate new/gently loved purses for auction please reach out to our Executive Director at 434-847-7751 or via email (director@ywcacva.org).

In 2020, YWCA of Central Virginia will join with Peace Over Violence for the Denim Day campaign.

Demin Day happens on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. In this rape prevention education campaign we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. This campaign is one part of our larger national strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism. The campaign was founded by YWCAs Trenton and Princeton in 2007 and adopted by YWCA USA in 2015.

As we come closer to the next Stand Against Racism your YWCA will announce any events or educational opportunities. #JoinUs

The annual Side by Side for Racial Justice and Harmony Walk is the primary event of the YWCA’s Racial Justice program and is held every April to further community awareness of the problem of racism.

Beginning in 1986, the YWCA of Central Virginia has recognized and celebrated the achievements of outstanding women in Central Virginia through our Academy of Women Gala. After a brief hiatus since 2012, YWCA is excited to induct its next class of honorees in 2020. 

All proceeds enable the YWCA to continue working towards eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all through her direct service programs, as well as education and outreach efforts.  YWCA of Central Virginia’s key programs includes the Domestic Violence Prevention Program (DVPP), our Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP), and the Town Center Women’s Residential Housing Program.

To nominate a phenomenal woman, a rising young woman, or outstanding business for the upcoming Academy of Women Awards please go to our website: www.academyofwomen.com

For information on sponsorship opportunities please visit our website at www.academyofwomen.com or contact our Executive Director at director@ywcacva.org