BAY AREA ALUMNAE COLLECTIVE,
OMEGA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC.
Our Philanthropy:
Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women (RAVAW)
Omega Phi Beta has dedicated itself to combating and championing for domestic violence awareness and awareness of violence against women. Recognizing that violence against women hinders progression, we have broadened the scope of our National Philanthropy to include ALL forms of violence affecting our gender, including but not limited to: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Mutilation, Stalking and Human Trafficking.
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Throughout the years, we have worked hand in hand with organizations such as the Voices of Women, Safe Horizon, Sanctuary for Families, and Amnesty International, in an effort to spread awareness of this crippling issue. Thus through our broadened National Philanthropy, Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to our community while making a profound commitment to women’s rights. We acknowledge the rigorous battle that lies ahead.
Ray Of Hope Walk:
New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles
ABOUT THE RAY OF HOPE WALK
The Ray of Hope Walk to End Violence Against Women (ROHW) was established by Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in direct
response to its national philanthropy, Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women. The goal of the ROHW is to educate, bring
awareness, empower, and mobilize our communities. The ROHW focuses on challenging women and men alike to be a part of the
​movement to end this global epidemic– in an effort to create a safe and equitable society for all.
We are guided by the belief that every Woman has a RIGHT to:
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live free of intimidation
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freely express her ideas or opinions
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make her own choices
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equal privilege
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receive justice and tell her story without prejudice
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HERSTORY
In 2009 Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) celebrated its 20th Anniversary. As members of the National Leadership team reflected on the organization's mission, vision, and philanthropy they became acutely aware of the fact that in order to truly make an impact in their national philanthropy, Raising the Awareness of Violence Against Women, they needed to think big.
OPBSI had taken a big role in the New York City Domestic Violence Walk held in 2002, 2003, and 2004; from designing the walk's website to serving on the steering committee as co-chairs of the walk. However over time the initiative lost momentum and disbanded.
Using these experiences as a catalyst, OPBSI launched the Ray of Hope Initiative (ROHI) in 2010 with the goal to expand it to a nation-wide walk that strengthens our communities and brings various forms of Violence Against Women to light. The first ROHI was held in New York City on October 22, 2011 as a Benefit Concert featuring activists, musicians, poets, dancers, and speakers. The energy brought about from the event was so motivating that the performance format became a defining feature of the first Ray of Hope Walk (ROHW) the following year.
In 2014, the ROHW achieved its dream of expansion and added "the Second City", Chicago, as its second city with a competitive Run/Walk component. Today the ROHW continues to hold fast to its traditions of mobilizing and energizing the community through partnership with grassroots organizations, activists and artists, students and families, and by spreading awareness through our stories, our shared experiences, and celebrating the hope for a world free of gender-based violence and oppression.
This year’s Weekend of Activism will take place on October 5th in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta!
Website: RayOfHopeWalk.OmegaPhiBeta.org