Please scroll down…note that these update articles are written every several months for the Roanoke Gayzette and may not reflect current events, schedule changes etc. Please consult our homepage calendar and event pages. Thank you
By Josh Olinger
RDC Happenings
Since the Roanoke Diversity Center officially opened its doors on Friday, February 22nd, many exciting events have happened and new programs have been started! In addition to the listing below, please check the community calendar on our website homepage, where we also post other events of community interest etc.
RDC Open Mic Nights:
March 15th, April 12th…The RDC has now hosted two open microphone nights for LGBT and supportive youth and young adults. Both events brought about forty people who sang songs, read poems, played instruments, and had a good time with old and new friends!
RDC in Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
March 16th…On Saturday March 16th the RDC pulled together about twenty people to march in the parade together. Participants carried large flags representing everyone from the rainbow community, we had a flags for lesbian, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and bears! We also handed out festive beads and information about the RDC!
RDC African American LGBT Support-
March 21st…The RDC had an initial “Urban Mixer” Community Forum event to gauge interest and gain ideas for possible future development of this program area for the community.
Candlelight Vigil/ Rally to Support the Repeal of DOMA
March 26th…Over 50 people arrived at Roanoke’s federal court house on the night of
Tuesday, March 26th while the United States Supreme Court heard arguments about California’s
Proposition 8 and DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act. The RDC was joined by members and
allies of the LGBT community from Roanoke Pride, the Metropolitan Community Church
of the Blue Ridge, Floyd PFLAG, Roanoke PFLAG, Forward Roanoke, Plowshare, and others!
The non-
RDC LGBT 50+ Support:
April 16th…The RDC held several 50+ Interest meetings, and its first social event
for the 50+ LGBT community. On Tuesday, April 16th, a dozen or so gathered for a
potluck dinner, where participants brought and shared delicious dishes and enjoyed
the company of old and new friends! Plans were made for future monthly events and
activities for the group, including movie nights and game nights. Stay tuned for
more details regarding next group meeting in mid-
Other Events:
The RDC was a sponsor, along with Roanoke Pride and others, of the 1st Transgender Conference held at Virginia Tech March 30th. Congratulations go out to the Ladies of the Blue Ridge for organizing and facilitating this very exciting and informative event!
The RDC space also hosted several community related group meetings and has plans to host many more in coming weeks and months.
Upcoming Events
The RDC is currently planning many social, community-
Break the Silence Rally:
April 19th…The RDC will be joining Virginia Western Community College Human Rights
Club in hosting an anti-
Pride in the Community:
April 20th…Join Roanoke Pride, the RDC and others in this Earth-
Grandin Film Festival:
April 19-
Community Bowling:
April 28th…”Pride Bowling”…7pm-
Condom Party-
May 3rd…9pm..at The Park..Join the Health Dept, the Drop-
RDC in the Local Colors Festival:
May 19th…The RDC will have a spot at the Local Colors Festival! The Local Colors Festival is an annual event in the Roanoke community where residents can learn about and enjoy a variety of cultures through authentic music, arts, crafts, food, attire, language, dance, and goodwill.
Roanoke Rainbow Community Picnic:
June 1st…12 noon-
Stonewall Remembrance Rally:
June 29th…11am-
RDC 2013 LGBT Film Festival:
Sept 14th-
Also…Please contact us if you wish to:
Volunteer to help plan and facilitate this
event.
Make a donation towards this specific RDC event.
Advertise in our event program
and/or on our RDC website.
Sponsor this event to promote your organization, business
or
corporation to our large, diverse and brand-
Pride in the Park:
Sept 21st…Sat..Noon..Rivers Edge Park-
The RDC Needs Your Help
RDC Board Members Needed:
Would you like to be involved with the RDC on its Board of Directors? We are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals who are willing and able to attend monthly Board meetings (1st Sat.), and who can commit to working on at least one specific committee. Please send us a short bio, along with how you envision being able to help the RDC develop further. Thank you! Admin@RoanokeDiversityCenter.com
RDC Volunteers Needed:
Now that the Roanoke Diversity Center is open, there are many programs and events
that can’t happen without your help along with simple day to day operation. We are
looking to fill a lot of positions. A volunteer orientation is held monthly so please
check for the date of our next one and plan to join us. In addition, there is an
on-
Website Design and Updating
· Newsletter
· PR/Marketing
· Event
Planners
· Programming
· Volunteer Recruitment
· Information/ Community
Resources
· Office/ Receptionist/ Clerical
· Grants/Fundraising/Approaching
potential sponsors etc.
· Local/Regional LGBT Networking
· Physical Space
Operations
We have an extensive, detailed list of volunteer opportunities within these
general categories above. Bring us your interest and/or skills and we'll put you
to work! Whether you can commit to a lot or to just a little time, we would greatly
appreciate your help. Volunteering can also be very beneficial to you as well. You
can expect to make friends as you work with others and be a part of a team. You will
actively create a positive change in your community as you add skills to your repertoire.
Donate to the RDC:
The Roanoke Diversity Center needs donations in the form of time, money, and goods to maintain proper operation. If you are interested in donating to the RDC please contact us. You may donate online on our website or send in donations to our mailing address. Please consider becoming a member of our RDC “Friends”, “Sustainers”, or “Founders” Circles. (Anonymity is available upon request.)
Wish List:
• 1 Area rug 5X7’ or larger (beige, brown or red)
• Art work
to display (Loans or donated art)
• Large screen HDTV 60” or larger
• 1
computer (Basic… for Internet, resources, resume’s, etc.) and 1 volunteer computer
(having more advanced features)
• Office supplies-
Our Thanks:
The RDC is extremely grateful to everyone who has donated funds, materials, services,
or their time to the RDC during its first two months of operation. The RDC has come
a long way since its first initial community-
A note from the Chair: The end of April brings to a close our student intern’s time
with the RDC. The RDC has been very, very fortunate to have had the wonderful help
of Josh Olinger since January of this year. He has been invaluable in our start-
Roanoke Diversity Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. We will gladly furnish you with required information for your tax purposes.
Roanoke Diversity Center, Inc. 806 Jamison Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013 Admin@RoanokeDiversityCenter.com
Tel. 540-
Rev 4 17 13jofh
Contact Info:
Roanoke Diversity Center, Inc.
806 Jamison Ave SE
Roanoke, VA 24013
Frank House (Chair) 540-
www.RoanokeDiversityCenter.com
admin@RoanokeDiversityCenter.com
https://www.facebook.com/RDC2011
https://twitter.com/RkeDivCtr
Update : 4/17/13
(Also posted in Roanoke Gayzette)
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