With a ratification promised by legislative leaders, we are planning our celebration of the 38th state!!

We originally thought to host an “Equality Ball” on February 14th. But instead we have decided to celebrate the 38th state ratification (in 2020) on International Women’s Day (3/8/2020). Numerologists should love that bit of symbolism.

We will update this page as the planning team makes progress on the event!

Notes:

The rally/march to celebrate Virginia’s ratification will begin on March 8th at 3 PM at Monroe Park (VCU).

The speakers (beginning and end of the event) will be in Monroe Park and some participants may choose to remain at Monroe Park for the duration of the event.

The anticipated route for the march is Monroe Park (VCU) to the Virginia Capitol and back along Franklin Street. It is about 2.4 miles roundtrip and the team that walked it (very leisurely) found it to be a comfortable distance.

We are working on specific accommodations for those unable to walk any / all of the 2.4 miles. Skipping the march part of the day and staying in Monroe Park is also a valid option!

Groups that have worked on Virginia’s ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (in whatever capacity and in whatever decade) are encouraged to bring signs / banners identifying their group. The strength of the VAratifyERA campaign has been the collection of groups working together. Visible representation of all these groups is ideal.

We plan for this event to be as close to “no waste” as possible. Water bottle refill stations will be available at Monroe Park and on the route of the March.

Street parking is free on Sundays and VCU students will be on spring break March 8th. To assist with parking overflow we’ve also made arrangements with the nearby West Main Street parking garage (801 W Main St — self park — $2/hr).