It's a global movement that not only gets people moving, but also raises awareness about violence against women.
Here in Northern Michigan, folks gathered at the Grand Traverse Mall to show their support for One Billion Rising.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- It's a global movement that not only gets people moving, but also raises awareness about violence against women. And this dancing phenomenon is reaching our very own backyard here in Northern Michigan.
Dancing in large groups demands a lot of attention, and on this Valentine's Day (or "V Day"), that's the goal of a worldwide movement called "One Billion Rising." From the Philippines to New Delhi, India to Sarajevo, people around the world are taking part in a global campaign to end violence against women.
"It's a collective global action and that many people are going to dance and rise then the issue can no longer be ignored," said Monique Wilson, Philippine One Billion Rising Coordinator.
Here in Northern Michigan, folks gathered at the Grand Traverse Mall to show their support, and in Petoskey, 300 women joined a flash mob at North Central Michigan College. The Women's Resource Center and Girls on the Run organization teamed up and the revolution of One Billion Rising.
"This is an opportunity for us to show that strength to join worldwide with other what put us all together," said Janet Mancinelli, Women's Resource Center Executive Director.
Launched by American author Eve Ensler, the campaign says "One billion women violated is an atrocity... but one billion women dancing is a revolution."
"Flash mob dances have been the chosen mode of protest for this because we need peaceful means to peaceful ends," said Emily Magner, Traverse City Flash Mob Organizer.
And this Valentine's Day "V" Stands for victory, making this "V Day" one to remember.
