Please note that the original meeting on Wednesday, October 30 has been postponed! Please join us on November 25 from 1:00 – 2:30!
You, the Action Alliance Membership, will be affirming the slate of new Governing Body members as proposed by the Governing Body. In addition to information on the new slate, we are attaching the newly revised Action Alliance By-Laws, which affect the make-up of the Governing Body. Language about the make-up of the Governing Body can be found in Article VI. The Governing Body, Section 4.
- Meet the New Proposed Slate of Governing Body Members:
Thelma Atkins-Riley (she/her) is an instructor in Nursing at Southside Virginia Community College, preparing students for Board of Nursing Certification exams, and providing clinical supervision for students working in a long-term care facility. She identifies as African American, Indigenous, as someone with a disability and a survivor of sexual and/or domestic violence. She is President of the Community Youth Center, Ltd in Emporia, Va, and is currently serving or has served on the boards of the YMCA, Rotary Club, Greenville/Emporia Fuller Center for Housing and the Greensville Retired Teachers Association. Ms. Atkins-Riley is interested in doing what she can to improve the services to survivors and being part of the solution to improve and help in the prevention of sexual and domestic violence. “Finally, hearing Marva Dunn’s passion for the work of the Alliance for the past 18 years, she has finally convinced me that I have something to contribute to this organization.”
Minnie Lobban (she/her) is the Admissions Director of the Atlantic Outreach Group in Richmond, VA, a community-based non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals and families by connecting them to resources needed for their success. She identifies as African American, Indigenous, and a survivor of sexual and/or domestic violence. Her board experience includes Public Affairs Director for Woman N Power, board member of Building Walls with Care, and as a board member with a single moms’ substance use organization. She was encouraged to apply for the Governing Body by Marva Dunn.
Jae De La Mora (she/her) is a freelance professional interpreter doing contract work with courts, law enforcement, mental health clinics, physicians, schools, and state and federal agencies. She is a member of the VOICES Survivor Advisory Council at the Action Alliance. She identifies as Latinx, LGBTQI+, a survivor of sexual and/or domestic violence, and as a person with a disability. Her board experience includes currently serving as a board member on the Virginia Poverty Law Center, and RADical Change Commission in Radford, VA which is dedicated to initiating and supporting efforts of systemic change. In addition to being an active participant on the VOICES Council for the Action Alliance, Jae is a consultant for the DSS Child Enforcement Agency of which the Action Alliance is a participant in the Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security (SAVES) grant. Jae shares “I am here to contribute my expertise, my empathy, and my unwavering commitment to the cause. I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a vision of a world free from sexual and domestic violence. Together, we can enact meaningful change, advocate for policy reforms, and cultivate a culture of empathy and respect.”
Rebecca Stanley (she/her) is the Transitional Housing Program Coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. Rebecca states “I have dedicated the past fourteen years to working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking. During this time, I have developed a strong desire to effect change on a broader scale, with the hope of preventing violence in a wider community beyond those I currently serve. Recently, my primary focus has been directing our transitional housing program for survivors, but I have also spent many years engaged in the court system as a legal advocate for these individuals. I hold deep respect for the principles upheld by the Action Alliance and would be honored to contribute to its governing body.”
- By-law change for affirmation – Article VI. The Governing Body, Section 4, last bulleted item “No agency may hold more than one seat”
Current By-Law language states, “No agency may hold more than two seats.” The proposed change to the language is a result of a by-law change in the size of the Governing Body, “no fewer than 11 and no more than 15 members from across Virginia.” The original language before the by-law change was “no fewer than 15 and no more than 21 members from across Virginia”.
If you are a member and would like to attend this meeting, please email Leisha Santilli @ lsantilli@vsdvalliance.org.
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