V-Day

Susan Celia Swan. One of original team who helped playwright Eve Ensler found and create V-Day, Susan’s efforts have been integral to the development of the movement as it grew from a one-night benefit event in 1998 to a wide ranging global non-profit, raising over $80 million dollars with a presence in over 140 countries. She has held senior executive positions in communications… See full bio.

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Story: In late 2001, V-Day launched a campaign called “Afghanistan Is Everywhere” through which V-Day 2002 Organizers from the Worldwide and College Campaigns were asked to provide information at their events about the plight of the women in Afghanistan who had no civil or human rights under the Taliban at that time. They were also encouraged to donate a percentage of their proceeds to Afghan women. The campaign, ‘Afghanistan Is Everywhere,’ focused on Afghan women with the broader intention to unite women worldwide by pointing out the similarities between the experiences of the women of Afghanistan and those of women and girls in other areas of the world and raised over $250,000 for the women of Afghanistan, opening schools and orphanages and providing education and healthcare. The success of that campaign evolved into what is now the annual V-Day Spotlight. Each year V-Day spotlights a particular group of women who are experiencing violence with the goal of raising awareness and funds to put a worldwide media spotlight on this area and to aide groups on the ground who are addressing it. In 2012, V-Day's Spotlight Campaign will be on the Women and Girls of Haiti.

Evidence of Impact Summary:

V-Day fills a unique niche in the violence against women arena. Through its many events the organization engages populations that are in many ways unlikely to connect to the movement; through these they build awareness grow the movement. Experts point to their high volume of media attention as huge organizational impact. They are also a large fundraising force, raising money for programming around the world. One expert pointed out V-Day's unique ability to frame the violence against women discussion in a way that condemns violence but still celebrates women's sexuality.
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Organization Strengths Summary:

Experts agree that the unique, creative model of V-Day is a particular strength. Raising funds through performances not only bridges art and activism, but it serves as a public education tool. Tied to this model is V-Day's stellar fundraising abilities, another strength pointed out by experts. Experts also point to V-Day's dedicated leadership, strong marketing, and overall creativity.
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Areas for Improvement Summary:

Experts agree that the organization's powerful leader is a help and a hindrance. V-Day may be too dependent on her leadership and this may be inhibiting strategic growth. They would do well to implement more strategic planning. Likewise, the model helpful but has strong western branding. The language barrier and somewhat sexual messaging make it difficult for many organizations to partner with them. Experts also assert that V-Day would do well to increase advocacy in Washington, DC, and build up its capacity internationally.
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One of original team who helped playwright Eve Ensler found and create V-Day, Susan’s efforts have been integral to the development of the movement as it grew from a one-night benefit event in 1998 to a wide ranging global non-profit, raising over $80 million dollars with a presence in over 140 countries. She has held senior executive positions in communications and new media at Atlantic Records and Sony Music Entertainment. While at Atlantic, she worked with recording artist Tori Amos to develop and launch RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), now the leading hotline and provider of services to women and girls in the United States. Today, Susan oversees all aspects of V-Day ranging from campaigns and programs, to development, events, and communications. Day to day, she works directly with a range of partners and supporters including individual, foundation, and corporate donors; activist, political and civic leaders; as well as major media outlets. Her independent consulting firm - Swan, LLC - focuses on entertainment, new technology and cause-related communications and has represented clients including the ACLU, Just Vision, Columbia Records, and Robert Greenwald. Susan graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University with a BA in Political Science, and has taken graduate film courses at The New School. Susan divides her time between San Francisco and New York. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of V-Day and Feminist.com, of which she is a founder.

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