River City Rollergirls Advocate for a Violence-free Virginia

Richmond’s first all women’s flat track roller derby association, the River City Rollergirls, has begun its 5th season. The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, the statewide organization working in coalition with sexual and domestic violence direct service agencies, will be celebrating its 30th year in 2011. How are these two non-profit organizations connected?

The River City Rollergirls support the Richmond community. Each year the league chooses a non-profit to support by donating 10% of its home game ticket sales. This year the River City Rollergirls are supporting the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (Action Alliance). What a strange partnership, one may think. Actually, the two organizations have several things in common.

 

First, they are both nonprofit, 501(C) (3) organizations. As nonprofits, there is the continual challenge to find funds to support their work. Although the Action Alliance receives federal funds through the Violence Against Women Act, these are designated funds and are used for specific purposes. Undesignated funds are used for projects and events that are not covered by federal grants.

 

Second, each has a membership and a following and can be found on Facebook, for River City Rollergirls fans and Action Alliance fans.

Third, both organizations promote leadership among women. On the Roller Derby front, men are involved as officials, board members, contributors, etc. and women are the majority of decision makers. Because the majority of intimate partner violent acts occur to women, mostly women are involved in the field of domestic and sexual violence. Men are involved in the everyday work of advocacy and women are a majority of the decision makers. Both organizations need the support of men and to count on them as allies.

Fourth, both are celebrating December 4, 2010. The River City Rollergirls have a bout at the Richmond Convention Center and the Season’s Beatings & Poe’s Punishers will be hosting the Charlotte Rollergirls. The Action Alliance will be hosting their annual fundraising Gala: Act/Honor/Hope at the Renaissance Conference Center. When you attend either event, you will be supporting the Action Alliance.

And lastly and most importantly, both organizations are about empowering women and children.

Taking care of oneself is an important step in feeling confident and achieving healthy self-esteem. Competitive sports and recreational sports are avenues for exercise, forming friendships, developing teamwork skills and challenging oneself to stretch out of one’s comfort zone.