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.

 

"Roller derby has helped me connect not only with myself but with like-minded, strong women,” explains player Norah P. Neffrin. “We provide each other with not only an athletic support system, but an emotional one as well. In my months with River City Rollergirls, I've seen myself become more confident in who I am.”

Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport that involves skaters using different zones of their body to hit and maneuver opposing skaters. This type of full contact requires athleticism, endurance and physical fitness. Safety is the primary concern and so rules are an important part of the game. Good sportsmanship is essential as a show of respect for fellow skaters, referees and other officials. The River City Rollergirls are members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, which establishes and oversees the rules to ensure consistency among competing teams.

The River City Rollergirls organization is committed to providing opportunities for women that encourage the pursuit of lifetime activities, a sense of commitment and teamwork, and the development of personal character while maintaining an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equality among its athletes, coaches and support staff.

Emotional and physical violence erode one’s self-esteem. Virginia’s Sexual and Domestic Violence agencies work with survivors of abuse to empower them and to aid them to reach safety and healing. In the wake of sexual and domestic violence and in prevention programs for youth and children across the state, the Action Alliance and its members promote equality, respect and shared power in relationships and communities.

Both organizations serve to empower individuals. When empowered we can effect change and live fulfilled lives. “Roller Derby has changed me and my life for the better,” says Raci Lords. “Being a mother and wife is a hard job and it’s so easy to put yourself last on the to do list. Roller Derby has provided me with the time required to be a great mother, wife, and a way to make sure I don't lose myself in the high-speed game of life. Roller Derby has also ignited my passion in health, exercise, and athletic training. I've learned more about being a leader and a team player and I am stronger than I ever knew I could be because Roller Derby has demanded it of me. I couldn't love Roller Derby more.”

The River City Rollergirls’ next bout at the Richmond Convention Center is October 23, 2010. For more information about and to donate to the River City Rollergirls, go to www.rivercityrollergirls.org. For more information about and to donate to the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, go to www.vsdvalliance.org.

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V Digital Edition, Fall 2010

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