We Need YOUR Vote for the #MyLA2050 Grant

"I have 2 daughters in the Juniors Program ages 12 and 8. I can attest
to roller derby transforming them physically, mentally and very much emotionally." - Brooklyn Deck-Her, LADD Juniors League Trainer, Coach and
Mother.

"Our league is a safe haven for children and adults alike, and as the saying goes, 'Roller Derby Saved My Soul'." - Sly Foxx, Fight Crew
 

We are known around the world as the premiere banked track league, we are THE Derby Dolls.  We have been a model for organizations in the larger global banked roller derby community, and we are proud of this standing but even prouder of our diverse organization focused on using this sport to improve the lives of women.  With the responsibility of running such a large DIY organization, we also face organizational struggles and work around the clock to offer our vast network of volunteer skaters, coaches, refs, doctors, announcers, and fans the best possible experience in the best possible facility to create a lasting impact on our community.

As you may have seen, the Derby Dolls have submitted a proposal for the LA2050 grant to help celebrate the promotion of social and emotional support through our very unique women’s team sports. 

If you’re reading this, please take a moment to support us here -http://bit.ly/LADDLA2050

The grant funds will help us to make improvements to the infrastructure of our training and events facility The Dollosseum, and increase our outreach to the greater Los Angeles community.

Now, let’s celebrate some of the proven good that roller derby and our league has brought to our community of skaters, moms, and trainers!

I think LA Derby Dolls thrive because of our community support, and in
turn, our community thrives because of our support. We have held and
participated in several health and job fairs, pet vaccination and
adoptions, and charity walks in order for our community to have access
to options they might not otherwise have, and we are happy to give a
safe space to our neighbors. - Sly Foxx, Veteran Skater in Fight Crew

"The thing that keeps me invested is seeing skaters come in with all
their fears and doubts, and then to see them accomplish far more than
they thought they could.  Whether or not they continue with the
league, they then carry that sense of accomplishment, of being more
than they thought when they started into the world." - Sweet Home AlaBAMMya, Skater in Sirens

"For the last 4 years, I have had the pleasure of working with the
Juniors program at Los Angeles Derby Dolls. I have seen these young
women grow into powerful athletes, into compassionate and respectful
teammates, into empowered young women with confidence and drive." - Brooklyn Deck-Her

Recently, the derby dolls were volunteers at CicLAvia and I signed up
to volunteer as part of our community service. While hundreds rolled
by in their bicycles, I can't count how many people looked directly at
me and thanked me for simply volunteering. They would say things like
"Thank you for keeping us safe," "Thank you derby doll," "Thanks for
volunteering." -Zooey Ramirez, Derby Por Vida Graduate and Current Freshmeat Skater

Are you ready to be an Enforcer?

Our referees,the Enforcers are a vital part of the Derby Doll community. Without their endless support, training and time we would not be the league we are today, let alone be able to hold our bi-monthly bouts! On top of their volunteering, they are also well regarded in the banked track community for their skill as officials.  To become an Enforcer takes time, similar to becoming an all star roller derby player and the opportunity to take that first step is coming up! We are holding our New Enforcer Orientation on Wednesday, October 19th. As we get ready to welcome the new crop of potential Enforcers we asked one of our current Enforcers , Wayne No Regretzky to share his experience in joining the Derby Dolls family.

To be an Enforcer! About a year and a half ago, my life was totally different. Life had thrown me a 12-6 curveball, and I swung and missed, HARD!!! I was in a really bad spot in my life when I heard that the Derby Dolls were moving to my hometown of El Sereno. Their first game was to be played on April 25, 2015.

As a teenager, I had gone to a couple of bouts at the Grand Olympic Auditorium, during one of the many attempts to revive the T-Birds. I had a blast every time. No way I was going to miss watching Derby in my own backyard! Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

I heard they had a referee team looking for new refs. I filled out the New Enforcer Orientation form a couple weeks ahead of time, but figured I would never hear back.

About 2 weeks later, I received an email for the New Enforcer Orientation. I confirmed my interest and on May 20, 2015, I began my roller derby journey. I was very surprised at how friendly everyone was! Very welcoming and warm. Immediately, I knew that this is what I wanted to be a part of, something I knew I could be good at. It wasn’t always easy, but has always been rewarding.

As time went on, and the more training I received, I knew I had made the right choice. Becoming an Enforcer is one of the coolest, most rewarding achievements. Through all of this, I have met so many amazing people and am honored to call a lot of them friends! It’s like one big, happy, crazy family!!! It’s SUPER cliché, but Roller Derby changed my life! I wouldn’t change any of it! I look back at myself in early 2015 and can’t believe how much has changed, and for the better. I have the entire Derby Dolls league to thank for so much!

If you are looking to do something very fun, and are looking to be part of something unique and amazing, this very well may be exactly what you are looking for!!!!

Interested in learning more? Sign up today to attend on Wednesday October 19th!  All NEO attendees receive 2 free tickets to a future game.

Derby Por Vida - Step 1 to Roller Derby Greatness

With our a new session of Derby Por Vida  right around the corner we reached out to one of our DPV graduates, Amelia BigDealia, to tell us about her experience in the program. Read on to find out how a skating newbie became a Derby Doll!

Amelia BigDealia using her DPV skills to fly around the banked track with the greatest of ease.

Ah, roller derby. I will never forget the first time I saw it for myself. It was magical. A thunderous spectacle with electrifying sights and sounds at every turn. The skaters were perfection: violent poetry in motion. Ferociously tough and at the same time effortlessly graceful. Seeing them I thought “Were they born with skates on their feet?”

Quite the contrary! As I did my research I came to learn that the vast majority of these athletes came to the sport with little or no skating experience. What?!? Digging further I found out that many got their start in something called “DPV.” There is a place that created these epic roller derby athletes? I had to know more.

Derby Por Vida, or DPV is the leagues training ground for future Derby Dolls skaters and referees. The program teaches skating fundamentals and roller derby basics in challenging one-hour classes. Longing for something to add to my fitness repertoire, I signed up.

I remember nervously handing in my paperwork and paying my 10 dollars not realizing how that class would change my life! After just one class I was hooked! Getting on that banked track with what little I remembered about skating was both terrifying and thrilling. Each week I returned to learn a little more. Soon, I was not only skating but skating fast and trying things that seemed unheard of just weeks before: transitions, backwards skating, and blocking.
It’s funny to think of it now; I took that class on whim. My DPV training lead to becoming a part of LADD’s Fresh Meat program, then Subpool. Ultimately, it led to being drafted to a Derby Dolls home team! Shout out to the glorious Tough Cookies!

Roller Derby gave me so much. I became a bona fide athlete! A skating, slamming, roller derby machine! I sharpened my event planning skills and learned tons about public relations through league committee work. Most importantly, I met the most amazing women (and men) many of whom I consider my best friends. All because I took a ten-dollar roller derby class. Go figure!

So, what’s my message here? I think it’s best to quote my friend Pamela Ribon aka May Q. Holla, “Stop thinking and start skating.” You never know what roller derby will do for you.

The next session of Derby Por Vida starts October 18! All you need is $10, proof of medical insurance, your ID and a mouth guard. Visit our DPV page to learn about class types, schedules, and what you should bring to class. See you on the track!

Amelia BigDealia with another DPV graduate Moon Boots

All images courtesy of Grant Palmer Photography

California Planned Parenthood Education Fund - Featured Neighborhood Organization

The October 24th deadline to register to vote is fast approaching! We will have California Planned Parenthood Education Fund on site for our next two bouts, October 8th and October 22nd to register everyone to vote. 

There are so many issues near and dear to our hearts as an organization that are up for vote this election season and we are excited to offer our league and fans the opportunity to register to vote and speak out on what matters to them!

With so much in the current news on issues that effect our community such as women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and minority's rights we want to strongly encourage each of you to take the opportunity to not just register but to also get out on November 8th and vote. 

California Planned Parenthood Education Fund has worked since 1972 to offer a variety of services to benefit the community.  In addition to providing health services, reproductive and family planning services, they also work to ensure that citizens of the U.S. are registering to vote.

Get your tickets to our next bout and stop by their booth to register to vote on November 8th and make your voice heard!!

For more information on voting and the upcoming election check out these helpful links:

Register to Vote - Reminder last day is October 24th!

Election Day, Deadlines and Time off to vote information found here

California Ballot Propositions can be found here and here

California Congressional Candidates can be found here

2016 FREE Health Fair!

On Saturday, October 15th, from 10am – 2pm, we are hosting our 8th Annual Health Fair at 4900 Alhambra Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90032 for Angelenos in the Central East Los Angeles Area.

This free community event will feature a variety of health services such as:

• Ear and eye exams
• Cholesterol testing
• Dental exams
• and many other healthcare resources and information

Last year's fair included organizations such as Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Clinic, Lions Club of Pasadena, Southern California Health Institute, Asian Pacific Health Corps, Planned Parenthood, Department of Public Social Services, and many more. Activity for children will be provided.

The Health Fair reinforces the Derby Dolls’ commitment to provide comprehensive services tailored to the needs of its community. The event is free and open to all ages and is located at The Dolloseum, 4900 Alhambra Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90032. For more information about the Health Fair please follow up on Facebook and Instagram!

St. Baldrick's Foundation - Featured Neighborhood Organization

This bout’s featured neighborhood organization is one that is bringing attention to a childhood cancer by encouraging others to shave their heads in solidarity. We can get behind the shedding light on a great cause with an attention getting methods so we are excited to partner with them during our September 24th bout!

St. Baldrick's Foundation began in 2000 as a challenge between friends, now it is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. Its signature head-shaving events, where volunteers get bald to stand in solidarity with kids with cancer and raise money to support lifesaving research are coordinated worldwide. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts who are working to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them.

Currently only 4% of federal funding (National Cancer Institute) is solely dedicated to childhood cancer research. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research St. Baldrick’s are doing everything they can to help close this funding gap. If more people join them in the fight it will help to close the gap sooner!

To help raise more more towards childhood cancer research; DTLA Shaves for the Brave is happening September 25 at Casey’s Irish pub. Come join the St. Baldrick’s foundation, and their honored kids Aiden K. and Lily B. as well as the amazing shavees from 12 pm to 4pm. There are currently 10 brave women and 11 brave men shaving their heads in honor of childhood cancer.  

You can find out more information about the organization and their DTLA event at the Tough Cookies vs Varsity Brawlers bout. Stop by their booth in our vendor village to find out more!

All images from St. Baldricks Foundation

Dine with the Derby Dolls!

On Tuesday, October 4th, the Derby Dolls will be hosting a fundraiser night at  Diner on Main in Alhambra (just a few miles up the street from The Dollosseum). 
 
From 4pm to 9pm anyone who identifies themselves as being there for our fundraiser will have 25% of their total bill go toward the league! So join us for Dinner!

Unfortunately this does NOT include drinks from the bar or their dinner specials--BUT it does include take-out items (they have great pies and zucchini bread available). 

If you've never been to Diner on Main, they are all about the retro vibe! 
Going back in time is always fun, especially if it’s the era of the 50’s or 60’s. When you walk into the Diner on Main that’s what you are doing. This wildly popular Retro American Diner is done up in chrome and formica with a Schwinn bicycle hanging from the wall along with photos of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe, so its menu naturally focuses on patriotic items like Hot Dogs & Burgers; But leave no doubt about it, this is a full service restaurant with an extensive menu including breakfast available all day, steaks, fish and chips, salads, pot roast, pork chops, amazing appetizers, a complete kids menu and much more. The Diner also boasts a Full Bar with an extensive Martini Menu to choose from and Satellite Sports TV. So, for a good old fashioned home cooked meal with the nostalgia and sounds of the 50’s" 

Fun-fact! Although they play up the burgers and breakfasts, the best dinner item is, in fact, the bacon fried rice. 

We look forward to seeing you on the 4th! RSVP to the Facebook Event