An example of the conviction required to set up an organisation from scratch through volunteer effort can be seen in the Dunedin Roller Derby League. The organisation is very young compared to other sport codes and a group of passionate members has guided the organisation through establishing its constitution, policies, protocols, recruiting members and developing a vision for the future. The club has grown from a handful of members to a strong club capable of organising events that attract 1000 fans and a waiting list of people wanting to join.
Chairperson of Dunedin Derby Nic Hadley spends around 20 volunteer hours a week on League business and meetings, over and above training three times a week. She started early as the Secretary for the Executive Committee and her subsequent role as Chairperson has built on and honed her organisational and negotiation skills.
“The commitment and time I spend I see it as a job, I don’t really think of myself as a volunteer, it’s a real juggle some days timing emails and phone calls around the kids sleeps and meal times, but my family can see how happy the involvement makes me. I’m so much fitter than I’ve ever been, developing great organisational skills and have an amazing group of supportive women around me. I also want my kids to get involved and hope my oldest wants to be a Referee one day”
Nic has three young children herself and wanted them to also benefit from her involvement in Derby. She feels the League recognises the many demands on its members and has strived to be family friendly. The League has also set up family activities such as learn to skate and social events like a day in the park for family and friends.
Nic has found new members approach the League and volunteering in a really diverse way. “Some members see it as a lifestyle and commit all of their spare time, others just want to come, skate and help out now and then. It’s all good, but it’s always going to be hard trying to balance the effort so you don’t make large demands on the same people all the time. As the League grows we are getting better at managing expectations and sharing the load,” she said.
Nic’s advice to other groups wanting to get established is to keep it small and make sure the groundwork is tight so they everyone knows exactly what is expected and to make a real effort to celebrate the milestones.
