Civitron Joins Providence Roller Derby in Making a Difference
by Matt Hall
Providence, RI – May 29, 2010 – At last night’s Providence Roller Derby season opener, costumed superhero Civitron was present spreading the word about his newest venture — heroic100.org; a website aimed at helping everyday folks change the social climate both locally and nationally.
Civitron is a hero. If you have never seen him in full costume then the six-foot-two, spandex-clad, real-life superhero appears to be quite intimidating. That is until he flashes his trademark toothy grin and begins telling you how passionate he is about helping people. Civitron — or Civi, as he is know by his friends — is a driving force in the real life superhero movement. When he first began handing out water and blankets to the homeless community in New Bedford, MA, he was regarded as crazy. That level of insanity has viably manifested itself in the launch of new website heroic100.org.
“The Heroic 100 is an initiative designed to inspire people to do heroic things on every level,” He explains. “We’re trying to make real changes out there. It’s easy to think about doing something good, or heroic, but to actually put it in practice, that takes guts.” The initiative’s main points involve 100 acts of random heroism, posted to the website which invites surfers to engage in those acts. They are then asked to provide photos, videos or podcasts of their participation for involvement in the website content.
The key to the Heroic 100′s effort is in its easy accessibility to everyday people. The website boasts that anyone can participate and encourages just that. “You don’t have to wear a costume to do something heroic. You don’t have to dress in spandex and own it the way I own it,” Civitron explains, “You just have to do SOMETHING. Even if it’s something little it can affect so much.” It is this logic that seems to be garnering excellent support.
The newest supporters, the Providence Roller Derby is hot on the heels of Civitron and his organization, allowing the freedom to spread awareness with public appearances at its roller derby events. Last night’s bout between The Old Money Honeys and the Sakonnet River Roller Rats had members of the organization passing out fliers and buttons and allowed the children in attendance to create their own superhero masks.
Through talks with The Roller Rats’ Hellcat Lucy, Trophy Knife and the rest of the Providence Roller Derby league, the Heroic 100 is gaining ground with important focal points and fund-raising efforts in the Providence art community. The subculture has embraced the idea of making a sincere effort to cause a global social climate change.
Though Civitron’s costume may not provide super strength or the power of flight, his ability to gather buy-in from local Providence and Massachusetts pillars seems to be a super power in itself. Already on board with the message are Bert Crenca of the artisan organization AS220, and real-life superheroes Text, Basilisk, Poseidon and Nighthawk. They have also garnered the support of local friend and fundraiser Sara Brainard. Their aim is to bring focus to the projects that the Heroic 100 presents. Further on, the possibility of becoming a full-fledged nonprofit organization looms.
Civitron hopes that with other similarly-minded organizations on board, that possibility will soon become a reality. By developing this project he has single-handedly tasked normal citizens with community and social development. That sort of challenge is often looked upon with fervor by activists and citizens alike. It also eliminates an apathetic attitude toward others in the community. And though a costume isn’t the antithesis to apathy, sometimes, it does help.
Matt Hall is a freelance writer from the Boston area and an avid supporter of local community activism.
