Girls On The Run

Dave K

For those who may like learning about and/or who are looking to volunteer with a great organization that works with kids and focuses on running, Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a non-profit program that empowers girls through an experience-based curriculum that "...integrates running to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident."  The NYC Chapter (GOTR NYC) serves 350,000 girls, and provides 12 weeks of training by meeting twice per week in small teams of 8-20 girls.

GOTR NYC is open to 3rd - 8th graders, and aims to teach life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The 24-lesson curriculum is delivered by certified GOTR NYC coaches and includes three parts: 

• Self-understanding 
• Valuing teamwork, and 
• Understanding how to connect with and shape the world at large. 

The program is designed to combine running with lessons that inspire the girls to recognize and honor their individual strengths and talents, and to celebrate their inner selves. The culminating activity of the season is the opportunity for the girls to participate in a non-competitive 5K running event. 

For most of the girls, this is the first time that they have ever attempted a physical goal of this magnitude, and completion of the 5K provides an incredible feeling of strength and a real sense of accomplishment.  In addition to running, the curriculum focuses on topics such as  eating disorders, internet safety, cyber bullying, and tobacco and alcohol use.

The spring program just got underway, and it may still be possible to register girls at one of the participating schools.  If you or someone you know has a 3rd grade - 8th grade girl who may be interested in joining the program, please click HERE for the list of school locations and to register.

For Flyers interested in volunteering, although coaching spots are filled for this spring, there are year-round opportunities to get involved.  GOTR NYC accepts general volunteer applications on a rolling basis, so anyone can apply at any point.  Just click HERE for information about volunteer opportunities and click HERE for the volunteer application. 

Volunteer opportunities are numerous, and include participating as a Running Buddy at the 5K in June.  It's a great opportunity to see the program in action, and they're always looking for running buddies (i.e., adult "cheerleaders" who run along with the girls during the race) as well as general volunteers (e.g., to help out with field set-up, check-in table, water stations, etc).  GOTR NYC also sponsors a SoleMates Program for those interested in fundraising and gaining guaranteed entry into various races.

Some NY Flyers have been GOTR NYC coaches and volunteers, including Deanna C, Joyce S, and former Flyer Janine S -- and so you might contact them for first-hand information.  Or just reach out to GOTR NYC directly for more information or to answer any questions.

And here's what my runner friend Polina has to say about her experience volunteering with GOTR NYC:

"I was a coach for 2 years (4 seasons) with GOTR. I got interested in becoming a coach after volunteering as a running buddy for their end-of-season 5K, and worked with 6^th-8^th graders (Girls on Track). 

It's extremely rewarding to work with this age group. Being a girl can be confusing at this stage of life, while GOTR training sessions are a great medium for helping the girls to address and manage challenges at school and at home. 

A teacher at the school where I was assigned told me that she saw a lot of positive changes in the girls who enroll in the program. Some girls who were often afraid to speak up, or stand up for themselves in class, become more confident and assertive. Other girls are served by the program by making connections outside of their tight social circle and learn the benefits of being good team players.  The GOTR curriculum makes it easy for all the girls to share their experience and learn from each other. 

My favorite part of being a coach was to watch the girls’ progress throughout the program.  They discovered strength, confidence and power they didn’t know they had in them.  I loved watching their faces shine with joy and accomplishment at the post-5K party!  You don’t have to be a fast runner or have previous experience to be a great GOTR coach and a role model. My advice is to make time and commit to your assignment.  The young ladies will teach you everything you need to know :)"

-Dave K, Flyers Blogmaster