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Mission
We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
About
Girls on the Run® is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.
Objectives The objective of Girls on the Run is to educate and empower girls at an early age in order to prevent the display of at-risk activities in the future. At risk activities include substance/alcohol use, eating disorders, early onset of sexual activity, sedentary lifestyle, depression, suicide attempts and confrontations with the juvenile justice system.
The Program
Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Our core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development - their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors
Vision
We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
Our Core Values
Girls on the Run honors its core values. We strive to:
- Recognize our power and responsibility to be intentional in our decision making
- Embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness
- Express joy, optimism and gratitude through our words, thoughts and actions
- Nurture our physical, emotional and spiritual health
- Lead with an open heart and assume positive intent
- Stand up for ourselves and others
Key words that align with our core values:
Empowerment
Responsibility
Intentionality
Diversity
Connectedness
Joy
Optimism
Gratitude
Nurturing
Healthy
Open-hearted
Compassion
Demographics
- Girls on the Run program: girls in 3rd-5th grade and their families
- Girls on Track program: girls in 6th-8th grade and their families
- Program Facilitators: coaches, volunteers, women of all ages and their families
Girls On Track
Girls on the Run is the name of our organization, but we have two programs:
- Girls on the Run -- for 3rd-5th graders
- Girls on Track -- for 6th-8th graders
The psychological research and principal philosophy behind both programs is the same, yet the depth of processing varies in order to be age appropriate. The Girls on Track middle school curriculum allows for more mature processing around certain topics including eating disorders, internet safety, cyber bullying and tobacco and alcohol use.
National Recognition for Girls on the Run®
Featured on CNN, NBC, ESPN, Real Simple, I-Village Live and in the following national publications: Shape Magazine, O, People, Better Homes & Gardens, Runner’s World, Fitness Magazine, Running Times, Cooking Light, Walking, Parent, American Girl, Healthy Kids, Glamour, Women’s Day, Redbook, Southern Living and extensive local media throughout the United States.
Program Design
- Three 24-lesson curriculums teach life skills through group processing, running games and workouts. The three-part curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run® coaches and includes understanding ourselves, valuing teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
- Girls choose and conduct a community service project
- At each season’s conclusion, the girls complete a 5k running event as a group
Measurable Results
- Academic evaluations of the program show a statistically significant improvement in body image, eating attitudes and self-esteem
- Evidence also indicates an improved sense of identity and an increasingly active lifestyle for program participants
2011 Academic Evaluation
2007 Academic Evaluation
2006 Academic Evaluation
2005 Academic Evaluation
2002 Academic Evaluation
Funding
Girls on the Run International is proud to partner with Secret deodorant, Horizon Fitness, Goody Products, Garmin and Carolina Pad. Our national sponsors provide vital support to advance the mission of our organization. We also rely on grants, individual donations and fees. Girls on the Run® councils operate as independent 501(c)3 organizations or affiliate with established501(c)3 organizations. Councils are funded by program fees, individual contributions, corporate support and grants. The program is fee-based, however financial assistance is available to ensure the program is accessible to all who are interested.
Partnerships
Girls on the Run® councils collaborate with a variety of non-profit organizations, including community hospitals, recreation centers, public and private schools, YWCA’s, YMCA’s, Boys & Girls Clubs, health departments, law enforcement organizations, running & fitness clubs and universities.
Curricula Organization
The curriculum is divided into three parts:
- The first eight lessons are centered on the girls getting to know themselves. Examining their values, their likes and dislikes, and who they envision themselves to be. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also sharing with each other. Lesson topics and learning goals include “fueling our healthy pace”, “centering: the importance of slowing down” and “celebrating gratitude.”
- The next eight lessons concentrate on team building, being supportive, learning to listen and cooperate, etc. Lesson topics and learning goals include “standing up to peer pressure”, “gossiping hurts everyone” and “it’s okay to choose my friends.”
- The last eight lessons relate to the world at large. This includes making a contribution to your community and learning to recognize and deal with the negative messages we often receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.) Lesson topics and learning goals include: “learning about community”, “tuning into a new message (media literacy)” and the development and implementation of a group community project.
The 24 lessons conclude with the opportunity to participate in a 5k event.
Seasonal Programming
Girls on the Run sessions are offered in the fall or in the spring.
- Fall Session: Ten or Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from August to December
- Spring Session: Ten or Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from January to May
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