As Girls on the Run, the physical activity-based positive youth development program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident, prepares for the start of its spring program season, the organization is still in need of more than 100 volunteer coaches to help lead teams of participants. Girls on the Run offers a 12-week program in the fall and spring for youth in third through eighth grade. The program incorporates physical activity as a way to help participants unlock essential life skills, build confidence, foster meaningful connections with others and contribute to their communities.   

Girls on the Run volunteer coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team through a season of powerful and fun lessons. Volunteer coaches may be teachers, caregivers of participants in the program or members of the community who have a desire to help girls learn, grow and have fun. Girls on the Run strives to ensure that its coaches are representative of its communities, and individuals of all races, ethnicities, gender identities and abilities are encouraged to apply. Coaches do not need to be runners or athletes, they just need to have an interest in inspiring girls to develop social skills during this critical age. All volunteer coaches must be at least 18 years of age, complete a background check and attend an in-person training session.

The Girls on the Run spring season kicks off the week of February 6 at various sites throughout greater Atlanta, Athens and North Georgia. During the season, volunteer coaches use a structured curriculum provided by Girls on the Run that incorporates lessons addressing topics such as problem solving, making friends and community service. Teams meet twice a week for 90 minutes and the season culminates with a celebratory 5K event to provide girls with a tangible sense of accomplishment. This spring 550 volunteer coaches will serve nearly 1,600 participants.

“We are so grateful for all our volunteer coaches who help lead our Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole teams each season,” said Evelina Pierce, Program Director at Girls on the Run Georgia. “In a time when our youth are still gaining back the social-emotional skills they once had prior to the pandemic, our dedicated coaches not only serve as positive role models and mentors for their teams, they also help participants believe in themselves, build friendships and experience the power of belonging to a team.”

Volunteer coaches are still needed at select sites in Atlanta Public Schools; City Schools of Decatur; and Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett and White County schools.

For more information on coaching with Girls on the Run this spring, visit girlsontherunatlanta.org/coach. Interested coaches for the spring season must apply to coach by Friday, January 27.