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 fall program season, the organization is still in need of nearly 50 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 the community.
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. Coaches do not need to be runners or athletes, just 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 fall season kicks off the week of September 12 at various sites throughout greater Atlanta, Athens, North Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). 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 fall more than 500 volunteer coaches will serve nearly 1,500 participants.
“Our volunteer coaches are truly at the heart of what we do at Girls on the Run, and our program simply would not be possible without the help of these dedicated individuals,” said Evelina Pierce, Program Director, Girls on the Run Georgia. “Coaches play such a critical role in helping participants on their team develop important life skills and healthy habits and often times, our coaches find their lives are enriched through the process as well.”
Volunteer coaches are still needed at select sites in Atlanta Public Schools; City Schools of Decatur; and Clarke, Clayton, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton and Gwinnett County Schools.
For more information on coaching with Girls on the Run this fall, visit girlsontherunatlanta.org/coach. Interested coaches must apply to coach by Friday, August 19.
About Girls on the Run Georgia
Girls on the Run is a national physical activity-based positive youth development program for 3rd-8th grade girls. Participants feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful contribution to community and society. Each session is led by trained volunteer coaches that guide and mentor the girls. The 12-week program concludes with all participants completing a celebratory 5K event which gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.
Since 2000, Girls on the Run Georgia (formerly Girls on the Run of Atlanta) has inspired more than 35,000 girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Girls on the Run of Georgia proudly serves thousands of girls each year in communities in and around greater Atlanta, Athens, Central Savannah River Valley (CSRA) and North Georgia and is actively expanding in areas of Georgia that aren’t currently served by existing Girls on the Run councils. Visit girlsontherunatlanta.org for more information.