Girls on the Run – Building Confidence

This is the eighth post in the 2021 Kindness series. Each month I will make a donation to a different nonprofit and write about the organization.

I didn’t have a particular theme or organization in mind for this month. Then, as I watched the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, I found inspiration. I am not really into sports but have always enjoyed watching the Olympics. I admire the passion and dedication of the athletes – they inspire me. I started to search online for nonprofits focused on fitness or helping athletes. It didn’t take long to find one that moved me. So, in the spirit of the summer Olympics, this month’s donation went to Girls on the Run.

Why did I pick Girls on the Run? I love their mission . . .

“We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.”

As I browsed their website, it made me feel positive. How could I not smile seeing a bunch of happy girls in running gear and frilly tutus.

When I think back to gym class in school, the last thing that comes to mind is fun. I am not athletic, so for me gym class was a stressful and demotivating experience. In high school, I finally found a physical activity that I could do – jogging. Since then, I have been a jogger on and off over the years. Michael and I even ran a half marathon together – and yes, it was fun! It would have been great to have the opportunity to participate in a Girls on the Run program as a kid.

About Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run was created in 1996 to help girls enhance their social, emotional, and physical skills and behaviors. The organization has grown to 185+ councils across the United States. It teaches life skills like competence, connection, character, caring, and contribution along with the value of physical activity. The programs strive to build confidence and reinforce the connection between physical and emotional health.

Girls on the Run serves over 200,000 girls each year

Girls on the Run Programs

Girls on the Run – After school program for 3rd – 5th grade girls that focuses on the connection of physical and emotional health. The program concludes with a 5K run.
Camp GOTR – One week camp for 3rd – 5th grade girls.
Heart & Sole – Focuses on the needs of 6th – 8th grade girls by encouraging them to embrace what makes them unique and practice skills to build healthy relationships.
Parent resources on a variety of topics like gratitude, teamwork, physical activity, and more.

Evaluations have shown that Girls on the Run’s programs are successful in helping girls learn effective ways to manage emotions, resolve conflict, help others, and make intentional decisions.