Volunteer coaches needed now for 2022 season
Girls need uplifting, intentional support now more than ever. Between the ages of 8 and 14, girls’ confidence levels drop by 30%. In a world full of pressure to look and act a certain way, a nationwide program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Girls on the Run Mid Michigan believes that every girl is inherently full of power and potential – and they need your help.
Girls on the Run Mid Michigan is seeking coaches for their 2022 season. At the heart of the Girls on the Run program are dedicated volunteers whose commitment and passion change the lives of thousands of girls each year. Girls on the Run of Mid Michigan has served over 6,000 girls across more than 75 sites in Genesee, Shiawassee, Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton Counties since 2007. Volunteers provide critical leadership, and the nonprofit organization is currently seeking coaches to facilitate the program. To make the spring program a success, Girls on the Run Mid Michigan needs 40-50 more coaches by March 14.
“We are excited to be back this season as we celebrate our 15th year serving mid-Michigan communities offering a range of program options and locations for youth,” said Stephanie McClintock, executive director of Girls on the Run of Mid-Michigan. “This year, we are trying to differentiate our site locations to connect with girls in new environments.”
Through a simple online training course, volunteer coaches will access all the resources needed to help a small group of third-fifth (/sixth-eighth) grade girls of all abilities develop essential life skills and healthy habits. Over eight weeks, coaches lead their team through fun and interactive lessons, safely in person or virtually. Coaches do not need to be athletes but must be a minimum of eighteen years old to serve as an assistant or twenty-one years old to serve as a head coach. In addition, all volunteer coaches must complete a background check.
In an independent study, Dr. Maureen Weiss, an expert in positive youth development, found 85% of Girls on the Run participants improved in confidence, competence, caring, character or connection to others. Developing these character traits is the main focus for Girls on the Run. While running and physical activity aren’t the main goals, girls who were least active at the start of their Girls on the Run season increased in physical activity by more than 40%.
If you’re interested in learning more about making a difference in girls’ lives by coaching or becoming a site location, visit GOTRMidMichgian.org/Coach. Contact Stephanie McClintock (Stephanie.mcclintock@girlsontherun.org) with questions.
About Girls on the Run:
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization with local Councils in all 50 states. Founded in 1996 with 13 girls, Girls on the Run has now served over 2 million girls. Over the course of the program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event. With the largest 5K series by number of events in the world, Girls on the Run hosts more than 330 5Ks per year. Girls on the Run is included as a top research-based program in a Social-Emotional Learning Guide developed by researchers at Harvard University and has been recognized by the National Afterschool Association (NAA) as one of the most influential after-school programs. Girls on the Run is offered in more than 13,000 across the US. Visit www.gotrmidmichigan.org/to learn how to get involved in your community.
