Women's History Month Highlight: Girls on the Run

_{Photo courtesy of GOTR Triangle}

Connect with Girls on the Run of the Triangle!

Girls on the Run was founded to combat pervasive gender stereotypes and societal barriers that young and adolescent girls face during important developmental years. GOTR reports that by adolescence, girls experience a drop in confidence at twice the rate of boys the same age. With 185 local councils across the country, GOTR serves girls of all abilities and backgrounds with inclusive programming for grades 3-5 and 6-8 (Heart & Sole). The programs integrate running and physical activity to inspire confidence, feelings of self-worth and self-awareness, and compassion for themselves and others.

A recent study of GOTR's impact by Dr. Maureen Weiss out of the University of Minnesota found "strong evidence that Girls on the Run is effective in promoting positive youth development, including season-long and lasting change in competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, physical activity, and life skills." 85% of participants from the three local GOTR councils serveyed improved in "confidence, competence, caring, character, or connection to others" compared to their peers who did not participate in GOTR, and participants who were least active at the start of the program increased their physical acticity by 40% months after GOTR. You can see more highlights from that study here.

GOTR's volunteer coaches - parents, teachers, or community members, etc. - receive training and weekly lessons according tto the national curriculum. Coaches are often, but do not have to be runners; women of all abilities can volunteer, and can coach for an existing team or start their own within their local council. The Triangle council has over 40 sites throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding areas. Women over 18 interested in coaching can find more info here!

Girls on the Run Triangle puts on a 5k at the end of each spring and fall season open to GOTR participants and community members alike! This year's spring 5k will be the Bee Amazing 5k on May 21 in Durham.

Join Fleet Feet's National SoleMates team!

Help support Girls on the Run by joining our national fundraising team! Fleet Feet is excited to support Girls on the Run as they build their first ever National SoleMates Team to help support local councils' programming. Team members will receive plenty of fundraising support, as well as milestone prizes including running and walking gear. Click here to learn more and apply to join the team by March 20!