Girls on the Run is an international nonprofit organization that offers programming that strengthens third to eighth grade girls’ social, emotional, physical and behavior skills. Led by volunteer coaches who are mentors committed to the holistic development of young girls, the program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
“Our mission goes beyond running; it's about providing a nurturing environment where girls can freely express themselves, develop essential coping skills, foster meaningful connections, and cultivate unwavering confidence,”
said Joanna Lipman, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Memphis. “As a volunteer, your wholehearted commitment is what matters most, and being a runner is not a prerequisite. Together, we empower girls to thrive, one step at a time.”
Coach applications are currently being accepted now through August 15 at GOTRMemphis.org/coach. This is a life-changing volunteer opportunity to help girls gain a stronger sense of identity, greater self-acceptance, a healthier body, and an understanding of what it means to be part of a team, all in just a couple of hours a week.
“Girls on the Run is more than just an organization – it’s a community of individuals working together to empower and uplift young girls. I am proud to be part of it,” said Bryce, Girls on the Run Coach.
Girls on the Run will bring its social and emotional skill-building program to girls ages 8-13 in the Mid-South, 2x a week for 10 weeks, from September 4 - November 17th. Online registration is now open for program participants through September 3 at GOTRMemphis.org/program.
Together with their coaches, girls explore topics and participate in activities that empower them to understand and value their physical and mental health. Girls on the Run targets the development of the WHOLE girl, through mind, body, and spirit. The cost for the entire season is $150 per student. That fee includes a t-shirt, water bottle, cinch sack and the 5K entry. Financial assistance is available to all girls during online registration, and no girl will be turned away for an inability to pay the full amount.
"At Girls on the Run, our vision is a world where every girl discovers her inner power, celebrates her unique identity, and unleashes her boundless potential,” said Lipman. “Access and inclusion are our priority and we don’t want to miss out on any opportunity to change someone’s life.”
Each season the program culminates in a celebratory 5K. This fall will be Girls on the Run Memphis’ 5th Birthday 5K Celebration, held on November 12 at 2 p.m. at the Overton Park Shell. The race gives the girls a tangible sense of accomplishment. Since its inception in Memphis, the organization has served over 1,100 girls at approximately 17 program sites-including local parks, community centers, and public, private and charter schools.
About Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run Memphis is a subsidiary of the national non-profit Girls on the Run International, a physical activity-based positive youth development program for 3rd-8th grade girls. Participants develop and improve competence, feel confident 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 ten-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. Girls on the Run has served over 2 million girls since its inception in 1996.