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|website = (International) [http://www.girlsontherun.org/ www.girlsontherun.org]
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'''Girls on the Run''' is a North American non-profit program that works to encourage pre-teen girls to develop [[Self-esteem|self-respect]] and [[health]]y lifestyles through participation in [[running]] programs. The organization’s curricula seek to address all aspects of the girls’ development to enhance their physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual [[well-being]].
Local chapters operate under an [[umbrella organization]], Girls on the Run International, which develops curricula and provides support to the local chapters while encouraging the formation of additional chapters in areas not yet served by the program. International has received inquiries from at least 43 countries around the world.
==Mission==
The organization describes its mission as “To educate and prepare girls for a life time of [[Self-esteem|self-respect]] and healthy living.” To achieve this goal, it describes its vision as “To provide life-changing, high quality programs for girls; To provide life-changing and high quality experiences to the women developing and delivering the programs; To promote and provide an environment that allows girls and women to reach their full potential; To positively transform how girls and women perceive themselves and their place in society”.<ref name = "TheProgram">Girls on the Run International, "[http://www.girlsontherun.org/theprogram.html The Program]". Accessed 2010.04.16.</ref> It accomplishes these goals by combining training for a running race with lessons to enhance the participants' social, physical, and mental health.<ref>Startup Princess, "[http://startupprincess.com/living-the-american-dream-molly-barker-founder-of-girls-on-the-run/ Living The American Dream: Molly Barker, Founder of Girls on The Run]". July 1, 2007.</ref>
==History==
Program founder Mary W. ("Molly") Barker (featured in the movie "Apple Pie"<ref>[http://www.applepiemovie.com/index.htm Apple Pie: Raising Champions]. Accessed 2010.04.16.</ref>) struggled in her own life, including a bout with alcoholism, and came to the realization that a [[running]] program gave her "respect for my body and all the things it can do."<ref name = "Express">Vicky Hallett, "[http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2010/04/girls-on-the-run-molly-barker.php Getting on Track in Life]", (Washington, D.C.) ''Express'', April 13, 2010, p. 21.</ref> She founded Girls on the Run in 1996 with an initial group of 13 girls. The next season, there were 75. In 2000, Girls on the Run International was recognized as a [[501(c)(3)|non-profit charitable]] organization.<ref>Girls on the Run International, "[http://www.girlsontherun.org/ourfounder.html Our Founder]". Accessed 2010.04.16.</ref> The program has grown to serve more than 60,000 girls a year, and nearly one million in its history.<ref name = "Express" />
International has reached out to communities,<ref>''E.g.'', [http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Girls.on.the.Run.of.Jackson.County.816-737-0676 Merchant Circle, Jackson County, Missouri].</ref> and there are now over 170 local councils<ref>Mollie Reilly, "[http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/health/wellbeing/18207.html A Race for Self-Esteem]", ''Washingtonian'', February, 2011. Accessed 2011.02.02.</ref> in 41 U.S. states and in Canada<ref>Girls on the Run, "[http://www.girlsontherun.org/map.html Locate a council in the United States or Canada]". Accessed 2010.04.16.</ref> Although it does not operate in other countries, the organization, based in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]],<ref>Girls on the Run, "[http://www.girlsontherun.org/default.html Home Page]". Accessed 2010.04.15.</ref> has received inquiries from 43 countries around the world. Sports figures such as [[Derek Jeter]] have lent their support,<ref>[http://www.mlb.com/players/jeter_derek/turn2/run.jsp Derek Jeter, Turn 2 Foundation, Inc., Girls on the Run].</ref> and the program has inspired others as well.<ref>Ian Thoms, "For 'Mighty Milers', Recess Means Running", ''Northwest Current'' (Washington, D.C.), May 12, 2010, p. 17.</ref>
==Program==
The standard curriculum is divided into three parts:<ref name = "TheProgram" />
:The first eight lessons are centered on the participants’ getting to know themselves. They are encouraged to examine their values, their likes and dislikes, and how they [[Self image|envision themselves]]. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also share with each other. Lesson topics and learning goals include "fueling our healthy pace", "centering: the importance of slowing down", and "celebrating gratitude".
:The next eight lessons concentrate on team building, being supportive, learning to listen and cooperate, etc. Lesson topics and learning goals include "standing up to peer pressure", "gossiping hurts everyone", and "it’s okay to choose my friends."
:The final eight lessons relate to the world at large. This includes making a contribution to one’s community and learning to recognize and deal with the negative messages people, and especially girls, often receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.). Lesson topics and learning goals include "learning about community", "tuning into a new message" (media literacy), and the development and implementation of a group community project.
The season's activities include training to participate in the [[5k run]] which caps off the program. These runs typically involve participants from the whole community,<ref>iMActive, "[http://www.itwixie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=637:girls-on-the-run-teach-itwixie-how-to-train-for-a-race&catid=40:sports&Itemid=54 Girls on the Run Teaches iTwixie How to Train for a Race!]". Accessed 2010.04.10.</ref> including the girls' "buddy runners",<ref>See, ''e.g.,'' Nicole Young, "[http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101209/DAVIDSON/101209041/Girls-on-the-Run-inspires-Nashville-woman-to-run-on-her-own- Girls on the Run inspires Nashville woman to run on her own]", ''The Tennesseean'', December 9, 2010.</ref> parents, and friends. Over 100 running events were organized in 2010;<ref>Girls on the Run, "[http://www.girlsontherun.org/5kraceevents.html 5k Events Fall 2010]". Accessed 2010.04.16.</ref> more are scheduled for 2011.
To keep the curriculum age-appropriate, Girls on the Run operates two programs for its participants. “Girls on the Run” is for 3rd–5th graders (approximately 8 through 10 years old). “Girls on Track” is directed to 6th–8th graders (11 through 13 years old).<ref name = "TheProgram" /><ref>Vermont Department of Health, "[http://healthvermont.gov/family/gt/girls_on_track.aspx Girls on Track]". Accessed 2010.04.16.</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.girlsontherun.org/ Girls on the Run International]
*[[Voice of America]] [http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-Organization-Helps-Girls-Build-Self-Esteem-95040664.html article] on Girls on the Run
*[[U.S. Department of Health and Human Services]] [http://www.girlshealth.gov/parents/parentsnews/girlsontherun.cfm article] on health and Girls on the Run
*[http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/magazine/molly-barker-girls-on-the-run/4162 Biography of Molly Barker]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Girls on the Run}}
[[Category:Exercise organizations]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations]]
[[Category:Fraternal and service organizations]]
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