Program brings girls outside for lessons in empowerment

THE BAY AREA—Girls on the Run uses the power of running to create healthy, confident women.

The eight-week program teaches social, emotional and physical learning while promoting holistic health outcomes. Each session consists of a discussion-based lesson, games with movement and a running workout.

Girls need a safe place to share feelings, build friendships and be active. Given that emotional intelligence is the building block of next generation leadership, Girls on the Run focuses on critical skills such as confidence, motivation, self-awareness, growth mindset, boundary-setting and empathy.

Girls on the Run is one of only three programs recognized by the Harvard Graduate School of Education as a top social-emotional learning (SEL) experience for kids. Teaching the importance of staying physically active, enjoying social interaction and growing self-esteem are critical now and throughout a woman’s life.

The program puts safety first and follows all CDC guidelines, allowing for safe interactions where girls can develop old and find new friendships. Last fall, Girls on the Run safely served 500 girls through an outdoor, in-person program – as well as a few teams that chose to run the program virtually. The spring program starts the week of March 8 throughout the Bay Area.

The group is also searching for volunteer coaches to help teach young girls to grow and thrive in a safe environment. No prior experience is necessary nor the ability to run. Girls on the Run provides all training, curriculum and materials. Volunteer to be a coach and make a difference in your community today.

For more information, visit gotrbayarea.org.