Mission & Vision

            Girls on the Run International is a nonprofit founded in 1996 to create a healthy emotional and physical environment for young girls throughout the United States (Girls on the Run, 2023, “Our Organization” section). Girls on the Run Central Virginia and Blue Ridge (CVABR) serves the Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, New River Valley, and Southwest Virginia areas. Their mission is to “… inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running” (Girls on the Run, 2023, “Our Organization” section). Their vision statement, according to the Girls on the Run (2023) webpage, is “We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams” (Our Organization” section).

Population

            Girls on the Run serves a broad population of youth. They believe in creating a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging. To create that space, they have developed a model of inclusion, diversity, and equity. Girls on the Run allows people of all races, ethnicities, income levels, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religions to participate in their programs. The age range of participants starts at grade 3 and goes up to 18 years old. 

Problems/Goals/Interventions

            Girls on the Run recognizes that there are many challenges young girls face in reaching their fullest potential. These challenges could be peers or self-esteem, to name a couple. The programs within Girls on the Run seek to remove those barriers. The goals of Girls on the Run are summarized in a framework called IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility). These four goals are embedded in their organization and included in the organization’s decision-making process, from board members to volunteers. In their program for youth in Grades 3-5, the organization blends physical activity with life skills in team building. For their Junior Coach program, the organization allows high school-age girls to be role models and gain leadership skills. 

Why?

            The main reason why I chose this program is because of its relatability. I wish I had something like this in place when I was younger. Low self-esteem is difficult to overcome, especially for young girls who find it hard to make friends. This organization is so beneficial in those areas. And unfortunately, there don’t seem to be enough positive group environments for youth today. Girls on the Runs provides that and gives young girls the tools to stand up for themselves and others. 

References

Girls on the Run CVABR. (2024, January 2). Our Organization. https://www.girlsontheruncenva.org/organization