anyone familiar with Girls on the Run?

daves_sweetpea

They had a booth at the Flying Pig expo this past weekend.  My friend & I both thought the program would be great for our nieces.  Heck, it would have been great for me when I was a fat, awkward pre-teen!  There's a group near me & I might like to get involved.  From their website it looks like they're fairly secular & middle of the road, although some groups do meet at churches or religious/parochial schools.  So I'm assuming the group as a whole doesn't have a religious agenda or basis...I think?  I lean more towards liberal & secular so it looks like GOTR would be a good fit for me while my more conservative/religious SIL would still be ok with my niece joining.  I'd love to hear personal experiences from anyone involved!

jardince

There's a Girls on the Run group at the elementary school I work at (public).  It's a fantastic program!  It gives a lot of girls self confidence and helps with self-esteem.  I don't run the program, but I do try to participate in the final race because a lot of my students run.  Let me know if you have any other questions and I can ask the people who are in charge of program!

MarcyLT

A friend of mine from college is their ED in Minneapolis, and I've been in contact with their Chicago chapter as well. They are a nonprofit organization and definitely don't have any religious views or sway one way or another politically. They take their responsibility as a nonprofit very seriously. My experience has always been that their focus is on the girls, first and foremost. I love them!

clseale13

I volunteered as a running buddy one season. I don't think my particular area was the most organized, but overall I really enjoyed it. More importantly, it seemed like it was a really great experience for the girls.

RedRedWine2

They are a GREAT organization! It's a cause I so believe in (girl empowerment, self confidence and physical exercise) and I wish every school had it! This is my 3rd year. First year I was a running buddy (adult that runs a 5k with them) second year I was an assistant coach, and this year I'm head coach. The Girks are amazing!! Ask away for questions if you have any (and no, no religious affiliation)

Flamingemu

I have volunteered a few times for them and love the organization. I actually follow Molly's blog. From my experiences they are not religious, just about girl power - ha! If you are questioning that part, email the chapter lead in your area and ask if they could send you a few lesson plans. You may feel better about what the girls are learning if you can get a preview.