Empowering girls with the confidence &

character they need to become strong, healthy women.

About Girls on the Run Long Island

Girls on the Run Long Island (GOTRLI) is a non-profit 501©(3) organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Our program combines training for a 5K (3.1 mile) running event with lesson plans designed to promote positive choices and an active lifestyle. Girls on the Run was created in Charlotte, NC in 1996 by Molly Barker, a social worker and 4-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete. Girls on the Run International (GOTRI) remains based on Charlotte and currently has over 200 councils throughout the US and Canada.

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Girls on the Run Curricula

Girls on the Run is the name of the organization, but we offer two programs: Girls on the Run for 3rd-5th grade girls and Heart & Sole for 6th-8th grade girls. The philosophies and psychological research for both programs are similar, yet some topics and discussion questions vary for developmental reasons. The Heart & Sole curriculum allows for deeper discussion on topics becoming more and more relevant as girls grow into middle school, providing a safe outlet for discussion at this crucial stage of development.

Each curriculum covers 20 lessons, and each lesson follows a general pattern that incorporates lesson goals.

Lesson Format

Getting on BoardAs the girls arrive and settle into a circle, the coach “checks in” with them: sees how each is feeling, gets a feel for the group’s dynamic for the day, and introduces the topic of the lesson. This portion of the lesson will include an activity and discussion.

Warm UpNext is a game—perhaps a short relay or some other brief activity. The topic of the lesson is incorporated into the game. For instance, in one of the first lessons, the coach marks off a short running course. The girls stand at one spot and the coach calls out a “like statement” - “I like chocolate chip cookies,” or

“I like Math.” All those girls who agree with the statement run (or walk, or jog—they set their own pace) the course marked out by the coach. These statements continue, with contributions by the girls, until everyone has had a chance to run and warm up.

WorkoutThis involves more actual running. For instance, in the session on positive attitude, each girl may be asked to make a positive statement about herself to the coach each time she completes a lap. The season starts with shorter periods of running and builds up as the coaches assess each girl’s ability and pace. Eventually, the workout will build up to a practice 5K to build the girls’ confidence for participating in the actual 5K event.

Cool DownAfter the workout, there is a cool down, a healthy snack and more processing. The session always ends with a cheer or “energy award” to celebrate positive contributions to the group.

Curriculum Format

The curriculum is divided generally into three parts:

All About MeThe first lessons in the curriculum are centered on the girls getting to know themselves, examining their own values, their likes and dislikes and who they envision themselves to be. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also sharing with each other and building relationships.

Building My TeamThe next group of lessons concentrate on team building, supporting one another, learning to listen and fostering cooperation.

Community Begins with MeThis last group of lessons relate to the girls’ relationships to world at large, and include a community service project that they design and execute themselves. Lessons also frame the negative messages we can receive from the world through the media and peer pressure.

Potential SitesGirls on the Run of Long Island has programs running at elementary and middle schools throughout

Nassau and Suffolk counties. The program can also be run at other community sites such as recreation

centers, churches and parks.

Site Involvement / Readiness

Although GOTRLI provides almost everything needed to run the program, each site has the following responsibilities. Before you begin, it is important to identify a core group of at least 2 or 3 adults who are committed to making the program a success.

Site Coordinator: Someone dedicated to communicating with the site and our organization to ensure great program support. This person is responsible for obtaining approval to use the facility as well as distributing program information and flyers. Ideally, this is someone with direct affiliation with the program site.

Volunteer Coaches: We require at least two adults at each practice. Coaches must be background screened, CPR/First Aid certified and trained by Girls on the Run.

Space: Provide a safe outdoor place for running. This does not have to be a track—a field or parking lot is fine. An indoor site for inclement weather must also be available (classroom, gym, hallway, etc.).

Days/Times: Schedule two days per week that the program will run for an hour and a half per session. Typically sessions are held directly after school however you can hold practices later in the afternoon/early evening and on weekends. Days/times can be scheduled at the convenience of your coaches.

Girls: The right team size for great participation and experience is 8—15 girls per team. We ask sites to help promote the program so that there are enough girls to have a full and energetic team.

Group Size

We require a minimum of 8 girls and limit each group to a maximum of 15 girls with at least two trained coaches. Because much of our curriculum is related to team building and group dynamics, fewer than 8 girls can make it difficult to implement the curriculum lessons and provide the experience we want to offer the girls. More than 15 girls make it difficult to establish group rapport and allow each girl to fully participate in the curriculum. If more than 15 girls at your site are interested in the program, you can have multiple teams as long as there are enough volunteer coaches to support each group.

All approved sites are provided with the following:

• General Liability Insurance for all of ourprogram sites

• Program materials and curriculum for theentire season

• Marketing brochures, flyers, posters andonline registration

• Volunteer Coach Training

CoachesAll coaches must participate in a 4-5 hour coach training session before the season starts. The training session is based upon a well-developed and researched curriculum used successfully by local and national GOTR programs. A minimum of two coaches are required on site at all times (at least one CPR certified.)

Parents and teachers who have not been trained are welcome to attend lessons occasionally to assist coaches and girls, offer encouragement and generally be cheerleaders for the team, but they should not be given coaching responsibilities, nor should they be a disruption to the development of the group dynamic.

Timing and Length of SeasonWe currently have two sessions of Girls on the Run each year:

Fall Season runs for 10 weeks (meeting twice each week) from mid-September to early December. Spring Season runs for 10 weeks (meeting twice each week) from early March to early June.

End of Season 5KThe end of the season 5K in an amazing celebration of accomplishment. For many girls, this is the biggest challenge—and biggest achievement! The goal of GOTR is for the girls to do their best and HAVE FUN! Girls are not encouraged to race competitively, but are encouraged to reach their own goals. For many girls, that’s making it to the finish line—by walking, running or skipping at their own pace!

For safety reasons, each Girl on the Run must complete the 5K with a RUNNING BUDDY at her side to cheer her on and get her to the finish line safely. If a girl cannot find a Running Buddy, we have a group of AWESOME volunteers for her to run with. Running Buddies must register for the 5K.

Coach Responsibilities and Time Commitment:

• Attend 4 hour Coaches’ Training. GOTRLI completes a background check for all coaches

• Provide proof of current CPR/First Aid Certification. One coach on each team must be CPR andFirst Aid certified.

• Be present at each session for the 10 week season two days per week for at least one hour and15 minutes per session (approx. 35 hours total).

• Prepare for and supervise all lessons in a manner consistent with the GOTR philosophy and curriculum.

• Attend the end of season 5K with the girls.

• 20 lessons led by certified GOTR Coaches

• GOTR t-shirt and water bottle

Scholarship Program: If a girl is unable to afford the full cost of the program, sliding scale scholarships are available! It is our goal to offer the GOTR program to as many girls as possible regardless of their financial situation. Sites in economically disadvantaged communities may qualify for a reduced registration fee for all participants.

Our Program fee is $190 per girl

Included in the program fee:• Entry for the season ending 5K event

• Medal and award

• National program and certification fees

Join us!

GOTR Long Island is rapidly expanding and we’re doing our best to accommodate as many new site requests as possible. If you would like to begin the process of starting a new site with GOTR, please complete a New Site Application -sitehttp://gotrlongisland.org/startat .

Applications for SPRINGthe . 2019 8, March by submitted be must season 2019

Site Application Process

Please use this checklist to help you prepare for the online site application process. Site application deadline Marchis 2019 8, . The season will begin the week 2018. 18, March of

Step 1: Connect with the GOTR Council

Contact us at doreen.dunne@girlsontherun.org or 516.987.7477 to let us know that you are planning a program at your site for the Spring. We may be able to connect you with other community members who have expressed an interest in getting involved and are happy to help talk through the process.

Step 2: Identify a Site Coordinator

• Identify a Site Coordinator (teacher, principal or on-site adult) to assure a smooth implementation of the program by securing appropriate training space and serving as a link between coaches, participants, parents, PTA, and Girls on the Run of Nassau County. Provide all contact information (Name, Title, Phone, Address, Email) for Site Coordinator.

Step 3: Get the Host Site on Board

• Provide a safe, dedicated space for running as well as an indoor space in case of rain. THIS IS ESSENTIAL.• Name, complete address and phone of proposed location• Grade levels served at this site• School district• Type of team: Girls on the Run (3rd – 5th grade) or Heart & Sole (6th – 8th grade)• Outdoor space: This does not have to be a track. A field is fine, but the space must be onsite.

Briefly describe the completely visible running loop that will be used for practices.• Rain Site: Indoor, private, preferably a gym reserved for GOTR. Brief description will be required.• Select two days per week (usually immediately after school gets out for 75-90 minutes) to offer the

program. List days and times for the site. Days chosen may depend on the availability of yourvolunteer coaches and other activities taking place at the site.

• Make sure the school or site administrator is aware of and supports the establishment of the GOTRteam. Provide administrator’s full contact information so the council can confirm.

• Check district rules for sending flyers home, building reservations, building use fees and rules, background check and fingerprinting requirements for volunteers, etc. You will be asked to include thisinformation in your application. Fees normally imposed by the district that cannot be waived forGOTR may be incorporated into the girls’ registration fee.

• Determine the approximate scholarship need at the site location. What percentage of the schoolpopulation qualifies for free/reduced lunch?

• You must be able to distribute registration forms to 3rd to 5th grade (Girls on the Run)or 6th to 8th grade (Heart & Sole) girls. Ask the Site Coordinator if you will be permitted to send flyers home, make announcements via social media, include information in emails to parents, and/or post on the school website.

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www.gotrlongisland.org

If you have any questions about starting a new site,please contact us: doreen.dunne@girlsontherun.org

516.987.7477 or

STEP 4: Recruit Volunteers

You must identify at least one Head and two Assistant coaches for your site. While it is ideal for the site to identify its own coaches, Girls on the Run can assist in this process and help to place additional volunteers as needed. Please collect full contact information for these candidates to complete the site application. Each coach will be required to complete an additional volunteer application AND attend GOTR coach training . Untrained volunteers are not permitted at GOTR meetings.

Each coach must be CPR and First Aid certified and have a current background check through Girls on the Run. IslandGirls Long Run the on will provide CPR training in Training; Coach with conjunction

please inquire about upcoming CPR classes if you are interested.

Head Coaches (female, 21 or older) must be available for TWO practices per week for the duration of the season. Assistant (18 or older) and Junior (16 and older) coaches must be available for at least one practice per week for the duration of the season. We ask that ALL coaches attend the end of season 5K.

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Final site approval requires a completed application and a site visit conducted by Girls on the Run Long Island staff or board member.