Marketing/Communications Committee

The marketing and communications committe helps GOTR staff with identifying and staffing community events, developing marketing collateral for information tables, identifying media markets and writing PR pieces for publication. Committee members also participate in brainstorming sessions and assist with event-related projects.

Special Events Committee

The Special Events Committee is charged with planning, staffing and executing a variety of activities throughout the year for GOTR Atlanta. In addition, this committee staffs tables at several local events throughout the year to raise awareness and funds for GOTR Atlanta.

Team Tiara Committee

Team Tiara is the charity running leg of GOTR, in which individuals or teams of athletes pursue goals, such as running a marathon or a 10K, to raise money for GOTR Atlanta. This committee is charged with planning, staffing and executing a variety of activities throughout the year related to Team Tiara. Volunteers may also staff tables at local events to raise awareness and funds for GOTR Atlanta.

Girls on the Run 5K Committee

The Girls on the Run 5K official 5K series of GOTRI, and it is coming to Atlanta in Fall 2008! The Race Committee is charged with planning, staffing, and executing a variety of activities throughout the year related to the GOTR Atlanta 5K. This role is perfect for volunteers with interest in special events. Volunteers must be willing and able to attend periodic committee meetings in the evenings and potentially on weekends.

Click here to learn how your company or organization can sponsor Girls on the Run  of Atlanta and become a community partner.

Become a Sole Partner today and provide a life-changing opportunity for Atlanta girls!

What does my sponsorship provide?

• Participation in the 12-week Girls on the Run program delivered by trained coaches
• Nationally recognized curriculum developed by adolescent psychologists specifically for girls ages 8-13
• All curriculum materials including a training journal
• New Balance running shoes and professional fitting
• Girls on the Run program t-shirt and water bottle
• Registration for the Girls on the Run 5K - GOTR’s end of season celebratory event
• The opportunity for Atlanta girls to have fun and get fit while hanging out with positive role models and a healthy peer group!

sole-partner-sponsor-form1

Academic Evaluation

• In 2001, Girls on the Run International contracted with Rita DiGioacchino DeBate, Ph.D., MPH, CHES, to perform a formative impact evaluation. She performed the evaluation in 2002 and 2005. The evaluation assesses the Girls on the Run program and how well it meets stated objectives by using a pre-test/post-test that measures attitudes towards physical activity, self-esteem, eating attitudes, body image and communication. Dr. DeBate is an Associate Professor in the School of Community and Environmental Health at Old Dominion University.

• Prior to running that pilot, Dr. DeBate’s review of the academic research in the area of girls and sports turned up two contradictory results. On the one hand, girls involved in athletics have higher self-esteem and engage in fewer risky behaviors than girls who are not. On the other hand, girls who become highly competitive in some sports (such as running, figure skating, gymnastics and other sports in which slim body images are admired) have a higher incidence of eating disorders than girls who are not involved in such sports. This poses a dilemma which – after running our evaluation - Dr. DeBate believes the Girls on the Run curricula may solve.

• Through the evaluations, Dr. DeBate found that our curricula improve girls’ self-esteem, body size satisfaction, and physical activity behaviors to a statistically significant extent. Also noted are positive changes regarding attitudes towards physical activity, health behaviors, and empowerment.

• 2006 Evaluation
• 2005 Evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions about Starting a Site:

1. Knowing that I have to provide a Site Coordinator and a Coach(s), do both of these roles have be filled by a teacher or administrator?

No, but should a teacher and/or administrator want to take on either of these roles we are more than happy to have them. These roles could be filled by the same person. It could be a parent who strongly believes in GOTR. Whoever takes on the Site Coordinator role must be comfortable with parents calling and/or emailing them and asking questions about the program logistics.

2. Why is the group size capped at 15? What if we have fewer or more?

We prefer a minimum of 8 girls and limit each group to a maximum of 15 girls (12 for coaches’ first season). We require a ratio of 1 coach for every 8 girls per site. The group size is based upon curriculum considerations. Because much of the lesson plan is related to team building and group dynamics, fewer than 8 girls may make it difficult to provide the experience we seek to offer to the girls.

3. When does the program start and end?

We currently have two sessions of GOTR® in each year; one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Fall programs usually start during the month of September and will end in either November or early December. Spring programs usually start in early February and will end in April or early May.

4. What is included in the price of the program?

Cost of the program: $140 ($7.78 per hour of instruction) Total instruction hours: 18 Included in the fee price are:

• a well developed curriculum
• lessons conducted by a GOTR certified coach;
• a GOTR t-shirt;
• a water bottle;
• end of season certificates and awards;
• GOTR Coach training costs;
• Fees for liability insurance;
• Fees to our national program (required by the national office);
• All administrative assistance to coaches, sites, girls and parents.

5. What if a girl is unable to pay the program fee?

Our current fee per session is $140 per girl. However, we offer a sliding scale, based upon income, which provides for fee reductions. GOTR-Atlanta is aware that we serve a wide range of girls. In the event that a girl is unable to afford the cost for the program, we will do everything we can to offer scholarships to those in need. Our ability to do so is limited by our capacity to raise funds. Please have the family complete the GOTR Scholarship Application.

6. Can we choose a different 5K Run for our end of season race?

One of the values that Girls on the Run promotes is a sense of community. A big part of participating in GOTR is the sense of community that comes from attending a race with all the sister sites - imagine the impact on a young girl when she realizes that there are GOTR everywhere! In addition, on race day, adult women volunteers serve as race guides for the girls. These volunteers act as cheerleaders for the girls, guiding them throughout the race and cheering the girls on. We are unable to provide this important part of the race experience if a site doesn’t attend the selected race.

7. I want to start a program, what are my next steps?

If you would like to begin the process of starting a new site with GOTR®-Atlanta, please contact us via e-mail at programs@gotratlanta.org or via phone at 678-992-2670.

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Volunteer and Make a Difference!

Girls on the Run of Atlanta invites you to make a positive difference in the lives of young girls throughout Atlanta.

Volunteer Coach

Start a Site

Team Tiara

Sole Partner

Join a Committee

Sponsorship Opportunities

Wish List

Girls on the Run is the name of our organization, but we have two programs:

• Girls on the Run — for 3rd-5th graders
• Girls on Track — for 6th-8th graders

Curriculum Structure

Girls on the Run programs are based on activities that function specifically to enhance the learning process.

Each meeting is structured as follows:

• The session begins with a getting-on-board and a warm-up activity that bring the girls’ focus onto the day’s topic.
• The warm-up is followed by a stretching routine that allows for a topic-related question and answer time.
• Then, during the workout period, the girls participate in a variety of running activities that utilize a game or a team goal.
• Afterwards, cool-down stretching is combined a review and discussion of the day’s lesson that encourages participant questions.
• Each session closes with positive words from the girls’ coach regarding individual and group behaviors.

History

The Girls on the Run curriculum has been in use since the fall of 1996. Since that time thousands of girls have been through the program-but what we soon discovered is, they were having so much fun and getting so connected, they wanted something that would carry them through middle school. We originally wanted to call it Girls on the Run for Middle Schoolers. The girls who were participating told us they wanted something they could call their own. Hence the birth of Girls on Track.

The principal philosophies and psychological research for both programs are the same yet the depth of processing the topics varies with the two different curricula. We can go into more targeted and age-appropriate discussion regarding certain topics (eating disorders, tobacco and alcohol use, personal/internet safety and harassment to name a few) with the middle school participants, whereas with the younger girls the discussion remains a bit more vague or may not occur at all.

Expectations

Girls on the Run promotes physical as well as emotional, mental and character development. The girls complete the program with a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be part of a team. The participants are tested at the beginning and at the completion of the program to measure these attitudinal changes. This evaluation, executed by Rita DeBate, Ph.D., MPH, CHES with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, showed statistically significant improvements in the girls self-esteem, body size satisfaction, and eating attitudes/behaviors.

Nearly everyday, more and more startling statistics become available about the decisions our youth are making. Girls, in particular, are at a significant disadvantage today with higher risks for smoking, depression, pregnancy, breast cancer, eating disorders, obesity and a lack of exercise.

But, there is good news in all of this - especially for young women. Programs like Girls on the Run are helping to make a difference and reverse some of these negative trends.

It is well documented that girls who are physically active have:

• Higher levels of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-image.
• Lower risks of developing depression and anxiety disorders.
• Lower levels of stress and tension.
• Reduced risks of developing breast cancer, endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
• Higher grade point averages, better SAT scores, a lower risk of dropping out of school, and a better chance of getting into and performing well in college.
• Decreased risks of eating disorders, smoking, alcohol use, sexual behavior and pregnancy.
• Higher energy, motivation, optimism and achievements. For example, 80% of all female Fortune 500 executives identified themselves as former “tomboys.”

The key is to start instilling the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle early to reduce many high-risk behaviors and health problems as these girls get older, which is what Girls on the Run helps to do. Recently featured in Atlanta Sports & Fitness Magazine, Northside/Sandy Springs Neighbor Newspaper, The Story from the West Side, Atlanta Intown, and Alpharetta Sporting Kid Magazine, Girls on the Run of Atlanta is continuing to grow and make a difference. Since 2000, we have served over 2500 girls throughout Atlanta.

Fall Registration OPENS August 18, 2008

• FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
• Program fee: $160
  • (includes race registration for designated GOTR end-of- season 5K on Nov. 16)
  • Financial aid is available, contact our office for more information, 678-992-2670
• Registration closes August 31
• Refunds will be offered through September 20

• GOTR: 3rd-5th grade program locations
• GOTrack: 6th-8th grade program locations

We’d love to hear from you. Your questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome!

You Go Girl!

GOTR Atlanta
5696 Peachtree Parkway, Suite A
Norcross, GA 30092
678-992-2670

E-mail is the quickest way to get a reply. If you can’t find the answer to your question on our website or from downloading a brochure, please let us know.

Questions about a site, program,
registration or the race:
programs@gotratlanta.org

Interested in coaching or volunteering?
volunteer@gotratlanta.org

Girls on the Run of Atlanta is fortunate to have a diverse and dynamic team of leaders, advisors and coaches. Everyone involved in this organization is passionate about helping girls grow into strong, healthy and self-confident young women who can embrace their unique gifts and talents.

Our Staff
Sue Payne, Executive Director
Sandy Dean, Program Director
Eileen O’Laughlin, Communication Coordinator

Our Board

Kelly Walsh, Board Chair

Michele Poirier, Treasurer, The Moorings Group

Kisha Parker, Secretary, Duke Realty Corporation

Gant Adams, Bank of North Georgia

Emily Baker, Jones Day

Angela Cross, Deloitte Tax LLP

Melody Darch,  Cox Newspapers, Inc.

Elizabeth Fairman, Bridgton Group

Leon Haley, Emory University/Grady Health

Allison Koenig, Piedmont Pediatrics

Heather Wilson, Wilson Strategic Consulting

Erin Wolf, North Highland Co.

By supporting Girls on the Run, you can make it possible for more girls to participate in our valuable program. As a nonprofit, we rely on your donations. No matter how much you give, every dollar is used to change the lives of girls throughout Atlanta. Your gift can help us expand our programs, serve more girls, and provide scholarships for those who may not otherwise be able to afford the program. You may also make a gift to honor or memorialize a friend, family member, athlete, coach, or teacher. For corporate sponsors, planned giving, or donating stock, please call us at 678-992-2670.

How can I start a Girls on the Run of Atlanta site in my school or community center?

Click here for Site Application and Start-up Procedure

Step 1-Identify a location to host the program.

Our programs run for 12 weeks, meet 1x per week for 1 ½ hours. Most of our programs are run at schools, YMCA’s or similar venues. The program location is responsible for providing:

• A contact person at the site to coordinate with GOTR Atlanta. This person can be a site employee or a parent.
• The site coordinator will be responsible for distributing registration forms to all girls in the 3rd -5th grade and collecting program fees.
• A safe place for running. Note: This does not have to be a track, a field is acceptable. However, it is necessary to measure off part of that area on occasions when lessons require running at certain distances, (e.g. 1 mile, 3k)
• A rain site (gym, covered outdoor area, hallway, etc.)
• Provide at least two coaches to be trained by GOTR. Aditional coaches may be available from GOTR Atlanta’s pool of volunteers.

Step 2 - Attend Coach’s Training

All of our coaches take part in a GOTR training session before the program begins. The training seminar is based upon a well-developed and researched curriculum used successfully by local and national GOTR® programs.

We require a minimum of two coaches at each site and a ratio of 1 coach to every 8 girls.

Each coach must:

• Attend a 6 hour Coaches’ Training. A background check will be required of all Coaches along with CPR/first aid certification
• Attend a pre/mid/post season Coaches’ Meetings.
• Meet organizational and reporting deadlines throughout the season.
• Prepare for and supervise all lessons in a manner consistent with the GOTR International philosophy and curriculum
• Run with the girls in the end of season 5k race/walk

Step 3 - Complete all paperwork

Every program site is provided with a recruitment brochure, sign-up forms, and a letter of agreement, which must be signed by the site coordinator. The GOTR Site Coordinator is responsible for:

• Signing and returning the Letter of Agreement to the GOTR- Atlanta office

Step 4 - Have a GREAT program!

The program culminates with the running of a 5K (3.1 mile) running event. GOTR®-Atlanta encourages as much site participation in this event as possible. All are welcome to come out and walk, run, and cheer your girls on!

Volunteer and Make A Difference!

Our team of volunteers represents a dynamic group of women, including teachers, athletes, businesswomen, and mothers -all of whom possess a great enthusiasm for helping to prepare girls for a healthy and happy adolescence and adulthood. Volunteer opportunities are available for coaches, assistant coaches, running buddies and assistants at our 5K race.

• COACH - GOTR Atlanta relies on volunteers to help us coach our programs. Coaching is a big commitment - 12 weeks in the spring and fall, one time per week for 1 ½ hours. Besides being role models of self-esteem and healthy living, coaches must be available after-school hours, and need to be trained in the GOTR lesson plans. Coaches work directly with the 3rd-5th grade or 6th - 8th grade girls - teaching them healthy habits and training them for the big 5K race!

• SITE COORDINATOR - The site coordinator is the contact person who coordinates with GOTR Atlanta and is responsible for registration and collecting program fees. This person can be a site employee or a parent.

• RUNNING BUDDY - Running buddies are those volunteers who cannot commit to coaching a full 12-week season, but who are interested in supporting coaches at a site of their choice, and especially running with and encouraging the girls on race day!

• NEXT STEPS:

  • Attend a volunteer/info meeting. E-mail programs@gotratlanta.org to RSVP

  • Fill out our online volunteer application

Look great and feel great in Girls on the Run apparel and merchandise!  Girls on the Run apparel includes t-shirts, tech shirts, polo’s, hats, jackets, and more.  Be sure to use the Atlanta Council Code, when ordering so that part of the proceedes from the merchandise sales will help support GOTR Atlanta.  Click here to shop! 

 What is Team Tiara?

Team Tiara is the charity running leg of Girls on the Run of Atlanta, Inc. (GOTR).  We are a team of athletes (male or female) who pursue individual goals, such as running a marathon, 5K or triathlon, to raise money for Girls on the Run of Atlanta and our character development program for girls.

I’m Ready!  How Do I Get Started?

Registration for Team Tiara is $26. Each team member agrees to raise a minimum of $262 by securing donations from friends, family or corporate sponsors.  We support our runners every step of the way with exclusive runner premiums, effortless on-line fundraising programs and loads of motivational instructions.  Register online at www.girlsontherun.org/teamtiara.html

Where Can I Participate?

The Atlanta Team Tiara athletes will run in the 2009 ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon; however, runners who would like to participate in a different race are welcome to do so.

GOTR of Atlanta Supports Our Team Tiara Runners!

Easy online registration process through Active.com

Exclusive Team Tiara singlet upon registration

Premiums from Team Tiara sponsors

Incentive prizes for participants reaching & exceeding fundraising minimum.  

The levels are:

·         Team Tiara Cotton T-shirt: $262

·         Girls on the Run or Team Tiara hat: $500

·         Girls on the Run or Team Tiara cinch sack: $750

·         Girls on the Run or Team Tiara blanket: $1000 and up

On-line training plans to fine tune your training and motivational mails

Clinics and informal runs with other Team Tiara runners

Opportunity to meet and interact with other runners in your area

Extra motivation of running for a reason – to change the lives of Girls!

More than running program…Just as Team Tiara members are changed by their experience, GOTR uses running to transform the way girls see themselves and their opportunities.  Our ultimate goal is to raise enough money to reach every girl and to educate and prepare her for a lifetime of self respect and healthy living. 

Welcome to an awesome and life-changing program for young girls throughout Atlanta!

• Girls on the Run of Atlanta is a non-profit program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade. Our mission is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

• Girls on the Run combines training for a 5K running event with healthy living education

• Our programs instill self-esteem and strong values through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships, and physical training - all through an active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, YMCA’s, volunteers, staff, and the community. Since 2000 we have served over 2700 girls throughout Atlanta.

• Girls on the Run of Atlanta is an Independent Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 140 locations across the United States and Canada.

Thank you for your interest in Girls on the Run! With your support, we look forward to continuing to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

More than a running program…

In good health,
The Staff and Coaches at Girls on the Run of Atlanta

Our goal at Girls on the Run is to teach girls how to:

• Evaluate the effects and consequences of making right and wrong choices.
• Respect themselves and others, and be self-confident.
• Manage their emotions and maintain positive attitudes.
• Listen, cooperate and work as a team.
• Avoid drugs, alcohol and other high-risk behaviors.
• Eat nutritiously.
• Contribute and give back to the community.
• Develop open relationships with their parents or guardians about difficult issues.
• Set a goal, prepare for it, and complete it (in this instance, a 5K race).
• Love exercise!

Mission
To educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

• About - Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.

• Objectives - The Girls on the Run objective is to reduce the potential display of at-risk activities among its participants. The goal is fewer adolescent pregnancies and eating disorders, less depression and suicide attempts, as well as fewer substance/alcohol abuse problems and confrontations with the juvenile justice system.

• Our Approach - Girls on the Run delivers our message to young girls through volunteer coaches and mentors. Our 12-week character building program of experiential learning through running teaches very specific and well-defined social and personal skills. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K run event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

• Our Curriculum - The curriculum encompasses the following 3 concepts:

Weeks 1-4: All About Me…Getting to Know Who I am and What I Stand For!

Weeks 5-8: Building My Team…Understanding the Importance of Cooperation

Weeks 9-12: Community Begins with Me…Learning About Community and Designing Our Own Community Project