Girls On The Run Berrien Needs You!

We have many one-time volunteer opportunities in our organization.  From data entry, to kit assembly, supply inventory, t-shirt sorting, jobs at our 5k, mailings, etc.  If you are interested, but not sure where you fit in, let us know.  Contact peggy.schaffer@uwsm.org to sign up on our general volunteer list.

Be a GOTR Coach

Each year we identify and select a dynamic group of coaches to lead our teams of girls. Coaching is one of the most rewarding ways to be involved in our program. Head Coaches must be at least 21 years old. Parents, teachers, school administrators, college students, runners, non-runners and people who are committed to developing and celebrating our youth make great coaches.

Qualifications to Coach

• Sincere interest in leading a healthy life.
• Interest in physical fitness or running.
• Commitment to the mission of GOTR.
• Reliable, genuine and positive outlook on life.
• Interest in the issues facing young women today.

GOTR Coaching Commitment

• New coaches must attend one mandatory half day coaches’ training:
  • February 27 (9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm) OR
  • February 28 (2-6pm)
  • March 4 (6-9pm) this date offered as a last resort
• RETURNING COACHES training is optional
• Become CPR and First Aid certified (free certification provided by Lakeland Hospital in January and February, dates and times TBD)
• Attend one coaches’ meeting during the season (week of March 29th, TBD)
• Work with 2+ coaches per site to deliver 20 ninety-minute lessons in a manner consistent with the GOTR philosophy and curricula; this includes attending practice two afternoons per week for the duration of the program
• The program runs March 8 to May 27, 2010. Coaches must be available during these dates.
• Serve as a role model for the girls and encourage the girls at all times
• Wait at the school/site following practice until all girls have been picked up
• Plan and coordinate the end of season party for the team
• Administer the program pre-and post-test as directed
• Lead the girls in the coordination of a community service project
• Participate with the girls in the end of season GOTR 5K on Thursday, May 27, 2010.

Potential Girls On The Run and Girls On Track Coaches must complete the following coach application and background check form.  These forms are to be submitted by December 15th to the school's site liaison.  For a list of participating schools and site liaisons please go to the  "Location/Become A Site" tab above.

If you are interested in becoming a coach and are not assigned to a site yet please contact our council director Peggy Schaffer at peggy.schaffer@uwsm.org or call (269) 925-7772 x30.

• COACH APPLICATION
• BACKGROUND CHECK FORM

Be A Running Buddy

Each girl is encouraged to have a running buddy for the 5K run at the end of the season.  The running buddy provides support and encouragement during the 5K. 

A running buddy is arranged by the girl's parent or guardian and typically is a parent, relative, older sibling, or family friend.  The running buddy, that the parent arranges for their daughter, can be either male or female and can be of any age that the parent feels comfortable with.  If a parent cannot find a running buddy for their daughter, they can request a volunteer runner.  The Girls on the Run organization will then try to arrange a volunteer runner to be matched with their daughter.

Be A Volunteer Runner

The Girls on the Run program is in need of volunteer runners to help and encourage the girls to achieve their goal of completing a 5K.  Volunteer runners will be paired with girls who are in need of someone to run with, and will run/walk with her during the 5K run.   Please consider volunteering if you meet the following requirements:

•  Female of at least 16 years of age
•  Will committ to stay with your assigned girl during the duration of the 5K and escort her safely back to the team gathering spot.
•  Physically able to run/walk 3.1 miles