Volunteer to Coach

"I thought I'd become a Girls on the Run coach so I could make a difference in young girls' lives. Nobody told me what a difference it would make in MY life!"
-Chris, volunteer coach

What GOTR expects from every volunteer coach

• Prepare for lessons. GOTRSEMI provides all materials for the lessons. Coaches prepare by reading the lessons and familiarizing themselves with the activities.
• Serve as a role model for the girls by being on time, listening attentively, having a positive demeanor and outlook, and leading a healthy lifestyle.
• Encourage and cheer-on the girls as they play games and run laps.
• Instruct the girls on proper stretching, running form, hydration, and sports nutrition.
• Mediate disputes among participants in a prompt, respectful manner.
• Administer Program Pre- and Post- Program Survey
• Keep attendance
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings with the Program Coordinator and other area coaches.
• Coordinate the end-of-season party and facilitate the community service project. 
• Attend the end-of-season celebration race.
• Be your real self with the girls at all times, and above all, have fun with them!
  

Requirements

• Complete a volunteer application
• At least one coach at each site must be CPR & First Aid certified (GOTR will provide a complimentary training. If you cannot attend that training you must provide proof of certification)
• Attend Coach's Training session
• Consent to background check
• Attend Mandatory mid-season Coaches' Meeting "Girls, Grub and Gab"

What you get

“This was one of the most amazing experiences that I have EVER been involved in. Though I was hesitant at first to teach a group of elementary school girls, I gained so much confidence and leadership skills as time went by. The girls' shining spirits were always uplifting especially if I was having a bad day. I definitely am still trying to escape from the so called "girl box". It was almost as if this program was made for me as well. I learned to love and respect myself so much more than I did ten weeks ago. It was the girls' attitude that brought me joy every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. I would leave there at 5:30 and smile, knowing that in some way I touched a girl's heart today; I am making a difference. It was a long ten weeks, but completely worth it. The race at the end showed me that this is what we worked so hard for. These girls are absolutely amazing.”
- Jessica, volunteer coach