Girls on the Run is a wonderful organization that strives to “inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.”
There is a Vanderbilt chapter of the club that works with the GOTR Middle Tennessee branch of the non-profit.
Girls on the Run programs meet twice a week at various elementary and middle schools around Nashville. The after-school program is broken down with snack time, a lesson plan, and exercise and running activities. The lesson plans focus on a variety of topics that touch on healthy minds and bodies, such as friendship, bullying, and self confidence. One of the best parts of the program is that through the exercise and running activities, the girls are working up toward running a 5K, which they run with all other sites at the end of the semester.
GOTR Vandy is starting new volunteer opportunities this year, and we are so excited to get started! We will be hosting “Vandy Visits” once a month where groups of up to 5 Vandy students will visit a site and participate in that week’s lesson. We will also be bringing snacks and new warm-up activities to shake up their normal GOTR routine!
We are also looking forward to the 5K events. We will be hosting a Practice 5K in Centennial, where Vandy students are paired one-on-one as running buddies with a GOTR girl. We are also hoping to collaborate with other clubs on campus to make it a fun Vanderbilt and GOTR community event.
GOTR also has some great fundraising ideas planned for the year. We plan on participating in their project that provides sites with athletic shoes for the girls. There is also an option to run and fundraise for GOTR in the April Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
Some of our members’ favorite memories include:
- Being a 5K running buddy and helping the girls pace themselves through their race. Seeing their excitement when they finish is so rewarding! – Kate Tarne
- Being a coach, getting to know the girls better each practice, and finding creative ways to tailor the lessons to the girls’ unique personalities and motivations! -Sasha Thompson
In addition, you can also get involved with The Starting Line, the young professional board of Girls on the Run of Middle Tennessee.
Starting Line members advocate for the mission of GOTR in the community and help with planning the annual Sneaker Soiree. There is a membership fee that comes with a t-shirt and an optional fee for VIP entry to the GOTR 5K. The Starting Line offers professional development as well as the opportunity to network with like-minded women.
So if you are a woman who enjoys an active lifestyle and wants to help inspire young women, consider joining forces with this wonderful service organization.
Please contact Vanderbilt GOTR’s Co-President, Courtney Black (Courtney.L.Black@Vanderbilt.edu) if you would like more information.