Want to Volunteer?

Please contact Heidi Carman (415) 451-7158

or

Email: info@gotrmarin.com

Want to Donate to Girls on the Run Marin?

SO YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR
Girls on the Run®?
GREAT! We need you.

GOTR Curriculum
The curriculum covers 24 lessons (12 weeks of 2 one hour sessions) culminating with
the opportunity to participate in a 5k run/walk. The curriculum is divided generally
into three parts:

1. The first 8 lessons focus on the girls getting to know themselves. Examining
their values, their likes and dislikes, who they envision themselves to be. As the
girls get to know themselves, they are also sharing with each other.

2. The next 8 lessons concentrate on team building, being supportive, learning to
listen and cooperate, etc.

3. Finally, the last 8 lessons relate to the world at large. This includes making a
contribution to your community (family, school, etc.) and also the negative messages
we can receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.)

Each lesson follows a general pattern. As the girls arrive and settle into a circle, the coach "checks in" with them, seeing how each is feeling, getting a feel for the group's dynamic for the day and introducing the topic of the lesson. This will include a "Getting On Board" activity.

Next comes a Warm Up game - perhaps a short relay or some other brief activity to warm up. 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 InSync." All those girls who agree with the
statement run (walk, jog - they set their own paces) the course marked out by the coach. These
statements continue, with contributions by the girls, until everyone has run a few times at least.

With their muscles warmed up a bit, the coach leads the girls through a brief stretching session.
During that time, the girls and the coach "process" the topic. In this example, they might discuss
how people can have different likes and dislikes and still be friends. Or how our likes and dislikes
develop, etc.

The Workout follows the warm up/stretch. This involves more actual running. The program 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 on site, to give the girls the confidence helpful in participating in an actual 5k racing event. The running also involves the "topic of the day." 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. After the workout, there is cool down and further processing, then the hour ends with a cheer.
COACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Coaches are provided with the aforementioned very well-developed, well-researched
curriculum which has been used successfully by GOTR® many times around the
country. Every GOTR team has a head coach and an assistant coach. All of our coaches take part in an intensive training session [provided by GOTR Marin staff] which includes CPR and first aid before the program begins. All materials as well as each individual lesson plan is prepared for the coach and given to the coach in a "coach's box."
In addition to the wonderful experience of working with these girls, we also
offer (through the kind assistance of New Balance, one of our corporate sponsors)
discounts on New Balance running apparel and shoes.

HEAD COACH
The Head Coach has the following responsibilities:

-Become CPR and first aid certified
-Attend eight hour Coaches' Training
-Prepare for 2 one hour lessons per week
-Supervise sessions in a manner consistent with the GOTR philosophy
-Plan and coordinate the end of season banquet
-Participate with the girls in the end of season 5k race/walk

At some sites, we have "Co-coaches" who split the head coaching responsibilities
between them, with one acting as head and one acting as assistant for each lesson.

ASSISTANT COACH
The Assistant Coach has the following responsibilities:

-Become CPR and first Aid certified
-Attend eight hour Coaches' Training
-Supervise sessions in a manner consistent with the GOTR philosophy
-Attend workouts and serve as number one encourager, cheer leader, finish line
greeter and high fiver
-Running or walking with the girls and encouraging them to put their best effort
into the workouts
-Participate with the girls in the end of season 5k race/walk
-Helping head coach as needed

Girls on the Run® Interview Questions
NAME:_______________ DATE:______ POTENTIAL SITE:_________
EMAIL:____________________________ PHONE:_______________

1. How did you hear about Girls on the Run?

2. What attracted you to the program?

3. Have you had experience working with children in any capacity? Tell me more about that.

4. Why are working with girls and /or running important to you?

5. What do you do to maintain balance in your life?

6. As a coach, what is the one thing that you want the girls to specifically learn from you?

7. What would be most challenging to you about coaching/doing this?

8. If I were to ask your friends why you'd be a good role model, what would they say about you?

9. Do you have any background in exercise science, coaching, counseling, and/or psychology?

10. Do you have any other questions?

Contact Heidi Carman
Executive Director, Girls on the Run Marin
P.O. Box 1147, Tiburon, CA 94920
info@gotrmarin.com
415-451-7148