About Us

Girls on the Run is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. This positive youth development program combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Our core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls' development - their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.

Mission

We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Vision

We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Core Values

Girls on the Run honors its core values. We strive to:

• Recognize our power and responsibility to be intentional in our decision making
• Embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness
• Express joy, optimism and gratitude through our words, thoughts and actions
• Nurture our physical, emotional and spiritual health
• Lead with an open heart and assume positive intent
• Stand up for ourselves and others

Program Design

• Three 20-24 lesson curriculums teach life skills through group processing, running games and workouts. The three-part curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes understanding ourselves, valuing teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
• Girls choose and conduct a community service project.
• At each season's conclusion, the girls complete a 5k running event as a group.

Measurable Results

• Academic evaluations of the program show a statistically significant improvement in body image, eating attitudes and self-esteem.
• Evidence also indicates an improved sense of identity and an increasingly active lifestyle for program participants.

Funding

Girls on the Run International is proud to partner with Athleta, Goody Products, Horizon Fitness, Secret, and Garmin. Our national sponsors provide vital support to advance the mission of our organization. We also rely on grants, individual donations and fees. Girls on the Run councils operate as independent 501(c)3 organizations or affiliate with established 501(c)3 organizations. Councils are funded by program fees, individual contributions, corporate support and grants. The program is fee-based; however, financial assistance is available to ensure the program is accessible to all who are interested.

Partnerships

Girls on the Run of Fond du Lac is an Affiliate Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 160 locations across the United States and Canada. Our Affiliate is through the Fond du Lac School District, and we are proud to be partnering with the Fond du Lac School District Recreation Department, the Fond du Lac Family YMCA, and the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac. The Women's Fund of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation generously provided us with a grant that allowed the Girls on the Run of Fond du Lac to be implemented.

Curricula Organization

The curriculum is divided into three parts:

• The first eight lessons are centered on the girls getting to know themselves. Examining their values, their likes and dislikes, and who they envision themselves to be. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also sharing with each other. Lesson topics and learning goals include 'fueling our healthy pace', 'centering: the importance of slowing down' and 'celebrating gratitude.'
• The next eight lessons concentrate on team building, being supportive, learning to listen and cooperate, etc. Lesson topics and learning goals include 'standing up to peer pressure', 'gossiping hurts everyone' and 'it's okay to choose my friends.'
• The last eight lessons relate to the world at large. This includes making a contribution to your community and learning to recognize and deal with the negative messages we often receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.) Lesson topics and learning goals include: 'learning about community', 'tuning into a new message (media literacy)' and the development and implementation of a group community project.

The 20-24 lessons conclude with the opportunity to participate in a 5k event.

Girls on the Run of Fond du Lac Steering Committee

Kim Blick (Council Director and Certified GOTR Coach Trainer), Fond du Lac School District

Marian Sheridan, Fond du Lac School District

Maureen Way, Fond du Lac School District

Kristi Serwe, Fond du Lac School District

Sharon Simon, Fond du Lac School District

Renee Wagner, Fond du Lac Recreation Department

JJ Raflik, Fond du Lac Family YMCA

Kya Schnettler, Fond du Lac Family YMCA

Karissa Schneider, Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac

Lacey Sadoff, Sadoff Family Foundation

Shane Smith, Fond du Lac Running Club