Girls on the Run serving Maricopa and Pinal Counties is looking for sites for the fall 2016 season. Girls on the Run is a physical-activity based, positive youth development (PA-PYD) program that inspires girls in third through eighth grade to be joyful, healthy and confident. The volunteer-led program brings together groups of 8-20 girls for a 10-week season that encourages personal development, team building and connection to the community.

“One of the joys of coaching Girls on the Run is witnessing the girls’ growth in self-confidence and self-acceptance. It’s also wonderful to see them use the communication strategies we talk about and work together as a team,” said Lisa Hegarty, a past Girls on the Run coach.

Each team is led by trained volunteer coaches like Hegarty who create a positive, inclusive environment where girls feel comfortable to grow and share their insights and opinions. Girls in the program also learn the value of giving back to their community through a service project they complete during the season.

Each team will meet twice a week for 90 minutes. The season will culminate in a celebratory 5K event that provides the girls with a tangible sense of accomplishment and shows them the power of pursuing their goals.

You can bring Girls on the Run to your school, church, community center, or other location. Visit http://www.gotrmc.org and click on the Locations tab for information about starting a new program site.