Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.
A conversation with Rae Gallagher, Executive Director
What does your organization do?
At Girls on the Run (GOTR), we believe every girl deserves a place to grow, connect, and shine! GOTR inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through our positive youth development program designed for girls in 3rd through 8th grade as they navigate the complexities of today’s world. Our curriculum places an emphasis on social-emotional learning, such as developing competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and contribution in young girls, through lessons that incorporate running and other physical activities. The curriculum is delivered by caring volunteer coaches who are trained to teach lessons. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project, which they design and execute, and completing a celebratory, non-competitive 5K event.
Tell us GOTR’s origin story.
GOTR Mid & Western Maryland is a local chapter of Girls on the Run International. We were founded in Frederick County in 2013 and merged with the Washington County Girls on the Run council in 2017. We now serve Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties and have reached over 6,500 girls to date.
What do you like most about being an organization located in Frederick County?
As a nonprofit organization in Frederick County, we rely on the generosity of local businesses, foundations, and partnerships with other nonprofits. The Frederick County community is incredibly caring and we are grateful for the support of many businesses and local partnerships to ensure we can reach as many girls as possible.
What makes GOTR unique?
Unlike traditional athletic programs, Girls on the Run combines physical activity with lessons in confidence, resilience, and self-worth. Through our curriculum that integrates running with discussions on important life skills, such as goal-setting and peer relationships, GOTR fosters holistic development for our GOTR girls. By emphasizing the connection between physical and emotional well-being, GOTR equips girls with the tools they need to navigate challenges both on and off the running course, ultimately fostering a generation of strong, confident, and resilient young women.
What do you want GOTR to be known for?
Girls on the Run is about so much more than running – we reach girls at a critical age as they approach adolescence during a time when confidence and physical activity levels begin to decline. Our programming boosts self-worth and self-esteem through goal setting; fosters meaningful peer relationships in girls grades 3-8; develops healthy habits; and builds joyful, confident movement into each lesson. Girls today are exposed to longstanding gender stereotypes, societal obstacles, and cultural challenges that we know to be detrimental to their emotional AND physical health. Girls on the Run helps young girls recognize their own unique potential and rise above stereotypes and negative harmful messages.
How can the community support you?
We rely on the generosity of business partners for program sponsorships and for our seasonal celebratory 5K events. GOTR strives to create an inclusive and welcoming program and does not turn away any girl who wants to participate in programming due to financial constraints. Therefore, program sponsorships and 5K sponsorships help to ensure that every girl who wants to participate has the opportunity to do so.
Our programming relies on volunteers – coaches throughout the season – and for one-time volunteers at our 5K events – as well as in-kind donations such as photographers to help capture the memories of our celebratory events. Details on how to volunteer can be found on our website (www.gotrmidmd.org).
What does GOTR do best?
Our program builds the confidence of young girls at a critical age as we build confidence in young girls and help create a tangible sense of accomplishment as they cross the finish line!
Is there anything else exciting about your organization that you want the Chamber membership to know about?
Our spring 5K event will be held at Hood College on Sunday, June 2nd, at 9 a.m. The event is open to the community if you are a runner or walker – or sign up to volunteer!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.