How to start a Girls on the Run site in my neighborhood

• Step One
  
  
• Step Two
  
  
• Step Three
  
  
• Step Four
  
  
• Step Five
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions

Step One:

Identify a location to host the program. Most of our programs are run at schools, neighborhood clubs, recreation centers or similar venues. The program location is responsible for providing:

• A contact person at the site to coordinate with GOTR Manhattan, to distribute registration forms to all girls and to collect program fees. 
  
• A safe place for running. Note: This does not have to be a track, a park, playground or gym is acceptable. However, it is necessary to measure off part of that area on occasions when lessons require running at certain distances, (e.g., 1 mile, 3k)
  
• A rain site (classroom, gym, etc.)
  
• Meeting space (for pick-up/drop-off)
  
• GOTR Manhattan agreed upon program fee 
  
• Provide two coaches to be trained by GOTR Manhattan. Note: If you are unable to provide coaches, GOTR Manhattan will attempt to match a coach to your needs.

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Step Two:

Complete site application and return to Girls on the Run Manhattan by deadline date. Click here to download the site application.

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Step Three:

Once site is approved by Girls on the Run Manhattan:

• Coaches must attend Coach Training. Our Head Coaches are CPR certified and all of our coaches take part in an intensive, day- long training session before the program begins. The training seminar is based upon a well developed and researched curriculum used successfully by local and national GOTR programs.

We require two coaches at each site. Each coach must:

• Become CPR certified (Head Coach only);
  
• Attend a full day Coaches’ Training
  
• Attend a pre-season Coaches’ Meeting
  
• Meet organizational and reporting deadlines throughout the season
  
• Prepare for and supervise all lessons in a manner consistent with the GOTR International philosophy and curriculum
  
• Run with the girls in the end of season 5k race/walk

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Step Four:

Recruit Girls. Every program site is provided with recruitment flyers and registration forms. The program site is responsible for:

• Distributing the brochure to girls, promoting program to generate registration
  
• Collecting forms & fees from a minimum of 8 girls and a maximum of 16 girls per team 
  
• Sending program fees to the GOTR Manhattan office
  
• Providing the GOTR Coaches with the sign-up forms and a complete roster of all program participants on the first day of the program

Step Five:

Have a GREAT program! The program culminates with the running of a 1 mile or 5K (3.1 mile) running event. GOTR Manhattan encourages as much site participation in this event as possible. All are welcome to come out and walk, run, and cheer your girls on!
If you would like to begin the process of starting a new site with GOTR Manhattan, please contact Tracey Early via email at tracey.early@gmail.com  or via phone at 917-570-0012.

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  Why the group size of 8-16 girls? What if we have fewer or more?

We prefer a minimum of 8 girls and limit each group to a maximum of 16 girls. The minimum is based upon curriculum considerations. Because much of our the lesson plan is related to team building and group dynamics, fewer than 8 girls may make it difficult to provide the experience we seek to offer to the girls. Facilitating more than 16 girls would make it difficult to establish the group rapport and the depth of community we are seeking. If a site has more than 16 girls who want to participate, GOTR Manhattan can run “two” programs at the same site, as long as there is the appropriate number of coaches available.

  When does the program start and end?

We currently have two sessions of GOTR each year,

• Fall Session
  
  • Beginning mid-September through mid-December
    
  • Runs for 10 to 12 weeks - meeting twice per week for 1 hour or once per week for 2 hours
    
  • To begin a session in the Fall, planning should begin in April
  
  
• Spring Session
  
  • Beginning early March through mid-June
    
  • Runs for 10 to 12 weeks - meeting twice per week for 1 hour or once per week for 2 hours
    
  • To begin a session in the Spring, planning should begin in September

The cost of the program is $200 per girl. Site and individual scholarships are available each season.

What is included in the price of the program?

Included in the fee price are:

• 24 lessons by a GOTR-certified coach from a well-researched curriculum;
  
• Lesson handouts and coach supplies;
  
• Healthy snacks and incentives;
  
• GOTR t-shirt and water bottle for each participant;
  
• GOTR race packets and support in the 1 and 3.1 mile run/walk event;
  
• End-of-season certificates, awards and celebrations;
  
• GOTR coach training fees;
  
• Fees for liability insurance;
  
• Fees to our national program (required by the national office);
  
• All administrative assistance to coaches, sites, girls and parents.

GOTR Manhattan is aware that we serve a wide range of girls. In the event that a girl is unable to afford the cost for the program, we will do everything we can to offer scholarships to those in need. Our ability to do so is limited by our capacity to raise funds.

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