Girls on the Run Rhode Island

Last weekend we had the honor of attending the first Flynn's Flyers 5K to honor the life and legacy of Kelley Flynn, a beloved Central Falls School District educator, and mentor to young girls in Central Falls. Kelly Flynn dedicated her time and energy to Girls on the Run RI as a volunteer coach at Ella Risk Elementary since 2015. Over 8 seasons, Coach Flynn positively impacted the lives of more than 100 participants. She was always involved in after school programming at her school, especially those that supported physical activity. She loved how Girls on the Run supported physical fitness, but most importantly supported the social and emotional needs of girls. Asked why Girls on the Run was valuable in 2022, Kelly shared: "Girls on The Run teaches so many valuable life lessons such as dealing with peer pressure, making friends and standing up for yourself. It helps girls to truly see their 'star power' as they train with their teammates. As a teacher at the school where I coach, I have seen so many girls increase their confidence because of the program. They realize that finishing the 5k is just the beginning!" #GOTRRI #GirlsontheRun #girlsontherunissomuchfun #girlempowermentprogram #communityevent #youthprogram #centralfalls #centralfallsri

At Girls on the Run, we believe in the power of inclusion! Our program utilizes activity adaptations, intentional language, multi-lingual registration and paper options, and gender inclusivity to create a place of belonging for all of our participants. From building confidence to fostering lifelong friendships, we create a supportive space where every girl feels empowered and celebrated for who she is. Join us as we inspire strength, courage, and kindness in a community that welcomes and supports everyone. Learn more about our program inclusions here: https://lnkd.in/eyvvTASN #GirlsOnTheRun #GOTRRI #InclusionMatters #EmpowerEveryGirl #girlsontherunissomuchfun #girlempowermentprogram #socialemotionallearning #communityimpact

Today, we’d like to thank The Providence Shelter for supporting Girls on the Run Rhode Island through a $3,000 grant that will expand access to our programs in Providence and Central Falls. Your generous grant truly gives girls in our community so much: a place where their voices can be heard, where they can celebrate their accomplishments, where they can make friends, where they can reach their goals, and where they can celebrate their own unique gifts and the unique gifts of their teammates. The Providence Shelter persists in its commitment to funding organizations that serve Black children and youth in Rhode Island, with a focus on education, health, and cultural enrichment. Thank you to The Providence Shelter for empowering girls to be leaders of their lives and believing that every girl is inherently full of power and potential. #GirlsontheRun #GOTRRI #girlsontherunissomuchfun #girlempowermentprogram #youthprogram #providence

As we approach the start of the summer Olympics, check out this article from Parents that puts the spotlight on mental health and the role that trained coaches play in supporting youth. The article recognizes the important work of the Million Coaches Challenge and features the examples set by athletes Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka. As a proud member of this cohort, Girls on the Run understands the importance of equipping coaches with trainings that empower them to support emotionally safe environments and create positive youth outcomes. The Million Coaches Challenge furthers the work of Girls on the Run to change what it means to be a coach by giving girls the confidence to succeed beyond the finish line! https://lnkd.in/eSH9ZZEM Susan Crown Exchange The Aspen Institute Parents #GOTRRI #GirlsontheRun #girlsontherunissomuchfun #millioncoacheschallenge

From June 19 through June 28 our staff engaged in The Equity Challenge curated by the United Way of Rhode Island. For the 7 days, we journeyed through topics related to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion). Day 1 of the challenge started with the topic of 'justice.' This took our staff deeper into learning about justice in terms of it being distributive, procedural, retributive, and restorative. Day 2 of the challenge focused on the topic of 'equity.' Our staff took time to reflect on the meanings of equality vs. equity and both sharpen and refine our understandings. Day 3 of the challenge was a strategic activity-based challenge on the topic of 'diversity.' Together we discussed our understanding of diversity, where it shows up in our workplace and outreach, and ways we can make decisions and connections centered on the many aspects of diversity. Day 4 of the challenge started with the topic of 'inclusion.' We took on this topic by individually listening and then taking time to ask how we can partner with our community more to understand and overcome barriers and judgements so that every aspect of our programming is truly inclusive to all - from the youth to the coaches, volunteers, and families. Day 5 of the challenge helped us accept that 'allyship' is crucial and requires time actively making changes and creating a safe space for others. We accept that we must do better to listen and learn from others, talk and trust others to guide us, and desire to work towards being upstanders.  Day 6 of the challenge taught us what 'advocacy' really is and how it changes our communities when we correctly use our voice to seek better for the marginalized and use open minds to discuss solutions to challenges. Day 7 of the challenge, it was Kevin who helped us realize that work towards 'being an accomplice' is how we truly get more involved in our communities. This kind of work focuses on understanding others, communicating misunderstandings, stating discomforts, and sharing accountability. Initial action items for our team are to think about JEDI as we update our three-year strategic goals, prepare and manage program registration, broaden our community outreach, create communications with proper word choices, listen to our volunteers and supporters, respect all, accept change, and raise awareness. Participating, both individually and as a team, will continue to help us be better equity allies, raise awareness, and be a part of a more just world that is highlighting everyone's values, abilities, backgrounds, experiences, family lives, and identities. We want everyone to feel welcomed, respected, and heard at Girls on the Run Rhode Island. We are so thankful for this challenge. It has made us wiser in the ways we use our words and actions so that all are able to reach their limitless potential because they are treated justly, given equity, loved for their diversity, and appropriately included. 

Last month our team attended the Girls on the Run Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada! During our time at Summit, we had the opportunity to attend general sessions that gave us an insight on the state of the girl, state of volunteerism and the state of mindset when it comes to fundraising. Girls on the Run International CEO Elizabeth Kunz delivered the State of the Union, noting the impact of our programs across the country in various communities. In breakout sessions, we learned about topics such as building the Girls on the Run platform, site recruitment tactics, building the 5K experience and more. In addition to the sessions, Summit also featured the “Women in Sports Shaping the Future” panel with Macaela MacKenzie, Jenny Nguyen, and Aly Wagner. This panel highlighted the growing influence that women have on the business, culture and equity in sports. We had a great time meeting new people, gaining knowledge and connecting with other councils! #GOTRRI #GOTR #GirlsontheRun #GirlsontheRunRhodeIsland #girlsontherunissomuchfun #community #girlpower

Near the end of each Girls on the Run season, the participants and coaches talk about being a part of a large community and how everyone in a community is valuable and shines in their own way. They then spend time in practice learning how small acts can make a difference in a community. We are excited to highlight a few of the Community Impact Projects done in our Spring 2024 season. They are inspiring so share them with others.    The team at Globe Park Elementary School in Woonsocket made cards with joy filled messages for the local nursing home   The team at J.C. Solmonese Elementary School in Norton MA wrote letters to kids with cancer and a participant's mom (who is a breast cancer survivor) delivered them to the nearby medical center.   The team at Little Compton School on Aquidneck Island spent time at the Community Center and helped make greeting cards for the seniors who would be dining in for lunch the next day, they made a huge red, white and blue paper chain for the Community Center's birthday celebration following the town’s Memorial Day parade, and they helped weed the Community Center's gardens.    The teams at Mildred H. Aitken Elementary School in Seekonk MA girls made beautiful brightly colored posters to promote the Seekonk Animal Shelter. They worked together to come up with the idea, plan and complete the posters.   The team at Orlo Avenue Elementary School in East Providence held a school wide collection for animal treats and supplies.    The team at Providence Country Day School in East Providence cleaned-up trash “Garbo” as they called it, around the area we ran and then around the whole campus. What a job they did finding "Garbo" and brightening up the school campus for all.   The team at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School in Providence wrote positive messages to all the school staff on hearts and left them on everyone’s desk, because they have learned about the positive power of uplifting messages - and we all know teachers deserve to have their greatness recognized.   The team at St. Mary's Academy - Bayview in East Providence hosted a lemonade stand and donated their profits to the Capron Park Zoo.   The students at Vartan Gregorian Elementary in Providence made "packets of gratitude" for every teacher and staff in the school during Teacher Appreciation Week.   The teams at Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Central Falls hosted a very successful non-perishable food drive collection for the local community food pantry at the McKenna Center.    The team at Waddington Elementary School in Riverside made colorful posters and bookmarks for the local public library.   Our staff are so proud of these civic minded superstar youth! Way to shine bright in your communities throughout Rhode Island and Bristol County MA!   Want to get involved in Girls on the Run Rhode Island? https://lnkd.in/e-q6YzHH Want to invest in our inspiring programming? https://lnkd.in/ejT8HHCZ

Hello Girls on the Run Rhode Island Community! I am Elizabeth, the Program Manager, here with a special thank you. This Spring season, we received support from the time and talents of 10 amazing high schoolers. 8 of these young women dedicated hours as junior coaches to be a positive and inclusive role model for girl-identifying youth in their communities. Along the way they gained leadership skills and found their voices, giving themselves and others a chance to see the power of confidence, encouragement, and the 'I Can!' mindset. We also had 1 high schooler who took on the amazing role of Head Coach - starting a team at her former elementary school by working with the administration, families, and the youth to get a vibrant team going. She was organized, kind, and phenomenal in leading the team through the programming and across the finish line of the 5K. Finally, we had 1 high schooler who chose to focus her senior project on helping our non-profit by collecting much needed items from our Amazon Wishlist. She executed a remarkably successful supplies drive, and delivered 6 bags of first aid materials, curriculum supplies, and much needed team snacks. Her efforts allow us to focus more of our funds on scholarships to future Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole participants. We are so grateful to Isabelle, Mia, Diane, Taylor, Naveah, Shyla, Olivia W., Maliha, Thea, and Olivia M. Thank you for your incredible mentoring and commitment to spreading the joy of our programming and for emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, healthy choices, community involvement, and positive self-esteem. Each of you is a forever Girls on the Run Rhode Island Superstar! Learn more about becoming a Junior Coach at https://lnkd.in/eDHFa4su Learn more about our Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/5OZhexc

Without the support of our local sponsors, the 5K Celebration is impossible. Thank you, sponsors, for your commitment to ensuring this inspiring day is a success. Thanks to you, girls, families, and our entire community can gather for a joyful and life-altering event they’ll never forget! #GirlsontheRun #GOTR #GOTR5K #GOTRRI #5K #ThankYou

We are looking for volunteers to help out at a Ragnar exchange station for the New England Road Relay! Girls on the Run RI is hosting one of the exchanges for this two day road race relay. Our group will be at Misquamicut State Park Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island on Friday, May 17. We have volunteer shifts available from 8:00AM-4:45PM. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eKeRQZQ9. Email Maggie at maggie.mackinnon@girlsontherun.org for more information! #gotrri #girlsontherun #youthprogram #girlsontherunissomuchfun #girlempowermentprogram #communityevent #volunteer