We have a need for the following volunteer positions:

VOLUNTEER COACHES

Thank you for your interest in Girls on the Run® of New Jersey East! We really appreciate you taking the initiative to learn more about the program and to offer your assistance. At Girls on the Run® , our volunteers are the backbone of our program! We are a group of energetic women who share a passion for preparing young girls for a lifetime of self- respect and healthy living. The program is offered twice a year: Fall (early-September to mid-November) and Spring (late March to mid-June). Sessions are held for 1 hour and 15 minutes twice a week after school OR once a week after school and on Saturdays. Each site has at least two trained coaches. Below is a description of what is involved in volunteering to coach our program. To apply for a coaching position, please download a copy of our Prospective Coaches Questionnaire. Please feel free to contact us at info@girlsontherunnj.org with additional questions or for further information.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL GIRLS ON THE RUN® VOLUNTEERS:

  • Genuine interest in leading a healthy life.
  • Interest in physical fitness or running.
  • Commitment to the mission of GOTR® .
  • Reliable, honest and positive outlook on life.
  • Interest in the issues facing young women today.
  • Desire to get involved in a nonprofit organization and to help create public awareness.

DUTIES OF A GIRLS ON THE RUN® COACH:

  • Prepare bi-weekly, 1 hour lesson plans in a manner consistent with the GOTR® curriculum and philosophy. Although GOTR® of New Jersey East provides all the materials for the lessons, preparation may include copying, cutting and pasting materials needed for the activities.
  • Serve as a role model for the girls by big on time, listening attentively, having a positive demeanor and outlook and by leading a healthy lifestyle.
  • Coach the girls on basic proper stretching, running form, hydration and sports nutrition.
  • Encourage and cheer on the girls as they play games and run laps.
  • Mediate disputes among participants in a prompt, respectful manner.
  • Be your real/authentic self with the girls at all times and, above all, have fun with them!

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Six hour training with the Girls on the Run® of NJ East staff.
  • CPR and First Aid certification (REQUIRED for a least one coach per site and is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for additional coaches/site).
  • Attendance at every GOTR session, although subs may be arranged on an as-needed basis with advance notice.
  • Participation in the end-of-season 5K.
  • Coordination of logistics and attendance at the community service project.
  • Plan a final celebration and prepare individual awards and final certificates for GOTR® participants.
  • Successfully complete a background check (GOTR outsources and pays for this).

TIME COMMITMENT:

  • Training – 6 hours
  • Program prep – 12 hours over the course of the season
  • Program delivery – (1 hour 15 minutes per session x 24 lessons) – 30 hours
  • 5K day – 2 hours
  • Final awards/certificate preparation – 2 hours

ESTIMATED TOTAL TIME COMMITMENT: 52 HOURS

DUTIES OF AN ASSISTANT COACH:

  • Six hour training with the Girls on the Run® of NJ East staff (strongly recommended).
  • Attend workouts and serve as number one encourager, cheer leader, finish line greeter and high fiver.
  • Help in “having eyes in the back of your head”, particularly if you see a girl you think may be falling through the cracks.
  • Provide one-on-one attention to the girls who may need extra encouragement and help. This may one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have.
  • Run or walk with the girls and encourage them to put their best effort into the workouts.
  • Support head coaches’ advice on running or speed-walking technique and pacing.
  • Assist coaches with preparation for various lesson plans/workouts by cutting, pasting and copying the materials as needed.
  • Assist the coaches with preparing final awards/certificates and general administrative duties.
  • Successfully complete a background check.

TEAM ADELAIDE

This is a team of coaches who help provide ongoing site support to our coaching teams.  If you are unable to make the time commitment that coaching requires, Team Adelaide may be a great opportunity for you!  Team Adelaide members do site visits as their schedule allows and helps sites run smoothly by providing additional support to coaching teams.  While the majority of Team Adelaide members are veteran coaches, we will be providing a separate Team Adelaide training since the roles are different.  Team Adelaide members do require a background check and the same survey as coaches so please apply as instructed for volunteer coaches (above) but specify that you are interested in Team Adelaide.

VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS

At the present time, we are looking for dependable board members who are willing to serve our council.  Board members engage in the “behind the scenes” maintenance of our organization and make all executive decisions regarding our strategic planning, staff, and financial snapshot.  We would particularly like to recruit board members who are willing to engage and spearhead fundraising efforts to strengthen our sustainability.