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.