Throughout each season of the Girls on the Run after-school program, teams drive the design and implementation of a Community Impact Project, a key element of the Girls on the Run curriculum.
In a recent survey, we asked caregivers to share one way Girls on the Run has positively impacted their child, and numerous spotlighted the Community Impact Project. A parent from Pennsylvania shared: “The Community Impact Project my daughter participated in was wonderful. She loved it and felt so proud after completing it!” In another section of the survey, we asked participants to share the most important thing they learned about themselves at Girls on the Run. A participant from New Hampshire responded: “When we did our Community Impact Project, I learned that doing things for the community and not just myself can mean a lot to people.” Another girl from Maryland said: “Learning how to control emotions and work as a team made a big difference in the end. We all worked together during our Community Impact Project and to finish our 5K.”
As the survey findings show, Community Impact Projects unlock strong feelings of pride and connectedness in participants, showing them they have the potential to create change.
In “the doing,” girls discover every step and voice matters. Our evidence-based curriculum allows participants to learn essential tools – such as teamwork, communication, and empathy – that are then put into practice during the culminating Community Impact Project. Each phase of the project ensures girls employ the life skills they learned and feel a sense of ownership and empowerment. The project planning begins with a lesson that helps girls recognize the different people and places that make up their local community. Participants learn how small acts make a difference and decide how to embrace this lesson in their community.
Throughout the process, coaches step back so that girls can step up and take the lead. The goal is for participants to practice using their tools collaboratively, not to create a perfect final product. As messy as the planning may get, as long as every team member is confidently using their voices and their tools, they are on the right track. Once these steps are taken, the teams are equipped to complete their project and then reflect on the experience.
The teams featured in today’s blog chose to give back to the community that fosters so much of their growth at practice and every weekday. We recently spotlighted 7 Community Impact Projects That Supported Local Causes, and today, we are excited to celebrate seven more that sparked joy in schools. Check them out and get inspired to make a difference in your own community!
Growing a GOTR Gratitude Garden in Mid-State Pennsylvania
This group of green-thumbed girls from Girls on the Run Mid State Pennsylvania worked together to grow a GOTR gratitude garden on their school grounds. The team chose this project for several meaningful reasons. First, creating a gratitude garden would transform a stoney blank canvas into something beautiful for everyone to enjoy as they enter school each day. Next, it would also contain native plants vital for biodiversity and provide food to essential pollinators in the area. Wow! We know the thoughtfulness that went into every step of this project will inspire the community (including the green parts) for years to come!
Winter Drive for a Warm Wardrobe in Lochearn, Maryland
Warm fuzzies and cozy comforts are for everyone, and the team at GOTR Greater Chesapeake made sure of that this fall! For their project, they hosted a Winter Drive to collect warm-weather accessories for their school community. They received donations of mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves to help ensure every classmate was warm and geared up for lower temperatures. Way to come together to make a difference in the lives around you, GOTR girls!
Take What You Need and Positivity at GOTR Triangle
Looking for a boost of encouragement? This team at GOTR Triangle knows a thing or two about making someone’s day! These participants were on a mission to inspire positive vibes. They achieved this goal by writing cards to teachers and creating a giant ‘Take What You Need’ poster. Across the poster, the team posted uplifting tear-away notes for school community members. Emory, a GOTR team member, said, “I’m going to make more positive sticky notes and add them to the banner as people take notes off it. I want this to be up all year long!” Thanks for the positivity, team! You know just what to do to help your entire school community realize their limitless potential.
A Shelf-Care Essentials Closet in Mid State Pennsylvania
Two states over from Illinois, another terrific team from GOTR Mid State Pennsylvania collected donations to stock a care closet with shelf-care essentials. From snacks to microwaveable meals, and toothpaste to soap, these girls turned compassion into action to provide their school with all the must-haves. A little kindness goes a long way; this team is proving it one item at a time.
Sticking to Kindness in Berks County, Pennsylvania
Just like our friends at GOTR Triangle, a team at GOTR Berks County showed kindness in a big, bright, and highly engaging way. The girls created a bulletin board filled with sticky notes to encourage and inspire fellow students, teachers, and faculty who need it the most. Thanks to this team, there will be more joy filling the hallways and hearts of their community!
The Cool and Confident Cleanup Crew in Rock Hall, Maryland
Maryland’s finest cleanup crew reported for duty this past fall! The girls from this GOTR Greater Chesapeake team gloved-up, grabbed their tools, and worked together to improve their school’s outdoor spaces. They cleaned up trash on the school grounds and nearby playgrounds, making their campus shine brighter than ever. Great work in making your community a cleaner and greener place!
GOTR Central Illinois Using Their Words to Show Locker Love
From top to bottom of their school, this team of changemakers in Central Illinois spread joy through their words for their Community Impact Project. They posted encouraging hand-written notes on every locker at their school and even included GOTR Energy Award cheers on a few of them! Thank you for sharing the Awesome Possum spirit with your schoolmates, girls.
Are you interested in registering your girl for a program that inspires her to make a difference? Find a team near you today!
