Girls on the Run Western MA is taking a detour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With school closures, guidelines on social distancing and the restrictions around large public events, Girls on the Run Western MA will transition in-person programming at all sites this spring to virtual programming and events.
The Girls on the Run 5K, which concludes the program for girls ages 8-13 in 75 schools, was scheduled to be held at UMass.
“We are incredibly disappointed, as we know our girls and coaches are too, but recognize our great collective responsibility to ensure a safer and healthier community for all,” Council Director Alison Berman said in a statement.
Girls on the Run Western MA is a local nonprofit organization that offers programming that strengthens third- to eighth-grade girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Over 1,000 girls with 300 trained volunteer coaches were registered this spring.
The organization has three strategies to continue its mission:
GOTR at Home — For spring participants, these lessons aim to provide girls of all abilities with an opportunity to learn and grow, just as they would have at their scheduled practices. GOTR at Home lessons are available in an easy-to-follow written format so girls and their grown-ups can participate together and as a YouTube video series specifically for girls.
#GOTRGotYourBack — Through the #GOTRGotYourBack outreach initiative, the goal is to provide its audiences with content, resources and activities to support their physical, social and emotional health. While the GOTR at Home program resources are intended only for families of GOTR girls who are currently enrolled, this digital campaign offers alternative tips, activities and mini Girls on the Run lessons for all families, volunteers and followers to use and enjoy.
GOTR Connect — Like schools and organizations across the country, Girls on the Run is leaning into virtual spaces. This program will serve as a way for coaches to remain connected with girls while schools are closed due to COVID-19. This is an optional program that will begin next week and is for coaches and participants who are interested in participating.
“Through these efforts, Girls on the Run is working now more than ever to offer our girls and community a break from the fear and uncertainty they may be feeling,” Berman said. “GOTR at Home, #GOTRGotYourBack and Girls on the Run Connect are giving girls and our communities the opportunity to connect with others, find helpful resources, be inspired and motivated, or just simply experience a bright spot in their day.”
These programs will be made available at www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.