Dear friends,
One of the most beautiful truths about Girls on the Run is how deeply it affects people. In a recent end-of-season experience survey, many coaches, caregivers, and girls emphasized the strong connections, skills, and friendships they (or their child) gained because of the program.
“Coaching Girls on the Run provided me with an opportunity to grow my leadership skills and to develop lasting relationships with the coaches and girls that I worked with.” - Tiffany (Coach) |
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"One of the most positive impacts Girls on the Run had on my child was the boost in her self-confidence. She learned how to set personal goals and work steadily toward them. Crossing the finish line was a powerful moment for her, as it showed her that she's capable of doing hard things. She talks often about the friendships she made and how much she enjoyed the team spirit and encouragement from her coaches and teammates. It’s an experience that has stayed with her well beyond the season.” - Alexis (Caregiver)
“This season, I learned to use my Star Power and had the chance to lead younger 3rd- and 4th-grade students since I’m a 5th grader. My coach trusted me with a lot of responsibilities to help, and I would love to help coach in the future.” - Charley (Participant)
From the first practice to years down the road, the relationships that begin here often blossom into lifelong bonds. A girl, like Charley, may experience her first finish line with us, return as a coach to inspire others, and later become a community leader or parent who encourages the next generation to join a team.
This is one reason why we launched a new alumni initiative, Beyond the Finish, this year. Beyond the Finish is a community where GOTR alums can find support, share stories, and live out the values of Girls on the Run in new and meaningful ways.
At Girls on the Run International, our team similarly embraces a joyful and engaging culture like the one our alumni experience in Beyond the Finish. On this note, I am thrilled to announce that Girls on the Run International was recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Charlotte Business Journal for the fourth time! Honorees are selected based on the results of an anonymous, externally administered employee survey. This recognition certainly reinforces our team's shared passion to embody the organization’s core values.
This values-based culture exists across our council network too! Your board leadership is making it possible for more people to benefit from the transformational experience of Girls on the Run. Furthermore, with so many adult alums now re-connecting and sharing their memories with us, we unequivocally know that the leadership you are providing today will lead to enduring and lasting change in our participants' lives. I am deeply grateful for the energy, expertise, and perspective you bring to our remarkable GOTR network. Thank you for your leadership.
With gratitude, |
Elizabeth Kunz CEO, Girls on the Run International |
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Introducing the Council Development Team
Each council is assigned a regional director on the Girls on the Run HQ council development team. Regional directors are a critical resource and support system for council staff and boards. Each director not only supports councils in specific regions of the continent but also brings a different expert lens to the team. While each regional director has a well-rounded competence to work with council staff and boards, they also embrace and educate others in their areas of expertise. Girls on the Run regional directors are committed to fostering a collaborative relationship and providing support as needed.
If you have not yet established contact, consider reaching out today! |
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Learn more about the specific supports and services our regional staff provide our council network in the graphic below! |
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NEW: Board Fundraising Cohort Coming in 2026
GOTR HQ will introduce a Board Fundraising Cohort in early 2026 to support council boards in boosting their fundraising efforts to strengthen the council operations and advance our mission. The results of the upcoming Board Survey (referenced below) will inform the development of topics and scheduling. |
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Save the Date for Summit 2026
Mark your calendars — Summit 2026 is officially on the books! Next summer from June 28 to July 1, join us in Cleveland, Ohio, for our 21st Summit, a four-day experience filled with uplifting keynote speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, and meaningful council-to-council connections. Every detail is intentionally planned with Girls on the Run core values and strategic priorities at the heart, creating an atmosphere that will inspire, re-energize, and equip you to make an even greater impact in your community. This is a connection opportunity you won’t want to miss! |
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NEW: Organizational Webinar (Recorded live on June 11)
This organizational update includes information on GOTR HQ's FY26 strategic map, the Alumni Initiative launch, the National Coach Recognition program, technology updates, and more.
NEW: FY25 GOTR Census Report Webinar (Pre-recorded on July 29)
The FY25 GOTR Census Report webinar provides an in-depth overview of our organization’s reach and impact in FY25 and highlights national trends. Watch to learn about these national trends, see how your council compares, and consider what this means for future strategy.
Updated: Board Fundamentals Webinar Series (Added Part 5 on May 5)
GOTR HQ has updated the Board Fundamentals Webinar Series and Board Playlist to include Part 5: Strategic Oversight of HR Policies and Procedures. Upon completion of the five-part series, participants will increase their knowledge and skills for explaining the importance of board roles, expectations, and healthy governance operations.
Board Members can locate the series on the Board Resource Page. Reminder: Board Chair Training (Released January 2025)
This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of board chairs' key responsibilities and skills, including leadership responsibilities, strategies for effective execution, and the importance of fostering strong organizational relationships. In addition, the Board Chair Prep Kit provides essential insights, tips, and best practices, emphasizing the critical 30-, 60-, and 90-day milestones as well as key planning tasks for a board chair’s first year.
Reminder: Board Resource Page As a reminder, the Board Resources Page is the online organizational hub for board members that requires no login. The page includes position descriptions, recruitment resources, board training supports, performance management tools, hiring resources, and more. We are excited to announce that in early 2026, we will make new additions to the Board Resource Hub, including board-specific fundraising resources and affiliate advisory board resources. |
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FY26 Board Survey Distributing Tuesday, Oct. 7.
We conducted the inaugural GOTR HQ board survey in 2017. A second board survey modeled after BoardSource’s ‘Leading with Intent’ biennial assessment of nonprofit board practices nationwide, followed in 2021. GOTR HQ analyzed and compared the results from both years and developed a plan for resource development, support, and training initiatives to enhance board governance and advance our mission.
We will distribute the third board survey on Tuesday, Oct. 7, to assess progress since 2021 and further support the council board network. GOTR HQ will distribute separate surveys to independent and affiliate councils to ensure each council receives the appropriate survey. We will use insights from the upcoming board survey to guide a Summit board session and influence future board resources and initiatives, including the Board Fundraising Cohort. Our team will present key results, findings, and preliminary resource development plans in an early 2026 ‘State of Our Boards’ webinar.
Historically, the board survey was distributed only to council directors and board chairs.
This year, we are expanding participation to include all board members, recognizing the unique perspectives and experiences of each individual.
To encourage strong participation, councils meeting a set threshold of completed surveys will receive incentives. Look for the survey in your inbox on Tuesday, Oct. 7! If you have any questions, please email councilsupport@girlsontherun.org. |
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