Kindness can grow anywhere, and at Girls on the Run, girls cultivate the confidence to plant it with pride.
Every season, teams complete a Community Impact Project using the skills they’ve learned over the course of the program. As their self-assurance grows, girls discover they have the power to create meaningful change and pursue big goals. Along the way, they learn that giving back doesn’t have to be costly or complicated, and that small acts of kindness can make a large difference.
Here’s how GOTR Community Impact Projects come to life…
First, coaches step back so girls can take the lead, building a sense of ownership and empowerment. The team begins the project by reflecting on the communities in their area, what makes them special, and how their team can address community needs. Girls then share ideas and listen intently as they consider ways to work beside and support these communities. Using their teamwork skills, they narrow down choices and select a project that reflects everyone’s voice. Then, on project day, their kindness and collaboration become tangible as their project shines into existence. Finally, once the team completes their project, they review the skills they employed, recognize each person’s contributions, and feel proud of what they’ve accomplished together.
When girls put these skills into action through Community Impact Projects, whether their efforts support the school or the broader community, the outcomes extend beyond their team and contribute to a more positive school environment. And while these projects are just one part of the Girls on the Run experience, research on the program as a whole found that:
- 96% of current sites said that GOTR fosters an environment where students’ thoughts, feelings, and ideas are valued.
- 98% of sites said GOTR develops students’ social and emotional skills.
- 98% of current teacher coaches said that GOTR fosters feelings of connectedness among students.
Ready to see examples of this joy and positivity filling the hallways? Check out these six GOTR Community Impact Projects that encourage kindness in schools!
GOTR Memphis
Cards Full of Kindness: GOTR Team Thanks Their School Heroes
For their Community Impact Project, this team from GOTR Memphis created and delivered thank you cards with heartfelt messages to stand-out third- through fifth-grade teachers, special educators, and cafeteria staff.
GOTR Central Iowa
High-Fives for Small Strides: GOTR Team Rallies Pre-K Runners
This team from GOTR Central Iowa dedicated their Community Impact Project to helping, moving beside, and cheering on Pre-K students from their school during their mile run.
GOTR Western Massachusetts
Sweet Surprises Ahead! GOTR Team Creates Teacher Appreciation Goodie Bags
This team from GOTR Western Massachusetts put together teacher appreciation bags filled with special treats and thank-you notes.
GOTR Western Massachusetts
Open the Door to Positivity: GOTR Girls Spread Uplifting Messages
This team from GOTR Western Massachusetts posted positive messages on classroom doors for all students in grades 3 through 5 to see and enjoy each time they walked in.
GOTR Michiana
A Puzzle Full of Praise: GOTR Girls Creatively Show Appreciation
This team from GOTR Michiana made an appreciation puzzle filled with kind words and messages for teachers and staff to build during the team’s Puzzle and Popsicle stand event.
GOTR Memphis
Clean Team Champions: GOTR Memphis Spruces Up Their School Grounds
This team from GOTR Memphis came together to clean and pick up trash in outdoor spaces surrounding their school.
Interested in seeing more GOTR Community Impact Project content? Check out this blog about projects that supported local causes!
