Monthly
Column
Commons
Sense and Girls on the Run-NH:
By
Jennifer Hubbell
October, 2009
"I
am firmly convinced that running can absolutely change
a person’s life. The act of running is in and of
itself nothing remarkable. But what the act of running
MEANS to us, is. For some of us, it is all about setting
goals and achieving them. For others of us, it is building
and maintaining authentic friendships. For some, it is
the only quiet time in the day when we can focus on ourselves,
our breathing and our solitude. Many run for the physical
benefits, the natural way our bodies become lean and healthy.
Others, to manage the stress of a work week or the challenges
of motherhood." Molly Barker, posted on her blog,
9/07/09.
Hmmm…
Wait a minute…
Molly
gets credit for writing that blurb, but, you know what?
I could have said it … or one of my board members
or volunteer coaches could easily have said it as well…
It doesn’t really matter though, because back in
1996, Molly Barker started Girls on the Run in an effort
to create a safe space for girls to, “never lose
the ‘it’ in their lives and for women to get
‘it’ back. Whether it is through running,
friendships or community service, thousands of girls and
women are now able to reclaim the authentic side of beautiful
that flows after a really good run, a conversation with
a good friend or through helping others.”
Using
her expertise in counseling and teaching along with research
on adolescent issues, Molly Barker founded the non-profit
international organization Girls on the Run® in Charlotte,
North Carolina. Girls on the Run® is a life-changing
experience for girls age 8 – 13 years old focused
with the mission of educating and preparing them for a
life-time of self-respect and healthy living. The 10 week
character building program of experiential learning through
running teaches very specific and well-defined social
and personal skills. The program culminates in a non-competitive
5K event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an
overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
The
lovely thing about Girls on the Run® is that it is
much more than a program itself. It is a philosophy. It
is a way of being. It not only impacts the girls who participate
in the program, but supports efforts to provide an environment
for all girls and women that nurtures, develops, and celebrates
their strengths. From ages 8 to 80 to 108, there is a
place and a space for all “girls” to be involved.
In
reading the mission statement of the Squamscott Community
Commons, the future of all seacoast residents and our
girls is in good hands… The mission is to improve
the quality of community and family life by creating and
maintaining an intergenerational community center that
provides social, health, recreational, cultural, and educational
opportunities for all. Girls on the Run NH has served
girls in various New Hampshire communities since 2001.
The curriculum provides the girls with the opportunities
to gain an understanding of themselves as individuals,
to value teamwork and the importance of cooperation, and
to explore their responsibility to the community.
The
Commons is going to have a huge impact on our seacoast
community in providing a space filled with life and energy
for all. What an opportunity to feel “that future”
by participating in the 1st Annual Fearless 5K Road Race
on Saturday, 10/31. The 5K will begin and end at 56 Linden
Street, the future site of The Commons. All runners, walkers,
and spectators are encouraged to dress up in your Halloween
finest (prizes to be awarded!). Join us and run for fun,
register your child, cheer on your neighbors – participate
in any way you can - just know that this is going to be
a wonderful community event to launch our continued success
at The Commons.
For more information, please call 603.778.4722, visit
www.squamscott.org
or register at www.active.com.
The
vision of Girls on the Run is to be a foremost expert
on ways to raise and support a healthy girl in these ever-changing
times and to assist in nothing less than a complete transformation
in the way girls and women perceive themselves and their
place in society. Having the Squamscott Community Commons
as a resource in our own backyard will provide a safe,
healthy and positive place to enhance all of our lives...
--
Jennifer Hubbell, Executive Director, Girls on the Run
– NH, www.girlsontherunnh.org.
