I know that running improves my intellectual work, so I believe my running helps others because I always strive to do work that empowers people to be better citizens. Not surprisingly, then, I love it when my running even more directly helps others, as when I volunteer as a Girls on the Run SoleMate.

Girls on the Run is an international organization with “councils” wherever there are adults willing to support their important mission. Each council has several sites where girls can participate in the Girls on the Run curriculum, which focuses on 3rd through 8th graders. As they put it, “We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.” You can support this crucial work by becoming a coach, by becoming a SoleMate, or by simply donating.

You can also volunteer on a one-time basis by volunteering at one of their 5K races. Each council caps off the girls’ 10-week curricular experience by sponsoring a 5K in the Fall and in the Spring. Wherever you live, consider opportunities by finding your nearest group on the main Girls on the Run website. For those in Columbus, Ohio, you can volunteer as soon as November 15th at this season’s 5K!!! For the girls’ safety, you will need to be cleared, so inquire early by visiting http://girlsontherunfranklincounty.org/5K/

Please read the feature on this page for a sense of how being a SoleMate works and feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Let’s keep walking, running, and supporting girls!