Four women from Webster are leaving this week to attend national training in Charlotte, NC. Why? Because they are getting ready for "Girls On The Run" a new after school program in Webster that uses the power of running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.
Those attending traing are, Paula Burgin who will be the Community Wellness Coordinator and Council Director, Julie Schillaci, Recreation Supervisor from Webster Parks and Recreation, Janine Sanger, School Psychologist and Chemical Abuse Prevention Coordinator. and Sue Pellegrino, Community Member who is a professionally RN.
Being parents of young girls themselves, and most being avid runners with ages ranging from mid 30's to late 40's might give them some advantage when it come to training. "Not sure if that matters, but we do bring with us more than just "training", said Paula Burgin, soon to be Council Director.
Burgin said they will use interactive activities such as running, playing games, and discussing important issues and that participantslearn how to celebrate being girls. The program starts March 16th and runs for 12 weeks. Participants will meet twice a week for one hour and the 1st session ends June 12th. Our training will entail 2 full days of curriculum. We will learn the actual activities and research behind the program. As the Council Director Paula will learn the "business and logistical" side of things. "We end the session by having the girls run/walk in a 5K", said Burgin.
Starting a Girls on the run council is an extensive undertaking. It isn't as simple as purchasing a book and teaching a class. "We are a non-profit organization with a vision of creating a culture that emplowers young girls and woman to celebrate themselves for who they are; exactly how they are", said Burgin. "The process actually took me over two years".
Paula first had to get the funding, and the application and training is expensive. After writing to get a grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, she then had to complete a detailed application to Girls on The Run International. They wanted to know information very similar to writing a grant, such as a needs assesment, funding, and other support and resources. "We waited 3 weeks before we found out that we were approved to attend training in February" , said Burgin. "This is when we will be officially "Girls on the run of Monroe County."
Right now, Paula's goal is to have every "site" full and then to grow the program in all of Monroe County. Paula currently has a group in Penfield that wants to get started at one of their elementary schools. People can register through Webster Parks and Recreation. If someone is interested in starting their own Girls on The Run site, they can contact Paula, the council director.
Their goal is to "get the word out" to parents and girls. You can check out the national website. www.girlsontherun.org If anyone is interested in starting their own program you may contact Paula at Webster Parks and Recreation 585 347-0051
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