The Los Angeles County Council

Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County is an independent Council of Girls on the Run International, an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization with a network of 160 locations across the United States and Canada.

Our local council was founded in 2004 with an emphasis on Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. In early 2008, based on enthusiastic community support, a newly formed board decided to launch a transition from an all-volunteer organization to a sustainable professional organization. In December 2008, Girls on the Run International approved a territory expansion to cover all of Los Angeles County.

Our 10-year-plan is to offer every girl in Los Angeles County an opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run. We welcome your participation in achieving that ambitious goal! All donations made to Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County are tax deductible.

The Program

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Our core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development – their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.  Our program is designed to:

  • Provide life-changing, high quality programs for girls
  • Provide life-changing and high quality experiences to the women developing and delivering the programs
  • Promote and provide an environment that allows girls and women to reach their full potential
  • Positively transform how girls and women perceive themselves and their place in society

Demographics

  • Girls on the Run program: girls in 3rd-5th grade and their families
  • Girls on Track program: girls in 6th-8th grade and their families
  • Program Facilitators: coaches, volunteers, women of all ages and their families

Program Design

  • Three 24-lesson curricula teach life skills through group processing, running games and workouts. The three-part curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run® coaches and includes understanding ourselves, valuing teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
  • Girls choose and conduct a community service project
  • At each season’s conclusion, the girls complete a 5k running event as a group

Measurable Results

  • Academic evaluations of the program show a statistically significant improvement in body image, eating attitudes and self-esteem
  • Evidence also indicates an improved sense of identity and an increasingly active lifestyle for program participants

Funding

Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County is supported by local foundations and corporations, as well as national sponsors (New Balance, Garmin, Secret deodorant, Horizon Fitness, Goody Products, and Carolina Pad). We also rely on grants, individual donations and fees. Girls on the Run® councils operate as independent 501(c)3 organizations or affiliate with established501(c)3 organizations. Councils are funded by program fees, individual contributions, corporate support and grants. The program is fee-based, however financial assistance is available to ensure the program is accessible to all who are interested.

Partnerships

Girls on the Run® councils collaborate with a variety of non-profit organizations, including community hospitals, recreation centers, public and private schools, YWCA’s, YMCA’s, Boys & Girls Clubs, health departments, law enforcement organizations, running & fitness clubs and universities.

Seasonal Programming

Girls on the Run sessions are offered in the fall or in the spring.

  • Fall Session: Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from September to December
  • Spring Session: Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from February to May
  • Summer camps (one week long) are usually offered in June through August

National Recognition for Girls on the Run®

Featured on CNN, NBC, ESPN, Real Simple, I-Village Live and in the following national publications: Shape Magazine, O, People, Better Homes & Gardens, Runner’s World, Fitness Magazine, Running Times, Cooking Light, Walking, Parent, American Girl, Healthy Kids, Glamour, Women’s Day, Redbook, Southern Living and extensive local media throughout the United States.