Girls on the Run

Amy Herges

I volunteered for Girls on the Run.  This organization supports young girls in the community.  It focuses on empowering young girls and encourages them to strive for their goals.  This activity reflected concepts talked about in class in that it encourages girls to work hard to achieve their goals in life.  As we talked about in class, poverty can effect a child’s social relationships, behavior, mental health, education, and employment.  Girls on the Run helps to empower girls and is a support system for young girls.  This helps young girls living in poverty to see that if they work hard, they can have a job and not live in poverty as an adult.  Girls on the Run is a support system that girls living in poverty may not have in the family setting because of their living situation.  Their parents may not be around much meaning that they do not have a support system to help them through life.  During this event I did not have any opportunity to network with other professionals.  The potential that this service activity could have on this community is the fact that it helps young women strive to reach their full potential.  This could help young girls in the community grow up to be successful women that are able to contribute to the community in a positive way.  By volunteering for the 5k run I was able to encourage the young girls to continue running.  It made me realize the importance of encouraging others. I once heard a quote that came to mind as I was volunteering.  To summarize the quote it meant to give them encouragement is like putting courage into someone else.  I think that this is important for the girls that participated in the race.  I think that when they are at a low point in their life, they need to remember that the members of their community are there to give them encouragement to keep going.  I think that this was a really great experience.  It made me realize the importance of getting involved in the community.  It made me see that the community was needed in order for this event to take place and run effectively.  After participating in this event, I will definitely volunteer in the community more often.