Empower a Girl ~ Change the World

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"Empower a girl ~ change the world" is the motto of our area's local organization of Girls on the Run for this year's 9th Annual Sneaker Soirée. If you know of a girl in the 8-13 year old category, and you haven't already checked out this youth-inspiring national organization, now is the time. Positively affecting girls locally, as well as across the country, the organization is making a difference one healthy mile at a time. It's a self-esteem, character development and healthy lifestyle program for pre-adolescent girls. 

We're honored to be involved with the 9th Annual Sneaker Soirée held on Thursday, May 12th at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The local Madison group's fundraising efforts will help inspire 1,800 girls, provide over $60,000 in financial assistance and will reach out to girls in the Columbia, Dane, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk Counties.

Their reach is all across the country; communities are being positively impacted in all 50 states. Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. 

Their statement:

"WE BELIEVE THAT

~ EVERY GIRL CAN EMBRACE WHO SHE IS, 

~ CAN DEFINE WHO SHE WANTS TO BE, 

 ~ CAN RISE TO ANY CHALLENGE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD,

~ CAN."

Shouldn't this be the daily mantra of all girls in this age category? 

How does the Girls on the Run group get involved? There are many ways... weekly meetings, relationship building, community involvement, and in their words "we start with helping the girls get a better understanding of who they are and what's important to them. Then we look at the role of teams and healthy relationships. And, finally, we explore how girls can positively connect with and shape the world." 

Yes, our children are going to make an impact on tomorrow. Let's help them take those steps with confidence and a healthy attitude.