In a world where young girls face increasing social pressures, stereotypes, and academic stress, having a place where they can build confidence, feel supported and simply be themselves is more important than ever. That’s where Girls on the Run comes in.
Girls on the Run is a nationwide nonprofit program that uses running and movement-based activities to help girls in grades three through eight build confidence, develop healthy relationships and strengthen important life skills.
Rise Above Violence is proud to serve as the local Girls on the Run provider for Archuleta County.
During the 2025 season, Rise Above Violence supported 10 local participants through the program. Over the course of the season, girls attended up to 15 educational sessions focused on confidence, emotional wellness, healthy relationships, goal setting, teamwork and communication skills while preparing for their end-of-season 5K.
More than just an after-school activity, Girls on the Run is an evidence-based youth development program designed to support the physical, emotional and social well-being of young participants.
The 10-week curriculum combines physical activity with life-skills education. The program emphasizes teamwork, empathy, confidence and personal growth. Through Rise Above Violence’s local program, participants meet regularly throughout the season, building not only physical endurance but also skills they can use at school, at home and in their friendships.
The season culminates in a celebratory, noncompetitive 5K event. For a girl who may have started the program unsure of her abilities or hesitant to run even a single lap, completing 3.1 miles provides a powerful sense of accomplishment.
As an organization dedicated to promoting safety, healthy relationships and personal empowerment, Rise Above Violence recognizes the importance of reaching young people early. Programs like Girls on the Run help girls build self-confidence, strengthen communication skills, establish healthy boundaries and develop positive peer relationships.
In Archuleta County, Girls on the Run is made possible through the support of volunteer coaches, running buddies and community members who believe in investing in local youth. Rise Above Violence relies on these volunteers to ensure girls in our community continue to have access to this impactful program year after year.
If you want to help build a generation of joyful, healthy and confident young women right here in Archuleta County, Girls on the Run needs you.
Whether you volunteer as a coach, serve as a running buddy or support the program in another way, your involvement can make a lasting difference. Through Girls on the Run, Rise Above Violence is helping local girls discover their strengths, build meaningful connections and develop skills that will serve them for years to come.
Interested in volunteering to be a coach, running buddy, or volunteer?
Please contact Carmen Lewis at carmen@riseaboveciolence.org. There is a mandatory new coach training in Durango on Aug. 29 and this season’s 5K will be in Durango on Oct. 31.
For more information on finding a site near you, registering a girl or donating, visit gotrwesterncolorado.org.
Sign up to coach or volunteer with your local council today, and help a girl discover just how capable she really is.
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