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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-208
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
May 3, 2016
To celebrate and acknowledge the contributions and success of Girls on the Run–DC as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Girls on the Run (“GOTR”) is a nonprofit organization established in 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina that empowers young girls through a running-based curriculum;
WHEREAS, the GOTR–DC chapter was founded in 2006 with the mission of equipping District girls with lifelong skills to help them develop into strong, healthy, joyful, and confident young women;
WHEREAS, GOTR–DC began with a single team of 13 girls in Ward 3, but quickly expanded to include teams in all 8 wards at the elementary and middle school level;
WHEREAS, since 2006, 10,000 girls have participated in GOTR-DC programming that focuses on mentor-based character, fitness, and healthy-living education with an emphasis on empowering girls to make a meaningful contribution to our community and society;
WHEREAS, GOTR–DC provides between 60-70% of participants with financial assistance, making it a national leader in serving girls who come from underserved communities;
WHEREAS, GOTR–DC annually engages an average of 1,200 volunteers who, in their roles as team coaches, peer evaluators, buddy runners, and race-day volunteers, help shape the lives of the girls who participate and strengthen ties within the community;
WHEREAS, the work of the volunteers is the equivalent of over $500,000 of in-kind labor and expertise;
WHEREAS, GOTR–DC fosters positive peer groups for the participants and creates a healthy and supportive community organization for women of all ages and backgrounds to serve as role models;
WHEREAS, the positive influence of GOTR in the areas of self-worth, body image, and behavioral and emotional functioning have been corroborated by numerous independent studies; and
WHEREAS, one such study conducted by the University of Minnesota revealed statistically measurable increases in all areas surveyed, including a 50% rise in physical activity, a 27% rise in personal character, and 31% rise in confidence.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Girls on the Run DC Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The District of Columbia is grateful for Girls on the Run DC’s dedication to the District and the betterment of the lives on the young women who reside here.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
