Many ways exist to make a social impact besides merely donating money or volunteering time. The world is much more socially responsible. And that means that all types of groups, including runners and athletes, have created ways to make things better for others.
Today, we’ll feature two great organizations. In short, they show the public what they can do to make a difference. And they could do it in ways that it might not have thought of in earlier times. So, runners, get ready! In the end, you might want to get involved with one of these groups. And in doing so, you could do your part in changing someone else’s life.
Back on My Feet
First up is Back on My Feet. Although our group hasn’t partnered with this organization, we love their excellent work. And we want to give them a shout-out for what they for social impact. Back on My Feet is a nonprofit that operates in 12 cities in the U.S. They use running to provide support for people in the communities where they serve. Therefore, people who are homeless can find the essential resources they need for employment and housing.
Unfortunately, homelessness exists in the U.S., but it shouldn’t. Back on My Feet developed an innovative program to revolutionize how people who are homeless can help themselves. People who are homeless or in addiction and treatment facilities get recruited. Once they enter the program, they commit to run early mornings with a partner for 30 days. In short, running is an opportunity to “restore confidence, strength, and self-esteem.”
Once they get past the 30 days with at least 90% attendance, they enter phase two. And that’s called Next Steps. As a result, at this stage, workforce development occurs. Ultimately, it means financial literacy education and job skills training. Members of the program also obtain financial aid, which helps remove barriers to employment and housing. Moreover, the program provides work supplies, security deposits, and transportation. To date, 70% of members get employed and housed, and 83% maintain employment. Also, over 150,000 volunteers and supporters help the nonprofit, and over 6,500 jobs and homes got secured. More than 2,500 members successfully achieved self-sufficiency.
If you’d like to learn more about this nonprofit and participate, take a look at their Get Involved page.
Girls on the Run
The other group we’d like to feature today is one of our running group partners who work with us to get paid to recycle sneakers and athletic shoes. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit that works nationally. And it helps ensure that “every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.” This idea is so fundamental and vital. It ensures strong girls get opportunities to become strong women and also leaders in the communities.
Girls on the Run teaches life skills through interactive lessons and running games twice per week. Girls participate in a curriculum guided by coaches certified by Girls on the Run. The girls learn to understand themselves, value their relationships and teamwork, and discover how they connect with the world and shape it.
The organization uses running to inspire and motivate the girls, encouraging them to prioritize their health and fitness while building self-confidence. The girls and their running buddies complete a 5K running event at the end of the program season. As a result, it helps them understand goal attainment and achievement. Meaning even the “impossible” becomes possible.
If you’d like make a social impact with Girls on the Run and see how you can help, look at their Get Involved page.
Running and Sneakers to Make an Impact
Both Back on My Feet and Girls on the Run are fantastic organizations that use running as a core element of their program to make a social impact. If you run, you can make the miles count even more, not only for you but also for someone else. Take a look at these two groups to discover how you can start today and make a more significant impact in your community. And you could also help micro-entrepreneurs living in developing nations around the world and seeking ways to help themselves out of poverty.
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