Empower Her: Simple Ways to Make a Big Impact
At Girls on the Run, we believe every girl is full of limitless potential — but confidence doesn’t always come easily. As girls navigate new experiences, friendships, and challenges, the words and actions of the people around them matter more than we realize.
That’s where you come in.
You don’t need to be a coach or a teacher to empower a girl. Whether you're a parent, neighbor, volunteer, or friend, your encouragement and example can have a lasting impact.
Why Girls Need Encouragement
Research shows that by adolescence, girls' confidence drops significantly — often twice as much as boys' during the same time. They begin to question their abilities, hesitate to speak up, and may feel unsure of where they belong.
That’s why Girls on the Run exists. And that’s why your everyday interactions — your smile, your words, your support — can help build her belief in herself.
5 Easy Ways to Empower a Girl
Looking for ways to make a difference today? Try these simple tips grounded in the values of GOTR:
1. Celebrate Effort, Not Perfection
Instead of focusing on the result (“You’re so smart!”), praise the process (“I’m proud of how hard you worked on that.”). This builds resilience and a growth mindset.
2. Let Her Lead
Give her opportunities to make decisions, take the lead on a small task, or express her ideas. You’re showing her that her voice matters.
3. Model Positive Self-Talk
She’s listening to how you talk about yourself. Saying things like “I’m proud of how I handled that” or “Mistakes help me grow” gives her language to cheer herself on, too.
4. Encourage Her Uniqueness
Help her see that what makes her different makes her strong. “Your creativity always brings something special to the table” goes a long way.
5. Show Up With Heart
Whether it’s attending a school event, sending a note, or just listening fully — your consistent presence reminds her she matters.
The GOTR Connection
These empowerment tips aren’t just feel-good ideas — they’re woven into our curriculum. Each Girls on the Run lesson is designed to help girls build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and recognize their inner strength.
“Girls on the Run gave me self-confidence to accomplish things that might be hard in my life, and really just taught me to be brave and be strong.” – Addyson, GOTR participant
🌟 Want to learn more about our evidence-based curriculum? Learn more here!
GOTR Value Spotlight: “Embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness.”
Your Impact Matters
One word of encouragement. One supportive moment. One role model showing up. That’s all it takes to start a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to take it a step further?
👉 Volunteer with us!