Spokeperson Policy

Spokesperson Policy
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It is the goal of Girls on the Run International to ensure that when information about our organization is communicated to the public that it is accurate, comprehensive and complete. Our mission, core values and vision are complex and therefore, it is essential to establish a process for communication with both local and national media.



National Media:

To ensure that national media opportunities are effectively maximized, Girls on the Run International serves as the representative for all councils on any proposed national media including press releases, exchange of statements and announcements. Individuals responding to national media are seen as representing and speaking for all Girls on the Run councils.

When national media (such as The Today Show, CNN, Runners World or other national outlets) contacts a local council, Girls on the Run International must be notified to manage national communication efforts. In turn, Girls on the Run International agrees to notify councils when national media intend to publish or air a story of national significance about our organization, so that a local perspective, if applicable, may be leveraged.

In the case of national media that involve issues of a controversial or sensitive nature, Girls on the Run International staff must be notified as soon as possible about the contact. Such notification is critical, especially if follow-up inquiries are made with other councils, to ensure a coordinated, consistent response.

Since positive media solicitation is an integral element of our communications efforts, Girls on the Run International encourages councils to notify us with any ideas for articles or interviews that would positively portray our organization on the national level.
Local Media:

To ensure accuracy, Girls on the Run councils must identify one person within the council organization to serve as the main contact for local media requests. All volunteers and staff must be informed to direct any media interest to the designated media contact. The media contact can then identify the appropriate spokesperson (coach, board person, etc.) for the specific request.

In the case of local media that involve issues of a controversial or sensitive nature, Girls on the Run International staff must be notified as soon as possible. Girls on the Run International must also be notified about negative local occurrences that may possibly rise to the level of a local or national news story.

No one outside of the organization can serve as a public spokesperson for a Girls on the Run council or the Girls on the Run organization without the written consent of Girls on the Run International. This includes but is not limited to sponsors, running affiliates, training partners, school district employees, pageant or athletic event contestants and government officials.

When Girls on the Run participants appear in still or video shots about the organization, last names should not be used.