Why is an organization like Running Strong for American Indian Youth® needed?
What is the relationship between Christian Relief Services Charities and Running Strong for American Indian Youth®?
How big is Running Strong for American Indian Youth®?
Is there a difference between Running Strong for American Indian Youth® and American Indian Youth Running Strong®?
What is the main source of funding for Running Strong for American Indian Youth®?
Who is the organization's media contact?
How can you help? What about volunteering?
I have a question that is not addressed. What should I do?
Q: Why is an organization like Running Strong for American Indian Youth® needed?
A: It is important to remember that the millions of American Indians in the United States belong to hundreds of nations and communities that face unique social issues and draw from varied economic resources. Despite these differences, there are enormous challenges that face most American Indians in their day-to-day lives:
• Poverty While a small number of tribes have become very wealthy in the past decade from casinos and other business ventures, most American Indians have not because of geographic isolation and other challenges.
• Culture Many tribes are struggling to keep their language and traditions alive.
• Health American Indians are disproportionately affected by a range of health issues from malnutrition to disease. Many have difficulty gaining access to proper health care.
• Discrimination American Indians continue to face social and economic discrimination throughout the United States.
Running Strong believes these issues must be approached by working with and empowering grass roots organizations in Native communities. We invite you to learn more about our many programs.
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Q: What is the relationship between Christian Relief Services Charities and Running Strong for American Indian Youth®?
A: Christian Relief Services Charities was founded in 1985 as a non-denominational organization that worked to address urgent needs for food, water, medicines, and medical supplies around the world.
Over the past 20 years, CRSC has expanded it mission to establish programs that address the long-term sustainability of communities for water, farming, housing, schools, orphanages, clinics, and hospitals in underdeveloped areas of the United States and Africa.
In 1986, Christian Relief Services Charities formed a partnership with Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) to create Running Strong for American Indian Youth®. Running Strong has been able to build on the early success of Christian Relief Services Charities.
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Q: How big is Running Strong for American Indian Youth®?
A: Running Strong works with grassroots organizations in the communities we serve. We have partnerships with:
• Community organizations
• Other non-profits
• Tribal governments
• Individuals
• Private companies
Through these partnerships, Running Strong is able assist those in need, regardless of religious, tribal, or economic background.
Running Strong is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, where it employs four program staff members. Running Strong also has six field staff coordinators working on different reservations.
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Q: Is there a difference between Running Strong for American Indian Youth® and American Indian Youth Running Strong®?
A: NO, we are the same organization. Our legal name is American Indian Youth Running Strong® but we also legally do business as Running Strong for American Indian Youth®.
Either way you are still talking about the organization co-founded by Olympic Champion Billy Mills. Please remember to look for us under “A” for “American Indian Youth Running Strong®” in your CFC and other workplace campaign books.
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Q: What is the main source of funding for Running Strong for American Indian Youth®?
A: In 2008, Running Strong received 47% of its funding from affiliates such as CRSC, 40% from the public in cash contributions and foundation grants, and 13% from workplace campaigns.
In 2008, Running Strong spent less than 6% of its total budget on administrative costs.
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Q: Who is the organization's media contact?
A: For media inquiries, please contact the Running Strong staff by phone 1-888-491-9859 or
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us.
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Q: How can you help? What about volunteering?
A: There are several ways you can get involved with our organization and make a difference in the lives of American Indian Youth:
• DONATE Making a financial contribution is the most efficient way to support our programs.
• GET INVOLVED Donate your time and energy by joining Team Running Strong and participate in the Marine Core Marathon in Washington, DC to raise money and awareness of our worthy cause.
There are many ways to get involved from your home: donate Campell's Soup Labels and Boxtops for Education, browse our Recommended Reading List, GoodSearch, GoodShop, and more.
• GO ON THE RESERVATIONS TOUR See the work Running Strong does first-hand on the Running Strong Reservation Tour. Every year Running Strong invites supporters to spend a week on the Northern Plains with Running Strong staff to visit Running Strong programs on the Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservations.
• SHOP FOR OUR CAUSE Visit the Running Strong E-Store to browse DVDs, CDs, handcrafted jewelry, and more, the purchase of which will benefit Running Strong programs.
• SPREAD THE WORD Sign up for the Running Strong mailing and email lists with a friend and receive a free gift. Reqest a Running Strong Supporter's Kit and hold a "fun-raiser" with friends, family, church groups, and others in your community to teach them about the Running Strong cause.
You can also stay up-to date by joing our mailing list, joining our cause on Facebook and Myspace, and sharing photos with us on Flickr.
VOLUNTEERING
While Running Strong does not place volunteers in the field, nor have a budget for volunteer expenses, several of our projects welcome volunteers for both short and long-term placements.
For more information about volunteering:
• CONTACT Susie Kelly (
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) at the Center Pole to learn more about volunteering on the Crow Reservation in Montana.
• CONTACT Alex Meador (
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) at the Cheyenne River Youth Project® to learn more about volunteering on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota.
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Q: I have a question that is not addressed. What should I do?
A: Email us at
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.
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