If you’re a runner with some time to spare to help others in your community – Jim McCue has an offer for you. We’ve featured him on WSB recently in his role as head coach of the Chief Sealth International High School cross-country team, but he’s also a program manager with the Somali Family Safety Task Force, which has a youth mentorship program coming up titled Run For Change. Jim explains that it “combines long-distance running, health education, and civic engagement” to assist immigrant and refugee youth, many of whom attend Chief Sealth or Denny International Middle School: “Our plan is to align our program with the start and end of each academic year (approx. August to June), culminating in the running of the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. We’re currently in the process of recruiting potential running mentors that would be paired with each student to guide them through both (a) the highs-and-lows of pursuing a dedicated training schedule and (b) a discussion of ways for each student to better approach their personal lives through making healthier decisions for greater behavior change!” Further details:

Mentor Ages: Anyone 20 years and older, preferably in or graduated from college

Gender: all welcome

Skill Levels: all welcome. We’re hoping for a range from technology professionals to artists to engineers, and everyone in between!

Commitment: Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am-10:00 am. We start August 19 and end with a Turkey Trot during Thanksgiving weekend. We’re hoping to continue the program until the June Rock ‘n Roll Marathon, but that depends on securing additional funding.

An information session is coming up on July 10th at the task force HQ in NewHolly – you can RSVP and get more info here. You’re also welcome to e-mail Jim at ambrosemcq@gmail.com with questions.