Active Southern West Virginia (ActiveSWV) is pleased to announce India Krawczyk has accepted a full-time position with the non-profit, transitioning from her previous role serving the organization as an AmeriCorp VISTA. India will continue to grow youth programming in Nicholas, Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, Boone, and Kanawha Counties. Youth development is a priority of ActiveSWV and great strides have been made in the last two years under the leadership of India Krawczyk.
“India is the best individual I have worked with from an outside company through the school system. Being a part of run club is always a great experience throughout the school year, but India has always made it so easy and successful for the students. I am eager each year to work with her and she always makes me feel appreciated and like I am doing a great job. I could not think of another person who deserves this promotion more than India.”
Staci Stover, Fairdale Elementary
India joined Active SWV as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving the New River Gorge region as the Kids Run Club Director. AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. India has excelled in organizing volunteer trainings, articulating the value of physical activity, extending compassion to address challenges, and prioritizing projects to assist across the organization.
The Active SWV Kids Run Club program seeks to improve the health outcomes of southern West Virginia youth by empowering them with the opportunities, skills, knowledge, and confidence to be physically active. The central goal of the program is to instill healthy habits in our area’s youth and to get them excited about running and physical activity. Active SWV hopes that all participants find joy and confidence with running and physical activity, so that they can continue to be active beyond their time in the Club. “Really the whole reason I started it [Kids Run Club] was because of the all-inclusive structure. I wanted all the kids to have something that they could do, no try outs, no MVPs, no all starts. They all were great and only competed against themselves, and that I loved”, Tabatha Malott, Ghent Elementary.
Active SWV recently expanded into Boone and Kanawha counties in addition to Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, and Nicholas counties. India will play a vital role in expanding the reach into these new areas.
“India is an excellent leader/facilitator for our run club. She makes sure we have all the equipment, paperwork, and training ideas to ensure students have an effective and fun run club. She also demonstrates leadership by joining in and participating during her on-site visits, serving as a role model for students as they run or play. India is also flexible. When schedule changes occur because of snow days or other events, India also finds ways to help reschedule promptly and cordially. Race days are another area in which India shines as a leader. She also provides additional guidance through email and on the Active Southern WV Facebook page, such as grant opportunities, training ideas and videos. Regardless of the task, India is always pleasant, punctual, organized and knowledgeable. We love having India as our Kids Run Club leader!”
Kim Cantley, NBCT and assistant run club coach at Marsh Fork Elementary
Online programs will be available this fall for any family in West Virginia to provide safe and healthy ways to build confidence in physical activity with your children. Please visit our website and social media for more details. If you have an idea for safe youth programming and physical activity education, please reach out to India today at India@activeswv.com.
